TintDude

Forgot how much of a pain in the ass the rear window is on the Chrysler PT Cruiser.  First attempt success with Xpel 15% XR ceramic.  Forgot to take some pics after install.

Where's that SpitSprayMyCoffeeAllOverTheScreen emoticon. |
 
 

Tell us more about this wonderful product!  

Or just copy/paste something else.  Either way is good I guess.   

Tell us more about this wonderful product!  

Residential security window film is an excellent investment to enhance home safety. It provides added protection against break-ins, accidents, and even severe weather. Opting for high-quality, impact-resistant films can significantly reinforce window strength without compromising aesthetics. Prioritize reputable brands and professional installation for optimal results and peace of mind.

Supercharged!
Full bumper, 18" Hood/Fenders, Ceramic front doors.
 
This one already had a little road rash from the summer season but otherwise pretty minty.
 
It's funny how the guys that daily drive these give you the smile when they hand you the red key  
The reality is that I try to move the hot rods around as little as possible. Always fun to hear 'em roar when they fire up though 

I can be an adult behind the wheel of any car. Almost any car…. Alright so don’t give me the keys to a fox body mustang. Lamborghini/rolls or something you’re really worried about me breaking something on we’re golden. Old square 5.0 with a stick? I might steal it and make a run for it. I’m not sure if I’m serious or not either lol! 

Nerds……… 

Woohoo. An easy Audi   
 
 

Being that you are in the Atlanta area, in my opinion your prices are too low.  I don't know many reputable shops that will touch a 4 door car for under $200.  That being said I would check your area prices at the other shops and match up as close as you can.  I might be wrong but I think if you will call around to some of the shops you want to compete with or be compared to and you will find that you might be selling yourself short.  $80 for a windshield is crazy.  $20 for a front strip will end up pissing off your installer more than anything else.  Sunroof and Pano prices are also way to low. 
 
No ceramic film options ??  I would at least have one upgrade film option or you will lose clientele to the shops that do. 
 
You can usually have a general price list but are also going to have adjust for more difficult vehicles. Tinting a Camry and tinting a BMW or Audi for the same price is just not correct.  Difficulty of install affects the price of the job.  Not all windshields and rear glass will be easy to shrink and you have to adjust for this or lose money on the back end.  Trying to price by number of windows is going to bite you in arse in the long run.  Not all windows are the same size and there is different difficulty from front doors to back doors to stupid little triangle windows in the A-pillars and so on etc.  
 
If you are supplying everything then you should probably consider a commission pay rate of some sort.  This person could still do other jobs at an hourly pay rate and still have a commission on tint jobs. Just can't see paying an hourly rate for tint because some jobs are going to take way longer than others.  

I honestly don't know anyone with more flat glass knowledge than @Tintguy1980. I really appreciate being a fly on the wall when class is in session around here. 

Not sure what is up with the Plexus shortage but the one below is another option.
 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y2BBHQQ/

Near identical product. Find it at any motorcycle shop. Thanks for the seal info.

I came across this and wanted to share what I found to help those going forward. I have a 2023 M2 and got ceramic tint on my windows a couple of weeks ago. Same issue as OP, when windows are dry, all is good. When windows are wet, they squeal like crazy. I brought it back to the shop where I initially had it done for a possible seal adjustment and this is what happened. They showed me the inside of the window compartment which is extremely tight. What happens is when the felt liner in the compartment gets wet, it swells up, making it even tighter with the tint on it which is why it squeals. The only solution from what they told me is to remove the tint or you just have to live with it since extra space is just not there to make the seal wider. 
 
Btw any other alternatives to Plexus cause it seems to be out of stock pretty much everywhere. 

Also please hit the tip jar for @TintDude or sign up for a premium sub. Without his effort we wouldn't be able to share any of this. He's a great host and puts in alot of effort to keep us live.

 
(Yes that's a shameless plug, I have no shame : )

The attached picture should be enlarged, framed and hung on a wall where you discuss the cost with your clients.

My first two years were as you describe. Didn't have the internet in 1980 so it was more about networking related industry and getting a PT job in the evening. I was available 8-4 during the day 6 days a week and PT'd at a side job 5-9, 5 days a week.
 
Right around the two year mark my word of mouth reputation began paying off big time; to the point of quitting my PT job and doing only tint. From there I expanded into doing flat glass. One feeds the other (auto/flat)
 
Signs placed roadside around town were against ordinances so that avenue wasn't much help to me.
 
Dramatic price increases can negatively impact sales. Try smaller incremental increases. Yeah, it doesn't help your dire straights in the immediate, but it does long term. You raised your price 25%. That has to be justified when someone comes asking and that can be a hard sell. Been there, done that, too.

My 2cents.

Yes!!!  The signs around town will help. 100%  
 
I was already established at a location with a partnership deal along side an auto accessories shop.  That partnership fell apart and I had to move to a different location and start over 100% on my own.  My new location was not very visible from the road and down off a side road.  This meant I had to put out signs and I had to go out and hand out business cards and pound the pavement to tell everyone where my new location was.   Of course FB adds on local pages that would allow me to do so helped, but mainly going around handing out cards and putting out signs on busy corners was the biggest thing. If your area will allow signs without taking them up after you put them out, I would definitely get some easy coroplast yard signs and stick them everywhere they will let you.  Go to every car show or craft event or whatever type of public gathering that will let you hand out cards.  These things will help more than you know. 
 
also I edited your post and tagged Dano for you.   

I hope everyone has a nice Christmas and a happy new year!

Merry Christmas to all on TD.

Merry Christmas to all of my TintDude family.  I hope everyone had a great day with family and friends.  
  

I hope everyone has a nice Christmas and a happy new year!

Merry Christmas y’all! 

The glass can vary by wild margins as well. Most of the time no two windows are the same on any vehicle. If you have access to a good meter you will be stunned at the readings.