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How much for a buff?

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by presta24, Jul 8, 2017.

  1. Jul 8, 2017 at 9:31 PM
    #1
    presta24

    presta24 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Scratches, dents, lots of squeaks.
    I am in Cincinnati. Just curious what I should expect to pay for a good buff. Not a shitty one that will swirl my black truck, I mastered that years ago.
     
    DustStorm4x4, J Sizzle and Braves95 like this.
  2. Jul 8, 2017 at 9:36 PM
    #2
    Braves95

    Braves95 Go Clemson Tigers

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    I need 1 fory MGM.
     
  3. Jul 9, 2017 at 3:07 PM
    #3
    Too Stroked

    Too Stroked Well-Known Member

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    I generally get around $150 for an exterior detail depending on how big or bad the vehicle is. And no, buffer holligrams are not included.
     
    presta24[OP] likes this.
  4. Jul 9, 2017 at 9:01 PM
    #4
    ace96

    ace96 Well-Known Member

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    You are working too cheap. I did wash and water activated sealant on an Escalade for $125....and I was under priced for the effort.
     
  5. Jul 10, 2017 at 3:54 AM
    #5
    saratogajoe

    saratogajoe Well-Known Member

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    Here in upstate NY you would expect to pay 200-250 for a full detail
     
  6. Jul 10, 2017 at 4:00 AM
    #6
    diabetiktaco

    diabetiktaco Instalander

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    A buff as in a paint correction? For a black pickup you'd be looking at $600+ if you wanted it done correctly.
     
    nine2nine likes this.
  7. Jul 10, 2017 at 5:58 AM
    #7
    PackCon

    PackCon Well-Known Member

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    It really depends on how much correction is needed. 1-Stage on a well kept pre-washed truck, $125 seems decent. If there are a lot of swirls and its a two stage proccess and the truck comes to me caked with mud $300.

    I charge extra for black (serious).

    A certified professional detailer would likely charge $300-600 for a black Tacoma that required a two stage job. All depends on where you are located and time needed.
     
  8. Jul 10, 2017 at 6:07 AM
    #8
    presta24

    presta24 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Scratches, dents, lots of squeaks.
    No swirling. Paint was immaculate when I bought it. That being said, I have scratched the shit out of it wheeling.
     
  9. Jul 10, 2017 at 5:02 PM
    #9
    Too Stroked

    Too Stroked Well-Known Member

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    Yes, I probably should raise my prices somewhat, but I don't have time to do too many vehicles, so I can afford to be picky in what I accept. That said, I always reserve the right to raise the price if I find out something's been "washed with a rake." And you'll notice the price I mentioned was for an "exterior detail only." I hate doing interiors.
     
  10. Jul 10, 2017 at 5:04 PM
    #10
    Too Stroked

    Too Stroked Well-Known Member

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    Swirling is easy (and cheap) to get out. "Scratched the shit out of it" costs a bit more to fix. As I always tell my customers, "I can heal the sick, but I can't raise the dead."
     
    ace96 and presta24[QUOTED][OP] like this.
  11. Jul 10, 2017 at 5:04 PM
    #11
    Aw9d

    Aw9d That one guy

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    Our local detailer charges $150 for interior/exterior/under hood, claybar treatment. he does awesome work as well and the best part is that he's always 10 minutes early.
     
  12. Jul 11, 2017 at 5:42 AM
    #12
    PackCon

    PackCon Well-Known Member

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    Does he have a certified crew doing it or is he doing it himself? And does that include paint correction?

    I get leary of cheap detailing if they don't claim all their detailers are certified. Usually means they have a crew doing which can mean a team of poorly trained individuals giving you an exterior detail complete with holograms.
     
  13. Jul 11, 2017 at 8:05 AM
    #13
    Aw9d

    Aw9d That one guy

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    He is a one man mobile detailer. No crew or anything and he knows his stuff. Never asked about paint repair or correction. He did a great job fixing my wife's 4Runner where there previous owner burned some clear coat trying to remove the badges and there was ghosting as well.
     
  14. Jul 11, 2017 at 8:47 AM
    #14
    CusterFan

    CusterFan Well-Known Member

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    If I keep my black Tacoma I'm going to take it to Line-X and have the black paint corrected. :)
     

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