Clay Bar question

I see that when I use clay bar on car after wash and before waxing, it makes the surface lot smoother. Almost like buffing. It seems to get rid of some light scratches as well.

Customers also seem to like the smoothness after the clay bar. So, is it okay to sell clay bar service along with wax? We charge $35 per hour for clay bar and it seems like a decent size sedan takes about an hour worht labor. So, I thought about charging just $35 for clay bar if they want it before waxing? Is this a good idea?

The clay bar makes the surface smoother by removing embedded dirt from the surface of the vehicles paint. I would say that the lubricant you are using may lead you to believe that it is removing some of the light scratches and don't worry, they'll return!
$35 an hour for any detail service is just too cheap! You should be basing the service on two things: how long does it take and what is it worth? I usually have my guys set up proce based on the Express Wax/Polish price. If you are charging $45.00 for an Express Wax/Polish on an average sized vehicle, then you would DOUBLE to cost to $90.00 for a Clay Service with an Express Wax/Polish.
Keep in mind that claying a vehicle is quick and easy and you should be completeing and average sized vehicle with both services in well under an hour. BTW $90 beats $35 an hour any day, any where!
Are you using a cellophane glove or wrapper to help sell the service?
When a customer runs their fingers across the paint, they may be able to feel the roughness of the surface, place your fingers in a cellophane glove or wrapper and then try it, the cellophane enhances the sensitivity of your fingers and really lets them feel how rough it is or how smooth after claying. This is a great way to upsell!
Be sure not to use clay on certain areas of the vehicle as it will get ruined quickly. Below the "beltline", typically all the junk there is road debris or tar, use a tar remover. On the rear liftgate of most vehicles (SUV's, Vans, etc) is where a ton of debris will collect, try using tar solvent first before claying.
Most of thge time, clay all of the horizontal surfaces, front end, mirror housings and upper halves of all side panels and you'll have a nice service. I would never clay without adding a coat of wax or polish.

Hope this helps!
Happy detailing!

Steve Sause

A clay & wax service is very common. It is generally sold to the customer as the clay helps repair/clean/smooth the surface and the wax is to help protect and keep it in that condition. If the claying is taking a longer period of time you can try using a stronger grade. The lighter clays will not last as long, require more elbow grease and time on heavily contaminated surfaces.

A little more information:

First, ALWAYS follow the manufacturer's instructions and cautions.

Clay is non-invasive and only removes above-the-surface debris, so avoid any notion that it takes the place of a buffer and polish. And, as Steve recommends, it's wise to apply protection after using clay.

Always use a spray lubricant applied to the surface while using the clay because it helps preserve the vitality of the clay and provides a cleaner, more uniform job. I analogize the use of a lubricant (spray detailing product) like shave gel. It enables the abrasives to make a smooth. clean cut as the clay glides above the surface.

Some detailers use clay in the hand-washing process, thus capturing the lubricity of the washing shampoo, but I caution against it because the detergents in the soap deplete the polishing agent formulated into the clay.

There are two basic grades of clay: mild and aggressive. The most common is mild or moderate (usually blue in color) and aggressive (red or purple). The mild (blue) clay will not risk damage to the topcoat but the more aggressive clay (red) may scour the surface, requiring a follow-up buff. The more aggressive clay is designed to facilitate light oxidation removal; the "dead' or oxidized paint film above the surface of the finish. There are other colors for various manufacturers branding, so be sure to know which clay you're using.

Most high-end detailers routinely use clay before any major buffing because it cuts all the surface debris away, leaving a uniformly smooth plane to work on. The use of clay makes everything much easier and more consistently smooth.

Check the competition before deciding on a retail price, and find a way to distinguish yourself while explaining the merits of the process... or simply eliminate any discussion about "clay" and make up your own name for it. I suggest calling it a surface smoother or fallout remover. Use your creative marketing sense to build a story that presents what you do as being better... or more gentle... or safer.

Just a few well-intentioned thoughts...

-Steve

www.SMOKUN.com

Consider that you are the expert and the customer comes to you for maintenance on the paint. If you think you should clay the paint before waxing to give the customer the best job then you should include it in your price.

It seems like a "bait and switch" to quote the customer a price for a wax and then say BUT if you would like me to clay your car I can do a better job and it is $35 extra.

If they complain your price is too high with a wash, clay and wax then take out a cigarette package cellophane and show him how clay works.

You are aware of the cellophane demonstration to show the customer how a paint that feels smooth is really as rough as sandpaper because of invisible industrial fallout.

This approach really impresses the customer with your knowledge and professionalism and overcomes the price objection.

Just some well intentioned thoughts on this subject.

Bud Abraham

Totally agree. I plan to offer an express polish beginning 1/1/09 that does not include clay treatment. Lower price point, no clay bar, less durability.