Vehicle Inspection & Estimate Sheet

[DLR Detailing]

Being only a part time - weekend warrior; I sometimes have trouble correctly evaluating the actual condition of a customers vehicle. The vehicles that I usually detail are neglected, and 3-5 years old. My inital inspection is not as thorough as it should be. Especially, when the customer wants to "just clean it up good." It seems like I always discover something after I start which I hadn't taken into consideration when I priced the job. I always take care of whatever it is, however I do not feel right about asking for additional money.

I believe there was a link posted sometime back to an inspection form by someone here at DC. I apologize that I do not remember who it was so that they can receive the credit do them. I tried searching for this, but came up empty. That was the inspiration for a new - more thorough method of inspection. This afternoon was a computer day for me, so I pieced something together that I believe will help me to more accurately estimate what I am getting into on a detail.

I thought I would share with the fellow part timers and the just starting out guys here. I cannot take credit for this sheet. The idea came from an old post. I have modified it somewhat to fit my needs.

I hope I am not infringing upon or offending anyone by posting this. I'm just trying to be helpful. Sorry...Formatting will need to be corrected. I had to convert the file in order to upload it and I am not a computer guy!

Dave

[budman3]

I have this link from Automotive International saved in my favorites:
Automotive International - Paint Inspection Form

If I recall someone posted this link in one of those threads and I saved it then. That may help you out if you want to change or check anything.

[Tex Star Detail]

I have one that I printed from somewhere. If I can find the link, which I have been trying to find, I will post it up for you.
If you PM me your mailing address, I will send you a copy of one.

[DLR Detailing]

Originally Posted by budman3

I have this link from Automotive International saved in my favorites:
Automotive International - Paint Inspection Form

If I recall someone posted this link in one of those threads and I saved it then. That may help you out if you want to change or check anything.

I believe that's it. Thank you for remembering! Back to the computer.

Dave

P.S. now I have it bookmarked

[atticdog]

here is a good one I found awhile back you need excel

[Beemerboy]

These are great to have and good to look over as I forget somethings....The one thing that I have started doing when talking to a customer is give them a range in price, and explain that this is incase you run into extra work along the way.

For me I charge $200 on full details but tell people that the range is from $175 to $225 so that I can protect myself, I have not had one person say anything about it, and when I bring the car back and its more than 200 I show them why and where that came in at

Great thread

[DLR Detailing]

Originally Posted by Beemerboy

....The one thing that I have started doing when talking to a customer is give them a range in price, and explain that this is incase you run into extra work along the way.

After all, we are giving what is called an estimate. I realize that I could really stand to attend a class on - Selling Detailing 101.

Thanks for the responses and help.
Dave

[Beemerboy]

Originally Posted by DLR Detailing

After all, we are giving what is called an estimate. I realize that I could really stand to attend a class on - Selling Detailing 101.

Thanks for the responses and help.
Dave

DLR

Selling is nothing more than understanding why people buy, quality, status, excitement, necessity, gluttony, well maybe not the last one!

Just have confidence in your work and give them a range and they will be happier as an end result including yourself.

Have a look for a book on the web called "the one minute salesperson" 90 pages very easy reading and will give you some great foundation in selling.

[BLACKWRX]

beemerboy has it, just give them a total price, unless something is out of the ordinary