So I have been detailing for a few months now, and today a new customer asked me how much to wash, wax, do the entire interior (using AA and 303, etc), and compound...
However, I have not had a lot of experience with compound, nor have I ever done it on a customers car.

Normally a wash and interior runs 30, and a wax goes for 50...

What is a fair price to tell this guy? And what OTC compound do you recommend because I have no time to place an online order.

 

1st establish a value for hourly rates for your labor and materials. I charge $50.00 P/H, then aim to meet that with estimated time of work needed per vehicle.
I detailed a Odyssey van last weekend, inside/outside. Estimated 5 hrs ($250.00) I ended up completing the van in a tad over 4hrs.
You may be asking if I ended up asking for $200.00? Answer: what happens when you underestimate? You lose.
Owner was very happy and tipped $30.00 atop the $250.00.

 

Is there a lot of work involved doing compound?
And whats a good OTC compound?

 

Compounding is another term for polishing. Difference being your using a polish with a higher abrasive level. Just takes a little more know how, not so much with technique, but with expectations. Compounds have the ability to remove more severe swirls, but may also introduce finer ones in the process. Those in turn need an additional step of polishing. usually when using a "compound" its part one one of (at least 2) a two part step.
As for OTC compounds..........look into either Mothers of Megs. Probably more options with megs. See if you could find Meg's DACP. (Dual action cleaner polish)

 

I guess the first question I have to ask is Do you have a PC and proper pads because "compounding/polishing" by hand is not going to produce success.

 

Ya know sometime I assume too much eh Dale?

 

pc...Green, black, blue, orange, white pads.
Also I have 2 finishing polishes...Optimum and menzerna

 

Expand your polish line? Optimum covers the gambit with 5 styles of polishes.....Be prepared for different situations.

 

Well see usually I don't do polish. Only wash, wax, interiors and stuff like that. I do it outside of school so I am not too serious about it ya know...I usually go to a few office buildings that have some regulars and can pick up a few hundred bucks here and there.
But as time goes on of course I might expand...

What do you guys think of Meguiars ultimate compound as the primary and then hit it with a finishing polish.

 

damn Patrick, guess thats why your the pro detailer and i'm still just an amater. I wish i could do the wife's odyssey in 4hours.