question for you fleet wash guys

[soluble solutions]

My company does alot of residential and commercial accounts. However, yesterday afternoon I was contacted by an individual that requested a price to wash 40 Acura cars for a driving school (all alike). I haven't spoken to him yet about the details, but I believe that he simply wants the cars washed with windows cleaned but isn't going to get too detailed with them because of how they are used on a daily basis. He wants them done on a bi-weekly basis. We will be traveling approx. 30 miles 'round trip.

The other thing is, he has told us that we would have the rights to come in on spectator events at this location and have the opportunity to wash RV's and race team car haulers (semi type vehicles). My question is what would be a reasonable price to charge for the cars? Do we go lower and hope to make out on race weekends and possibly do more work on the grounds, or go with standard price and not bank on anything else? What would a standard, generic price be to do such work?

We currently do semi's, heavy equipment, etc as well as a few vehicle here and there, but never had to do 40 at a time. I've seen several prices for large fleets like auto dealerships, but wondered what you guys thought.

Thanks, Steve
Soluble Solutions, LLC

[Scott Stone]

Here is my opinion:

1. When they say they are not going to be too picky, they are lying. In my experience, the customers that say that they are not going to be too picky are the worst. I have had white glove tests on garbage trucks that said he was not picky.
2. Do not discount rates on the promised potential for more work. You will (Not might) get screwed everytime. It will be really cool if you get the motorhome washes, but that sort of thing seldom pans out.
3. You need to figure out how long it will take you to wash this many cars. I know what I can do, but I have no idea what you can do. DI water might be really helpful in this sort of set up.

[mobilewow]

First what kind of wash is he wanting, a hand wash or a simple soap and rinse. You should also find out about reclaim. Where is the waste water going. Alot times they will tell there are going to be 40 cars but when you get there it might only be 35. Say 2 are out and three in the shop, this will ad up. Find out if you are going to have to move them around or if they stay in one place. Also find out what kind of insurance is required. This should get you started.

[soluble solutions]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your comments. Sorry I didn't reply sooner, we've been busy with estimates and meeting clients. My partner and I sat down with the gentleman and discussed all the details of what we would be providing and what kind of money we were talking. We carefully put together some numbers after much research and will be submitting the bid Monday the 31st. I sort of doubt we'll get it simply because that would mean that something is working out almost too well...but hey you never know.

Thanks again, Steve

[JMSC]

charge them a hundred bucks each and not a dime less