Pricing for Car Wash.

[Joe@NextLevelDetail]

$100 sounds great. Do you ever have a customer turn you down?

Notice how he put quotation marks on "car wash" because what we do isn't just a "car wash" its a detail.

So he doesn't just tell people they are getting a car wash, he tells them they are getting a detail because that's what they need!

A car wash to me is just a wash vacuum and glass cleaning.

Anything else clay bar, wax, stain removal, all purpose cleaner on vinyl leather, cleaning door jambs cleaning the barrel of the wheel that is a detail.

And some people expect you to do all of that for 20 dollars.

 

[AutowerxDetailing]

$100 sounds great. Do you ever have a customer turn you down?

Most people who don't book just don't want to wait to get on the schedule. I'm usually booked out about a month in advance so most people who just want a "wash" don't want to wait that long. And some do not understand the value in caring for their vehicle properly. I'm not competing in the low-price car wash market so I don't really worry about it. I just refer them to the local tunnel wash or shops down the street who will wash, clay, and install holograms for $99 (or $50 with a Groupon!).

 

[AutowerxDetailing]

Notice how he put quotation marks on "car wash" because what we do isn't just a "car wash" its a detail.

So he doesn't just tell people they are getting a car wash, he tells them they are getting a detail because that's what they need!

It's funny you say that because I tell people all the time I need to change the name of our basic exterior wash service. I call it a "VIP Wash" but it really is so much more than just a car wash. Snow foam pre-soak, 2BM hand wash, wheels (faces, barrels, behind the spokes, calipers, etc.), wells, tires, jambs, fuel door, light engine bay cleaning, polish exhaust tips, pretty much everywhere a normal "car wash" misses is what we address. Plus everything is topped off with Hydro2 so literally ALL areas of the exterior are protected with a premium sealant. I even offer a free loaner car for my regular clients to go to Starbucks, or visit the gym, or whatever while they wait for their car to get cleaned.

 

[Jomax]

Most people who don't book just don't want to wait to get on the schedule. I'm usually booked out about a month in advance so most people who just want a "wash" don't want to wait that long. And some do not understand the value in caring for their vehicle properly. I'm not competing in the low-price car wash market so I don't really worry about it. I just refer them to the local tunnel wash or shops down the street who will wash, clay, and install holograms for $99 (or $50 with a Groupon!).

That price doesn't include interior? Great price btw!

 

[2pennies]

Lets do some math.
lets say you average 1.5 hours per vehicle.
9 hour day you could do 6 vehicles a day if they were lined up and you did not stop.
At $25 you make $150 a day.
Subtract your costs of chemicals and cleaning your towels etc.. and that's not enough IMHO to call it a living. You would be working yourself to death. As far as the guy being shocked at the price; did he think it was too much, or too little?
I'm just starting out, but for exterior only I start at $65. Those who think that is too much are not the clientele I'm targeting.

lol we've got $25 handwashes and $65 handwashes. Now i'm beginning to question myself here....what in the world justifies nearly 70 bucks for a handwash.

$25 is closer to my price point for a basic handwash. You must be doing something absolutely fantastic to retain business at that price. What's your secret and please teach us.

 

[2pennies]

People get so used to go through a automatic car wash they don't realize that their car is still filthy after.

Not to mention the tires and wheels are not even close to clean.

To properly clean wheels and tires that process alone can take up to 1 hour depending on how bad it is.

Washing a car properly is not a 5 minute process.

25$ is a bargain, you can go through a automatic car wash and spend up to $3 for "hot shine wax" and "undercarriage shine" and the car will still be filthy.

There is nothing you can do, people must appreciate what you do and understand.

The automatic car wash person that once and a while wants a hand car wash will always be shocked at your prices.

But my personal favorite is the guys that come and just want me to clean the inside of their cars with no outside washing, i guess they feel they will get the inside done and go to the $3 automatic car wash. However if their really concerned about saving $17 on a high quality car wash that is not going to scratch and degrade your paint. Sometimes you can't win.

Well said.

For me, if someone prefers the auto wash for cheap, I tell them come back in a couple months right after you've gone through it and I will show them the swirls and dirt in the areas that detailers know require more work than these car washes can perform. Once you allow them to see the damage and waste, their perspective on the value of caring for their car changes.

Once you've explained the steps, they begin to see that they are being given a very affordable price on hard work.

 

[Jeremy1976]

Communicating and explaining is essential to customers. No drive thru car wash will ever compare with a good hand wash.

And a PDQ is using the same towels and mitts on your car that they used on the last 50 cars that came through.
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[Jeremy1976]

I could whip out a good hand wash in about an hour. That would include 2 bucket, foam, dried using high quality drying towel and lubricant, quick APC wipe down of interior, light vacuum, tires and wheels dressed. I wouldn't consider doing what I just listed for anything under $60.

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[Jeremy1976]

100% of my customers want a full detail including decontamination and clay.

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[Eric@CherryOnTop]

80 bucks is the lowest I will take a car in for. Wash and seal exterior, wheels/tires, exterior glass, brightwork and trim. Takes me between 1 and 2 hours. I purposely price out the cheepos shopping for the lowest price.

 

[GSKR]

Just can't compete with tunnel washes they give a 48 hr rain check,and a decent job for 17.00 that's what the public wants.cheap fast and now can't compete.

 

[Jomax]

Just can't compete with tunnel washes they give a 48 hr rain check,and a decent job for 17.00 that's what the public wants.cheap fast and now can't compete.

I don't go after those guys anyway. But I agree on the rain check, doesn't help us.

 

[Jomax]

agreed, how do you cover costs?

I'm in the minority. I charge 100$ for an SUV (Think black Lincoln Navigator)
When mobile
-I do a RW with Uber (this leaves protection behind)

- tires/wheel wells are cleaned and dressed

- ALL bugs/tar is removed

- if there's a small scratch somewhere that's new I'll remove it by hand(super simple to do and the clients LOVE it) I'm talking about a light scratch btw

- windows are wiped down

- door jams are cleaned to perfection with Uber WW

- interior is wiped down with an interior cleaner with UV Protection EVERYWHERE

- leather is cleaned with a leather cleaner/conditioner

- carpet is vacuumed 100%

- all interior Windows wiped down


In the end it looks better then it was brand new.



For mobile washing I only have 4 clients, 2 are weekly, and two bi weekly.


For Sedans I charge 75$

 

[Cruzscarwash]

I'm in the minority. I charge 100$ for an SUV (Think black Lincoln Navigator)
When mobile
-I do a RW with Uber (this leaves protection behind)

- tires/wheel wells are cleaned and dressed

- ALL bugs/tar is removed

- if there's a small scratch somewhere that's new I'll remove it by hand(super simple to do and the clients LOVE it) I'm talking about a light scratch btw

- windows are wiped down

- door jams are cleaned to perfection with Uber WW

- interior is wiped down with an interior cleaner with UV Protection EVERYWHERE

- leather is cleaned with a leather cleaner/conditioner

- carpet is vacuumed 100%

- all interior Windows wiped down


In the end it looks better then it was brand new.



For mobile washing I only have 4 clients, 2 are weekly, and two bi weekly.


For Sedans I charge 75$

What leather cleaner/conditioer and uv protection do you use? I'm looking for some atm

 

[Jomax]

What leather cleaner/conditioer and uv protection do you use? I'm looking for some atm

This is for the leather cleaner with a bit of protection.

http://www.autogeek.net/hide-soft-leather-cleaner.html


For the interior, I've always used Meguiars Quik interior detailer. I try to find something that's safe for ALL surfaces, leaves some sort of protection behind, and have a Matte finish. All of my clients HATE shiny interiors.


Just recently ordered a gallon of Chemical guys Inner clean to try out.

The smell is great (pineapple) vs Meg's QID.

One thing I hate and which is what might make me stop using it, is the color. It's yellow.. I used to be able to spray down a panel with Meg's QID because it was clear. I'm afraid the inner clean with stain if left somewhere in light colors. (if I'd miss a spot while wiping and it drys).

Maybe I'm being overly cautious.


Inner clean and Meg's QID is also safe for leather and makes a great leather cleaner.

 

[Jeremy1976]

This is for the leather cleaner with a bit of protection.

http://www.autogeek.net/hide-soft-leather-cleaner.html


For the interior, I've always used Meguiars Quik interior detailer. I try to find something that's safe for ALL surfaces, leaves some sort of protection behind, and have a Matte finish. All of my clients HATE shiny interiors.


Just recently ordered a gallon of Chemical guys Inner clean to try out.

The smell is great (pineapple) vs Meg's QID.

One thing I hate and which is what might make me stop using it, is the color. It's yellow.. I used to be able to spray down a panel with Meg's QID because it was clear. I'm afraid the inner clean with stain if left somewhere in light colors. (if I'd miss a spot while wiping and it drys).

Maybe I'm being overly cautious.


Inner clean and Meg's QID is also safe for leather and makes a great leather cleaner.

You will like Inner Clean!

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[Jomax]

You will like Inner Clean!

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Other then the staining of the color. It seems to work well. Doesn't clean Nav screens as well as Meg's QID though.

 

[aztec1987]

Currently I am going through some personal event with my parents in which I use to do my own washes and detailing on my personal cars. Last year I had to move to a different apartment in which now I do not have the space to do my own washes but I do take it here and there to a coin car wash in where I take my own equipment, just there to use the washer. This past week I just had a guy come to my job where he charges $20 for SUV and $15 for regular. Paid the man $20 + $5 tip, to be honest it is not a bad of a price but of course I did not expected a really good job to be done.

 

[Hoytman]

Wash, clay, cleaner wax, dress all exposed rubber, wipe door jambs and dress the rubber seals, dress all trim, clean and dress tires, wheels, and wells, all exterior glass. For $25 more I will do a light interior detail.
I am mobile so convenience factors into that price.

... 65.00 is a bargain for all that work

I could not agree more, that is a great bargain. IF (big if) the detailer is willing to do all of that for that amount and he can make money after cleaning all his towels, mobile/shop, then I'm fine with that, it's a great bargain for the customer.

I can't figure why or even how anyone could, let alone would want, to do all that work for that price.

1. You could charge at least $85 make more money for yourself and still be giving the customer a super-duper deal.

2. You're not helping detailers across the board charging that price for said amount of work.

How long are you working on say, a 4door sedan, or super cab truck/quad cab?

 

[jeepbrew]

This is for the leather cleaner with a bit of protection.

http://www.autogeek.net/hide-soft-leather-cleaner.html


For the interior, I've always used Meguiars Quik interior detailer. I try to find something that's safe for ALL surfaces, leaves some sort of protection behind, and have a Matte finish. All of my clients HATE shiny interiors.


Just recently ordered a gallon of Chemical guys Inner clean to try out.

The smell is great (pineapple) vs Meg's QID.

One thing I hate and which is what might make me stop using it, is the color. It's yellow.. I used to be able to spray down a panel with Meg's QID because it was clear. I'm afraid the inner clean with stain if left somewhere in light colors. (if I'd miss a spot while wiping and it drys).

Maybe I'm being overly cautious.


Inner clean and Meg's QID is also safe for leather and makes a great leather cleaner.

Inner Clean is awesome. You'll like it. I've never had an issue with staining, but I've never let it sit.