How much ??

[dr_detail]

I've been having a difficult time with labor retention. In my local market, where unskilled day labor construction workers are averaging $10-12/hr. it's hard to find $8-10 employees (budgeted labor expenses). So, I ask for the pro's here; How much are you paying your helpers (piece-work or hourly), how do you go about locating them, and what incentives are you using in keeping them?

All input will be greatly appreciated...

[Beemerboy]

I'm not a pro-detailer nor own a shop but have some thoughts on what you are asking.

My father owned a large farm as a kid and he hired very similar laborers that you are talking about.

Finding them:
If you find one or two that you like they in most cases will have family of friends that you could draw from

Your state unemployment office, call and get on there roster as an employer, you can list your job and the $ per hour so that you get the right kind of people

CraigsList ads they cost very little for the audience that you get.


What to pay:

If 8 to 10 bucks is in your budget then start then at the lower end but make sure that they know that there is a raise involved for good work, over a given period of time. If you find a few that are excellent then give them 11 or 12 bucks and hour, this way you will get more loyal employees and they will be less apt to jump ship for a buck on the hour.

I would pay then by the hour and not job, this way they are not busting threw the job to get onto the next, you will have to police them a bit more to keep them moving but that's the nature of the labor that you are hiring

[shadybreal]

I've got a family friend working for me now on busy weekend days, and I pay him about 80 to 90 a day plus his food. There are a lot of hispanic workers in my area most of which do some type of construction work, but they're paid less (70 a day).

[ArmstrongDetailing]

Originally Posted by dr_detail

I've been having a difficult time with labor retention. In my local market, where unskilled day labor construction workers are averaging $10-12/hr. it's hard to find $8-10 employees (budgeted labor expenses). So, I ask for the pro's here; How much are you paying your helpers (piece-work or hourly), how do you go about locating them, and what incentives are you using in keeping them?

All input will be greatly appreciated...

I pay my helper $15. per hour. It's a lot, but it's worth it to me to have quality help. I want to be able to trust him to work on his own at times and he will be carrying more responsiblities as the business grows.

I give him an extra hour or two on days involving boats or RV's. I charge more per hour to do them so I feel he deserves a little of that. It's tough to find good help here in Florida because of our hot summers, I've been through quite a few helpers and I'm easy to work for.

I have learned that an ad in the paper isn't the way to find good help. I found my latest helper from another detailer friend of mine. He is a family member of his helper.

Troy

[MagicCity33]

I'm glad this topic came up. Word of mouth I think is one of the best ways to get workers but like BeemerBoy stated you will have to police them for a while. Currently my father and I work together. (Tough sometimes!!!) I want to pick up some corporate accounts and was unsure of what all I could do to attract quality helpers. So please full timers share your thoughts.

[Poorboy]

i agree with Troy..if you want good help and keep them, you'll have to pay for it Think about what it costs you to turn help over constantly..you lose time and training...

[joe.p]

Originally Posted by Poorboy

i agree with Troy..if you want good help and keep them, you'll have to pay for it Think about what it costs you to turn help over constantly..you lose time and training...

Then I say Give Pockets a RAISE ..

[Poorboy]

Originally Posted by joe.p

Then I say Give Pockets a RAISE ..

:LOL: he gets more than the min. wage for a part-timer plus he gets perks