Fleet contracts/Company vehicles

[Buzz Grande]

I am trying to get an idea what other mobile detailers do as far as fleet and company vehicles. I am looking at two diferent customers right now that I will be making proposals with. Before I do, I wanted to get some input from others who have already done this.

One of the customers has about 25 vehicles that are cleaned on a weekly basis. Presure wash of the outside, and dress the tires. No interior work, not even any drying. Just the presure wash, and tire dressing. I have already looked into getting a de-ionized filter system for home to fill my trailer tank (probably need an extra tank to put in the back of my truck also). Have to keep the water spotting down since there is no drying.

The other potential customer has about 15 -18 vehicles. Not sure yet exactly what they want done, but will find out in the next few days. I am guessing they will want an exterior wash either weekly, or possibly bi-weekly. They will probably want an interior light cleaning on maybe a bi-weekly basis. Really don't know until I meet with them.

Prior to meeting them to see what they want, I mainly want to have an idea what others do, so I can provide them with at least, some ideas as far as frequency, etc. After meeting with them, I will put together a package/proposal for them.

Back to the original question -

What types of packages are common, including time intervals, etc. I would like to give them a couple options to choose from.

Average fees? Per vehicle, flat rate, etc.

Any example proposals or information would be greatly appreciated.

Buzz

[dr_detail]

This brings up that time honored question "quanity or quality." Figure realalisticly that with three people (one hosing, two drying) 20-30 vehicles could be completed in less than two hours. This is assuming that the vehicles are only being hosed, dryed, and most importantly, are all lined up together. Add one more person to do the dressing and the time stays about the same. Sounds kinda like the service provided to used car dealers; which around here (IE, OC, & LA, CA), runs anywhere from $4-8/vehicle. I can't imagine them willing to pay anything more than $10/car, but that's just me. At these low-didge pricing, speed will be the key to turning a profit. Hope this helps, and good luck!

[Buzz Grande]

Dr Detai,

Thanks for the input.

Yea. Not exactally the kind of work I am focusing towards. My main reason for even looking at these types of jobs are just to have one or two "regular" jobs weekly, to guarantee that amount of income. One of them would be about $12/per vehicle (X 20-24 vehicles), and as far as schedule, would be after hours, so it really does not effect my availability to do regular detail jobs. I figure since it is a presure wash, no drying, and just a tire dressing, I can complete it with one other person in a few hours.

My main interest is complete or mini details of vehicles, and I have a great outlet for boats, which I really want to focus on. I have mainly been doing ful details. Like I said, the quick washes would just be a guaranteed $250-300/week that would always be there, for a few hours work, after hours.


Wow! 40 views and only one response. Come on - I know there are others out there who can provide some input.

Thanks again.

Buzz

[dr_detail]

In your proposal/contract it might also be wise to include clauses covering base charges or minimum units billed, cancelation policies, rain/foul wheather days, payment/billing cycle terms, etc.

IMO, having accounts like this are not a bad thing at all. There is a crew that shows up every Friday to a used car lot next to an office I service. They wash & dry twenty-thirty used trucks & SUV's in less time then my helper & I spend on two. I'll be honest, there hasn't been a week yet that I haven't considered changing my focus and shifting gears into being a hoser with a crew. Of course, it would mean having to learn Spanglish...

[Tex Star Detail]

Originally Posted by dr_detail

I'll be honest, there hasn't been a week yet that I haven't considered changing my focus and shifting gears into being a hoser with a crew. Of course, it would mean having to learn Spanglish...

I'll tell you what, honestly, I have thought about it myself. But more in a retail type of way. No car lots and such.
That saying always comes up... "If you can't beat them, join them".

I thought of it when I had a day full of washes only, and my neighbor was helping me that day. I did up some numbers while we were out and about.

Here is what I came up with....

31 days a month
work 6 days a week =24 days x10 cars a day = 240 cars a month
I'll low ball that number and say 200 even a month
25 bucks MINIMUM per car x200 = $5000 a month
$5,000 a month x12 months = $60,000 a year
Even more for SUV's and such
I know you have to deduct expenses and such, but that is not a bad number for car washing only. The overhead would be EXTREMELY LOW as well.

[dr_detail]

No, I'm thinkin' more like $6-8/car 4 or 5 accts/day 5 or 6 days/wk w/a 20 car/stop minimum utilizing two helpers @ 8.00/hr... about the same $$'s annualy but a whole lot less pushin towels...

Also, I didn't check your math, but (and this is a common error), there's 4.33 weeks/mo

[Tex Star Detail]

Originally Posted by dr_detail

Also, I didn't check your math, but (and this is a common error), there's 4.33 weeks/mo

[Jose Fernandez]

The new Nissan dealer in my area called me and wanted us to "lot wash" all the vehicles every two-three days.

Rinse and dry. I did a little research and 85 cents to about $1.20 per car is the going rate.

I politly declined the offer.

[southerndetail]

I have a company with 50+ vehicles anywhere from XBs, cargo vans, to large 4bay beverage trucks. I accually wash inside and out 4-5 vans per week @$30 and at least 2 wash and waxes @ $90. I don't know if is an option but maybe you can try to convince the your client to wax the vehicles twice a month or so. It won't take to much more time and you will get a larger return.

[Morrison1]

I have contract with my local post office that has 9 small poastal jeeps i do them once a week, i only do the outside with a pressure washer, and add just a small amount of tire dressing. I get 10.00 per jeep and doing it by myself it takes about 1hour and a half which comes out to 90.00 dollars. They want me to start waxing them twice a year starting this month.

[Buzz Grande]

Thanks again for the responses. Like I said, I am looking at a couple jobs, and want to know what to expect before going in, and what others do in similar jobs.

Southerndetail,
I am assuming you are doing this by yourself, or do you have help?

I am just trying to decide if I will take these on by myself, or have a helper. I would rather do it myself, but depending on number of vehicles, I may need a helper.

OK, anyone else?

Thanks again!

Buzz

[Brenton]

Just remember that wholesale clients/receiptables wait 30-120 days to pay. Most get your monthly statement, wait 30 days, and mail a cheque, so you are looking at 35-65 days on average.
Make sure you don't run into cash flow issues. I try not to have any more than 50% wholesale at one time, unless I'm coming off a big retail stretch (and I have cash) or off a big season and the receiptables are coming in.
brenton

[PRB]

Excellent advice on wholesale work

[PRB]

Excellent advice on wholesale work and the payment schedule