Tipping
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Ca
Tipping
Alright heres a question for you.
Do you tip a detailer as you would a regular carwash? If so what is the proper amount?
This morning I brought my car in for the first time to get it detailed. I'm now set up on a program where he will detail it every other week (wash, liquid wax, shampoo + vacuum)
He's charging me $20 bucks when I pick it up, do I tip as well?
Whats the consensus?
Do you tip a detailer as you would a regular carwash? If so what is the proper amount?
This morning I brought my car in for the first time to get it detailed. I'm now set up on a program where he will detail it every other week (wash, liquid wax, shampoo + vacuum)
He's charging me $20 bucks when I pick it up, do I tip as well?
Whats the consensus?
I don't let other people wash my car 
But if I did - I would tip them. Then, next time they will put more effort into it due to the possibility of getting tipped again.
Jonny
But if I did - I would tip them. Then, next time they will put more effort into it due to the possibility of getting tipped again.
Jonny
You guys are paying $20-$30 dollars for a detail? I feel bad for the cars.
Anyway, I know guys who do concourse detailing and their tips range from $50-$200 depending on the work done and the customer.
For the typical cheap drive through/interior wipe down/whatever, I think $10 is sufficient.
Anyway, I know guys who do concourse detailing and their tips range from $50-$200 depending on the work done and the customer.
For the typical cheap drive through/interior wipe down/whatever, I think $10 is sufficient.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 0
From: ON
They're not paying $20-$30 for a detail they're paying for a detailer to do a wash/wax. That is a typical and reasonable price from a pro detailer. I charge my weekly wash customers $120 monthly for a weekly wash/wax. Most folks give me $140, which is a $5 a week tip.
A $50-$200 tips comes on work that costs $400-$1000. Those are the real details (wash, clay, multiple compounding steps, light polishes, glazes, sealants, chip repair, etc..), not the weekly washes.
As an aside, I think I can safely say that a lot of a detailers income comes from the weekly and bi-weekly wash/waxes. While I do full blown details on 5+ cars a week in the summer, it terms of time spent on a car and money earned (and volume) the wash/waxes are the bread and butter. $120 a month for ~2 hours of work, as opposed to the folks who show up with a car in bad shape who you charge $500, but have to spend 6 hours on the car.
A $50-$200 tips comes on work that costs $400-$1000. Those are the real details (wash, clay, multiple compounding steps, light polishes, glazes, sealants, chip repair, etc..), not the weekly washes.
As an aside, I think I can safely say that a lot of a detailers income comes from the weekly and bi-weekly wash/waxes. While I do full blown details on 5+ cars a week in the summer, it terms of time spent on a car and money earned (and volume) the wash/waxes are the bread and butter. $120 a month for ~2 hours of work, as opposed to the folks who show up with a car in bad shape who you charge $500, but have to spend 6 hours on the car.
Last edited by picus; Dec 9, 2005 at 04:38 PM.
Trending Topics
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,959
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
Originally Posted by MongooseGA
You guys are paying $20-$30 dollars for a detail? I feel bad for the cars.
Anyway, I know guys who do concourse detailing and their tips range from $50-$200 depending on the work done and the customer.
For the typical cheap drive through/interior wipe down/whatever, I think $10 is sufficient.
Anyway, I know guys who do concourse detailing and their tips range from $50-$200 depending on the work done and the customer.
For the typical cheap drive through/interior wipe down/whatever, I think $10 is sufficient.
EDIT: Exactly what "picus" said..
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 854
Likes: 10
From: UT
At my dealer, they include a book of free hand washes. I asked my salesman (my best friend, serioulsy!) if anyone tips. He sees anywhere from $0-10. I've been tipping $5-10 and see them weekly in the summer. Now that it's winter, I'm going far less frequently. When they're slammed, the car gets a quickie in comparison to other times.
I love the idea of a mobile wash! Come out to the parking lot after work to a sparkling car!
Anyone know of a top notch outfit (mobile or drop-off) in SLC?
I love the idea of a mobile wash! Come out to the parking lot after work to a sparkling car!
Anyone know of a top notch outfit (mobile or drop-off) in SLC?
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
From: OH
Exactly what MongooseGA said.... I knew he would reply before me lol. I would give $10 on the $20 job if they are doing good work... if not find someone who will do great work. If the "detailer" is cool he may throw in some extra services if your car is in there while hes not busy since he knows you tip well
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Originally Posted by Dx3
I don't let other people wash my car
But if I did - I would tip them. Then, next time they will put more effort into it due to the possibility of getting tipped again.
Jonny
But if I did - I would tip them. Then, next time they will put more effort into it due to the possibility of getting tipped again.
Jonny
My words exactly. Thanks
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,333
Likes: 236
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I sure did give a detailer a tip........... I showed him how to use SCRATCH-OUT. 
http://www.kitwax.com/html/kitProducts.htm
He loves it....even asked me if I wanted to come work for him.
http://www.kitwax.com/html/kitProducts.htm
He loves it....even asked me if I wanted to come work for him.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
