polishing cost

[fastdsm1]

I am in the process of starting my own polishing buissnes.I would like to know what people are paying, or have payed for polishing jobs, so I can determine what is appropriate. I will be catering to the semitruck industry,but will eventually venture off to other projects.Any help would be highly apreciated...thanks!

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by fastdsm1

I am in the process of starting my own polishing buissnes.I would like to know what people are paying, or have payed for polishing jobs, so I can determine what is appropriate. I will be catering to the semitruck industry,but will eventually venture off to other projects.Any help would be highly apreciated...thanks!

In that particular type of work I believe it would be specific to your area, so I would try to find out what your competitors are charging. If you can't do that, just gotta figure out your time involved and how much you want to make an hour (plus materials). You'll learn very quickly if you're on track from your potential customers.

[chaotik]

I work in the trucking industry and also do truck polishing on the side. It does really depend on your area and how many other polishers are in that area.

Also...with trucks, it is hard to have a set rate, as some people take alot better care of their aluminum than others. I always try to look at the truck before giving a quote. I will tell them on the phone a vague price (always try to give them a high and low price), but then tell them I really need to see it first. Most guys think their aluminum is in great shape no matter what the actual condition is!!

[fastdsm1]

That seems to be the biggest issue I have come accross.Since there is no truck polishers or truck detail buisness out here, I have no source of local info available.I really understand how different each polishing job can be,that is one of the reasons why I am having such difficulty deciding what to charge. I would like to come up with a personal general price list,so I can base my estimates by that.Thanks.......

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by fastdsm1

That seems to be the biggest issue I have come accross.Since there is no truck polishers or truck detail buisness out here, I have no source of local info available.I really understand how different each polishing job can be,that is one of the reasons why I am having such difficulty deciding what to charge. I would like to come up with a personal general price list,so I can base my estimates by that.Thanks.......

Trial and error. Truckers will know what it should cost and will sure tell you if it's too high. If you don't make enough on your first few jobs, jack it up til they holler. Few businesses are 100% profitable right from the start. You might have to pay some dues first.

Call some truckstops up and down the interstate and see if they have people polishing and what it costs.

Good luck to you. A fellow wanted me to tackle a milk tanker but I got tired just looking at it...

[fastdsm1]

I honestly dont care about profit right now.I just whant to get in the door.I know that with the right clientel, eventually it will become profitable.I have a future client that is offering me a wage of 65.00 hr. just to maintain the aluminum on his three private rigs.He has also stated to me that he is willing to sponsor all of my polishing needs to get the buisness started.I honestly believe that doesnt come every day.I would like you to know that I have been polishing for many,many years.I have allways done it for myself and friends.I feel its time for me to do something with my polishing skills,not to mention that there is NO competition,private or commercial that is located in this area.I constantly sit and listen a truckers talk about how much work polishing is,how dirty,or no time and best of all....how theres nobody to do the work.Well cry on my shoulder no more,I have no choice.....I will have to do this by myself.Mpierich you seem to have knowledge and I hope we can keep in contact,I yet have so much to learn.....Thanks

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by fastdsm1

I honestly dont care about profit right now.I just whant to get in the door.I know that with the right clientel, eventually it will become profitable.I have a future client that is offering me a wage of 65.00 hr. just to maintain the aluminum on his three private rigs.He has also stated to me that he is willing to sponsor all of my polishing needs to get the buisness started.I honestly believe that doesnt come every day.I would like you to know that I have been polishing for many,many years.I have allways done it for myself and friends.I feel its time for me to do something with my polishing skills,not to mention that there is NO competition,private or commercial that is located in this area.I constantly sit and listen a truckers talk about how much work polishing is,how dirty,or no time and best of all....how theres nobody to do the work.Well cry on my shoulder no more,I have no choice.....I will have to do this by myself.Mpierich you seem to have knowledge and I hope we can keep in contact,I yet have so much to learn.....Thanks

Well h*ll's bells, if you already have a guaranteed $65/hour you don't have a problem, man! You already talk to truckers so you can easily find out what they pay for piece work.

I'm in no physical condition to be climbing around a rig, but you're right...I know there's a demand. I just would rather stay in my shop in the warm. If you're a younger guy or in good shape you might end up making a real good living off the trucks.

I don't know that much, actually...I just have a decent ability to put what I do know into written words. I learn something new almost every day and that's the best part for me. Good luck to you.