How long should a full detail take?

[tw1012]

What is a reasonable amount of time for a full hand wax and carpet shampoo with one detailer working?

 

[Indiana Wash]

well, I left my wife's car at my friend's shop for a full detail job. He and his helper worked on it most of the day. When I picked it up at the end of the day, they had cleaned the interior and washed to outside but had not had time to wax it yet.

 

[buda]

What you describe, a wax and carpet shampoo are what could be called maintenance services performed on a new vehicle or one in good condition.

One person should be able to wax a car in no more than 30 minutes.

One person can complete a carpet shampoo with mats in 30 minutes.

The wash is not included in those times.

A full detail including engine, wheels, wash, trunk clean and shampoo and a complete interior clean and shampoo, 3 step on paint and final detail and inspection 3 to 4 hours depending on condition and size of the vehicle.

Bud Abraham

 

[Washmee]

A full detail usually takes my best guy about 5-7 hours depending on the condition of the vehicle. It takes at least an hour of prep work before we even send it through the wash.

 

[tw1012]

wow that is a lot of time, I thought my guys were moving slow and that my technique was flawed and not time efficient. We are taking about 4 hours for full interior detail and 1 step wax. I am working on improving my waxing procedure to include removing light scratches and maybe doing 2 coats of wax.

It makes it hard to make money unless you have enough detail business to keep your detailer busy.