Thread: What should I ask for in a detail?

Getting the car detailed this weekend from a guy I heard about from another forum. I've never seen his work, but since no one had a suggestion for me, I had to start somewhere. He's seen the car in person, so he knows what he's dealing with. Estimated 7-8 hour-ish job.

About the car:
Black. Just shy of 10K miles. In general, been taken care of well by the previous owner, but it unquestionably needs a correction. Swirl marks galore, fine scratches throughout (don't think any are deep enough to penetrate through the entire clear coat). Front clear bra, half hood, rockers, rear views. Terrible swirls on this (I didn't even know clear films could get those).
Typical black car nightmare, esp in sunlight (not pretty).

Interior is very good. Just getting the once over for dust/debris, but I'm not overly concerned about that.

Anything I should be asking him to do/not do? In the past, I've just dropped of a car and let them do their work. Since he's a 'professional', I don't want to insult him. But again, I have no experience with his work, so I want to make sure I get my money's worth.
Thanks.

Tell him to clean your isht dawg!

I like your sig :-)

I would expect between 300-500 for that kind of a job within those time perimeters and the job your explaining. Feel free to give me a call to discuss what I would charge if someone brought me a car with the same description. Number is on our site.

Originally Posted by Blake@NWAS

I would expect between 300-500 for that kind of a job within those time perimeters and the job your explaining. Feel free to give me a call to discuss what I would charge if someone brought me a car with the same description. Number is on our site.

That's estimate is in the ballpark. Do you mind listing some of the things you had in mind? Can't call at the moment being at work

asa final step is good to have a seal first and top with wax, and something that last longer ...
clay bar a must
...

wash, clay, compound, polish, sealant

from the time frame of the estimate, you should be getting a two step process. Do not expect perfection from just a two step on a black car done in 7-8 hours! If you are looking for perfection, expect the bill to be about 1K and take a couple of days.

things you should ask...

-experience, look at his other work - if he has no 5050, B&A shots, or all his shots are out of the sun, at extreme angles, then I would walk away!
-what products he uses - if he uses some with lots of fillers, ask if he does IPA wipedowns to ensure work is actually working!

there are more, but I have to get to something, so thats it for now...

+1. I'm thinking more like 12-15 hours. But, if it's a driver, a good clean up and protect should do you good!!!

Originally Posted by Envious Eric

wash, clay, compound, polish, sealant

from the time frame of the estimate, you should be getting a two step process. Do not expect perfection from just a two step on a black car done in 7-8 hours! If you are looking for perfection, expect the bill to be about 1K and take a couple of days.

things you should ask...

-experience, look at his other work - if he has no 5050, B&A shots, or all his shots are out of the sun, at extreme angles, then I would walk away!
-what products he uses - if he uses some with lots of fillers, ask if he does IPA wipedowns to ensure work is actually working!

there are more, but I have to get to something, so thats it for now...

Cost of a good detail has many factors. Its all relative and will vary on customer expectations and time spent.

I believe we should not but concerned about what other people charge but more concerned about how you will create a "win win" situation for both you and the customer.

In the end its about being proud of the work you put out and remember that one customer can affect your business good or bad but knowing that you produced the best job possible will speak volumes about you and your business.

Just my 2 cents!