Part time detailing

**rtbrick** · 07-19-2003, 09:10 AM

I don`t suppose any of you part-timers (read: on-the-side) would post up your detail packages and prices, would you? While I`m still a newbie at detailing, I wouldn`t mind doing it on the side for some extra pocket change (once I get a bit more experience).

I have not been around to the local detail shops to examine their prices and I figured there may be a difference between shop, mobile and home businesses.

If anyone chooses to post guidelines, throw in your average time to complete. I`m just trying to collect some data. Send me a private message if you like.

Thanks in advance...

**MattS** · 07-19-2003, 09:44 AM

I do detailing on the side for now. But here are some of my guidelines ...

Basic wash and wax (read: no machines and cheap wax) and light interior: $40 Time: 2 Hours

Full Interior and Exterior Detail: Car: Start at $100 SUV/Van: Start at $150 Time: 8 - 14 Hours

Now, I do not make money at this, mostly pas for itself, but I have some nice detailing toys

This is side job I use to relax as my regular job is stressing

Yes, that is a long time. I work alone an specialize in getting daily drivers back to the point where their owners love them. I can send you pdf of my brochure, PM me and I will email it.

-Matt

**rtbrick** · 07-19-2003, 06:08 PM

You know, I was thinking. Detailing full time must pay very well. Some of you guys are driving some nice cars yourself. But, I have to ask, what do plan on doing when you`re 55? There`s been talk about carpal tunnel syn on the Main forum, but what about when your back goes out from leaning over cars all day and your knees start creaking?:p

**MattS** · 07-19-2003, 08:20 PM

I hope to retire from my main job and retire to wash cars ..... go from Part to full time .. of course I hope to do this before I get to old too

-Matt

**Poorboy** · 07-19-2003, 09:31 PM

uhhemmmm...guess what old detailer`s do, sell and teach

ok I started at $25 per hour and when I stopped it was about $75 a few years ago....takes a lot out of your knees..I need surgery now....but if you keep in decent shape, build up your shoulders and back muscles you can go on for many years....

55 and detailing full time...not ...almost not possible unless you are Jack LaLane ...roflmao

**TheCompleteLook** · 07-20-2003, 12:49 AM

Think big! When I am 55, I better have at least a few guys working for me.

**rtbrick** · 07-20-2003, 10:19 AM

Do any of you part-timers only do full details? It would be almost a waste of a Saturday morning to do a 2 hr job for $40 or $50. Wouldn`t you think?

**Poorboy** · 07-20-2003, 10:25 AM

That depends on a few factors...who are you doing it for..friend ..relative...or perfect stranger?

Do you have the spare time to do it?

Do you need the $$ or are you saving for a mod

Do you enjoy doing other peoples vehicles or is it just work?

These are all things to consider when taking any part time job

just my 2 cents

**GraniteState** · 07-20-2003, 11:03 AM

Well I`m not 55 yoa by any means. But I would have to agree that there are physical demands of the job. I blew out my knee afew years ago working for a dealership for 6 years. I did stop full time becuase I was so sick of working for a dealer it sucked the enjoyment of detailing cars right out of me espeacially piece work.... But i can`t get it out of my mind and i am trying to start my own business now.. Been doing lots of research so when i do start I have the tools and the know how to build it to be the best of the best for this area and hopefully in 10 years from now i can hire a manager and a crew to do most of the work while I enjoy life and continue to detail cars for the love of doing it... think BIG and dream of the possibilities.. do it becuase you love it and the physical demands will be a labor of love... besides they have new things out now that make the stress on your knees a thing of the past.. sorry so long winded.. This is the place to be to pick up great knowledge and and pick the brains of some of the most talented people I have had the priviledge to talk with... Good Luck:p

**Tassadar** · 07-20-2003, 11:19 AM

I do part-time detailing, kinda. Its hard for me to get buisness, so I just detail cars whenever someone schedules. Being 17, I dont really have any pain or anything, but I do use one of those Creepers to roll around on.

I dont plan to do this for a long time, probably go back to just my own cars after I get done with school. One thing is for sure, if I ever really get into this when im older, im hiring people.

**Blinded** · 07-22-2003, 07:17 PM

How much extra do you charge for bleach?

just kiding. That is all very helpful information. thanks for sharing that stuff!

**Poorboy** · 07-22-2003, 11:51 PM

No extra charge for bleach

but it is an extra $15 per hour for the customer to watch

**Superior Shine** · 07-25-2003, 09:39 PM

Originally posted by MattS
Basic wash and wax (read: no machines and cheap wax) and light interior: $40 Time: 2 Hours

I realize your only a part timer but at $20 an hour it is going to be impossable to expand.

I try to get $50-$60 an hour. I say try because some times I am off on a qoute and end up getting bit in the arse. But usually 50- 60- is what I get.

As A full timer, I need to pay my expenses to be in business. My expenses are $11 an hour 8 hours a day , 40 hours a week.

You need to figure your expenses and seeif your making money.

**Koop** · 07-25-2003, 09:51 PM

Originally posted by Poorboy
No extra charge for bleach

but it is an extra $15 per hour for the customer to watch

you let people watch? How kinky. seriously though people want to watch the artist paint? Interesting neve had anyone ask other than friends who want to help/learn.

**Poorboy** · 07-25-2003, 10:03 PM

Koop, I had a lot of very rich people with nothing better to do...like Superior Shine said it`s $50-60 per hour now it`s $65-75 because they ask questions and constantly point out stuff you haven`t even gotten to yet.

ps I also charged for travel time if they lived more than 15 minutes away....