Headlight restoration?

[mrchip]

Gregg..there are several choices..buy from develup..or check out lensrenew for a sander buffer made by milwaukee..I use jepson drill and added a variable speed trigger..sand at lower speed and buff at higher speed..have not done by hand in a long time...drill is faster..and always use interface pad no matter what you buy..buy the way burn marks can be taken out

[vinyl-4ever]

I also use develup. I have it on my card and I give all my customers a flyer. I charge $80.00 per set. There are alot of yellow headlights out there, and there are going to be alot more.

[Chips-B-Gone]

Originally Posted by vinyl-4ever

I also use develup. I have it on my card and I give all my customers a flyer. I charge $80.00 per set. There are alot of yellow headlights out there, and there are going to be alot more.

Boy, I wish I could get $80 per set here in southern WV. I actually did a job today for $45.00. People actually complain at that. Pretty poor area. I know for a fact in Roanoke VA they are getting $65-70 per set. I will charge more though if they fail the VA inspection... It now becomes a "Need". I also use Dvelup but I hand sand and buff everything. It is time consuming but I have found that people like it when you are taking time on thier vehicle giving it some TLC.

[harrellbenjamin]

Originally Posted by Chips-B-Gone

Boy, I wish I could get $80 per set here in southern WV. I actually did a job today for $45.00. People actually complain at that. Pretty poor area. I know for a fact in Roanoke VA they are getting $65-70 per set. I will charge more though if they fail the VA inspection... It now becomes a "Need". I also use Dvelup but I hand sand and buff everything. It is time consuming but I have found that people like it when you are taking time on thier vehicle giving it some TLC.

I too live in a rural area(S.Alamama) but I can and do get $75-90.00 per pair retail and 45.00 dealer pay .Its not your price but maybe your approach?? Set your price where it should be and that becomes the pricing in the area.Let them call their local dealership/repair shop if they think you are high!!
With the average price of a set of headlight assemblys running from $350.00 to 550.00 and up plus labor at least $150.00 more they will see the light.Dont be afraid to educate your customer.I have used Dvelup for almost 2 years now and love it when some one tells me that they are going to try one of the DO-IT yourself kits.They always call me back later.When a person tells me that they can get it done cheaper thats when your sales ability comes in play.You have to know why your system is better than the sand and polish guys out their.Dvelup gives you the final necessary step to set the benchmark for quality.Alot of my retail customers come from the cut/rate guys that dont have the quality and durability.If you really want to set this thing in perspective,its easier to sell a H/Light job and get a good return $$ than a w/shield repair. JMHO.............If you sell it as an add on service to your customers for w/shield repair you will see a big increase in your per ticket average.As far as complaints about the price,if they dont complain your prices are way too low...........

[mrchip]

hey Ben..do you buy your sandpaper from Dvelup?I have a cheaper source if you are interested

[chips1144]

I have to agree with most of what Ben has to say, although I do think the $45 charge at dealers is very cheap.
I do think you have to sell yourself as a PRO.
Kits cost $20 and add to that the cost of labor for dealers, of course the hassle for an Invidual is worth something too.

Ben how long does it take you to do a pair with the dvelup system using power tools.?

Today I saw the Lens renew site, it claims to be the best and doesn't use a clear UV Protective coat... Comments anyone

[Chips-B-Gone]

Originally Posted by mrchip

hey Ben..do you buy your sandpaper from Dvelup?I have a cheaper source if you are interested

What is your source? I am interested...BTW I did enlarge the photos on my site. Thanks for the input

[harrellbenjamin]

Originally Posted by chips1144

I have to agree with most of what Ben has to say, although I do think the $45 charge at dealers is very cheap.
I do think you have to sell yourself as a PRO.
Kits cost $20 and add to that the cost of labor for dealers, of course the hassle for an Invidual is worth something too.

Ben how long does it take you to do a pair with the dvelup system using power tools.?

Today I saw the Lens renew site, it claims to be the best and doesn't use a clear UV Protective coat... Comments anyone

I use a 3"mini D/A as I have air compressor on board.About 45 Min.Most of the companys you describe are just a sand and polish outfits.These guys were the 1st generation of H/light restore kits.The 2nd generation of systems have now realized through failure the importance of a lens UV coat product to hold up and look the best when finished.As for 45.00 for dealers you have to take into account this is an add-on item.I do paint spot repair and touch-up /windshield repair/headlight restoration .When you have 3 or 4 cars to do at one time and line them up you can really knock them out fast.Ask Dvelup to just sell you the chemical start-up pkg($95.00?).You probably have every thing else you need.I have done plenty by wetsanding 500 than 1500-buff and coat $$$$$ They give you enough to do at least 60 lens ++

[harrellbenjamin]

Originally Posted by Chips-B-Gone

What is your source? I am interested...BTW I did enlarge the photos on my site. Thanks for the input

I love EBAY .Great source of 3m paper etc.at great pricing.

[GTECH]

Hello everyone,
headlight restoration is very profitable, you have to not only sell yourself, but sell your quality of work you do, with that in mind, you can get what you ask for, 45.00 is very cheap, how much product are you using,?? as well as time spent on a set of headlight, 1/2 hour 1 hour ?? or just 10 min as some quick fix kits will tell you that's how long it will take to get professional results, I have been restoring headlight for years,and to do a set about an hour, depending on the severity damage of the headlight, and the quality repair you are looking to achieve.I agree, set your price and go with that, I have lost dealerships due to band-aide kits being sold by detailers to car dealerships,the repair does not last and neither is the quality of the repair., I have walked on dealers lots, and pitched the headlights, they tell me I have a kit that does the same, so I push the envelope and tell them to show me, there is no comparison/quality long lasting.I use IPS System ( modified ) works very well, and I get the showman quality repair that is expected ,and the customer/dealership are satisfied. I charge starting at 60.00 to 100.00 dealership, I get more from regular customers.