Follow up to my summer Job Post. I've got one!!

[Robalo 123]

Hey guys, I appreciate all the responses to my previous post. I am going to wash boats this summer. My friend and I have agreed it could work out very well. We have yet to work out the details yet on pricing and everything, SO I need some of your advice. If you were to get a flyer from two 16 year olds that are very willing to work hard and wash your boat, How much would you be willing to pay? I really have no clue on what to expect. We were talking around 50 per boat thinking most would be 25-30 feet. Any suggestions? Anyone had experience in there younger days doing this?
Thanks,

Ryan

[Abter1]

That sounds like a GREAT idea! I love the entrepreneurial spirit. I hope it works out well for you two.

Pricing? I suggest something like $2/foot. Nice clear pricing like that will make customers see bigger pays more. When setting your price, don't go too low. Remember you will be providing not only your labor, but soaps and other cleaning materials, sponges & towels, buckets, etc. Think like a business owner (which your now are), and consider all your real costs before setting a price.

I suggest also thinking of offering a LIMITED set of extra services. Limited because you don't want to end up at the end of the summer with half filled gallon jugs of 15 different expensive products. Waxing, vinyl cleaning and treatments, bilge cleaning, cabin vacuuming and cleaning...lots of add-ons people might want.

Go get 'em!

[Rod Bender II]

Yea I think you should definitely set yourself a price for a standard clean/wash and a more detailed clean/wash price that of course takes more time and material. Just like they do at the drive through carwashes. If they want the premium wash (inside outside etc) than you got to charge more. You sound like a smart kid so you get what i am saying. I wish you too the best and hope you don't run into many PAYMENT problems. Because you boys are so young trust me people will try to take advantage of you...if people don't have the money in full up front then sorry no wash plain and simple IMO. It really ticks me off to see people try to take advantage of other hard working people, their aren't many teenagers your age willing to work and that have the motivation and spark that you guys seem to have. That said I hope the both of you are rewarded with some good buisness this summer!

[Rod Bender II]

Also look in the newspaper and etc to see what your competition is charging? How many guys they got? With the way the economy is people are going to be grabbing the best deals they can find. Good Luck!

[Capt MikeS]

Be sure to follow the advice of "reelin N deeling" because he is right, people willl try to take advantage of you. A couple of years ago a young man at my marina offered to compound / wax a person's 35 foot boat for a set price. The customer would always bitch and complain that that the job wasn't done right, he missed a spot, etc and he ended up having to do it 3 times before they were satisfied. Several people at the marina told the boat owner that he better stop taking advantage of the young man before the boat owner finally saw the light. Good Luck with your endeavor..Mike

[Big Fat Jimmy]

It's good to see young people with good work ethic! I think $2/foot is CHEAP. I would pay up to $4/ft for a job well done!

[kidz]

1/3 now(materials), the rest when done. Always follow up with customer to make sure they are satisfied. Go the extra mile to do the job right. Good luck!

[spynet000]

I'll second 1/3 down. Stick to your pricing and most important: DO A GOOD JOB! Take pride in what you're doing (even if it is only washing / waxing boats). I work like a dog in the dirt every day but have never once had a complaint about the quality of my work because I take pride in what I do, no-matter what the task. Don't give someone a reason to complain and you'll get paid. I hope you make a million.

[Maralba]

You might want to consider running your enterprise as a small business. If you are successful you may have some obligations to the State and Federal Govts which can be minimized if you are a small business entity. The state of Maryland has a web page that is very helpful in getting started. I would also suggest you register your business name with the State. It's a very small fee but will help protect you from others trying to cash in on your hard work. Who knows thiis may work out for several years for you as you complete your education. Getting a permit to work in the marinas may also be a challenge. You will at least need to be aware of the restrictions they have for working on their property. As others have said be careful who you trust. Bad things can come from the people you least expect. Especially in this economy. Most of all HAVE FUN! Best of luck to you.

[tunafisher21]

Great idea. I think I would offer a set price for boats 10 - 18 foot, 19 - 24 foot, 25 - 32, then $4 per foot for larger boats.

If you agree to do any waxing, make sure you checkout the condition of the boat. Something heavily oxidodized will take more time and not have same finished product.

Good luck I'm sure you'll be busy!

Tuna

[hollywood9s]

Where are you located? I may be interested in having my 22' CC waxed. It is in like new condition, so no compounding or anything. I try to wax it twice a year myself, and i'd pay for someone to help me, but i don't really know of anyone. I can even provide the wax/buffer and cleaning materials.

[27 sailfish]

Got a feeling you will do well.
Best of luck.

[proline29]

I second all the great advice and all are great points. The mechanical tools are a must for waxing and can cost you but will saves time and your arms. Also research the material being used by owners and service providers, costs and quality. Great way to price services is to research the people already providing the same services. Being new be upfront with the customers on you skill set, and take on just what you can handle. People will take advantage thinking they are receiving a great deal on a large project so be prepared and learn your limits, do not get over ambitious by the dollars, what you may think is good money maybe cheap for the customer (time is money and your time should pay to support you position in life at your present stage). Starting off you may offer to use their material and tools. Love the ambition and decision in today’s economy. Count me in if you’re able to provide your service at Kent narrows. Get your ducks lined up and you have a customer and I’ll supply the tools and material for my boat.

Great idea and good luck, remember to stay friends first then partners.

[cducer]

I agree with treatig it as a business . I would HIGHLY recommend liability insurance. for around 200- 300 dollars you can be covered for 500,000 to 1 million dollars. We all know the costs of some vessels and it would only take 1 small mistake to financially ruin you. Also draw up a simple contract that details what you will be doing, how you will be paid, and any kind of pre-existing damages ( scratches, missing parts, etc.)

good luck and be careful

[Gerald]

Get a cheap digital camera and take before pic's of any questionable pre-exsisting damage. You can also take before and after shots to build a portfolio to show your work to prospective customers. If ya get into the hull cleaners be careful, some of them can be hard on the trailer. You got plenty of experience and help right here for the asking. Hope ya'll have a great summer and make some money. Good luck!

[JALOPY]

I will volunteer to be a test dummy. Don't expect much because I don't feel like doing it myself. I would even be willing to help you price it out. I think you should make a minimum of $10/hr after costs. So, if it took two guys 5 hours and used $30-40 in materials and what ever else I am forgetting, I still think my original estimate of $7-$10 per foot is good. I have a 18'6", so that is $129.50-$185.00. I am willing to pay the $185 for a quick wash and a solid wax.
John 301.325.1632

[hollywood9s]

I would be willing to pay $150 for a quick wash and a good wax (inside and outside of boat), and i would provide all cleaning materials and may even be willing to help. I would need to get it done within the next couple of weeks though. I have put it off because of trophy season, but it's time for me to get it done. We just need to work out a location to get it done.

[samuels]

I wouldn't quote anyone a price till after you get a good look at the boat.I just finished working at a marina for three years.About have of everyday was spent washing boats and jet skis.I've learned that if someone brings a boat in for a wash or a wash and wax it can be a nightmare.When someone brings a boat it is usually in terrible condition.The reason they bring it in is that they haven't took care of it or they were to lazy to clean it themselves.The boat shop were I worked took a beating on every boat that was bought in by the public.They thought they were doing their customers a favor to help business.Those type boats are not regular customers or their boats wouldn't be in that sad condition.I washed boats for 9.00hr that I wouldn't wash for $300 sitting in my driveway tax free.I hope all the guys on Tf bring you decent boats to wash.My advice is get a job mowing grass,bagging groceries,or anything but washing boats.Good Luck To You

[uncle Bob]

A 40' boat is a lot bigger than a 20' boat. It sounds like it is twice the size but really it is about 3 times the area. Higher, wider and longer. I use eagle one car wash soap on my cars and boats. Works great,leaves a shine and is easier to dry.
Good Luck
Bob