Yet another Price & Package Critique

Kristopher1129 said:
I agree. My overall thoughts were that your prices are low. Be careful with those lower packages that only make you $60-$100 for 3-5 hours worth of work. That's not enough to keep you above water IMO. I try to always make about $50 an hour or more. A lot of times it comes out to be more than that. Cause if someone comes in and wants $50 worth of work...I sure as hell am not even spending an hour on it. Just not worth it to me when there's a customer willing to pay $350 just behind it.

But then again, I have a shop...so maybe that's where my change of rate falls into play. I guess if you're just mobile then it's different cause you don't worry about rent, electrical, etc.

I know for me...I've heavily considered scrapping those lower packages all together. Mainly because peoples expectations are always WAY too high for the service. For example, you say for the Bronze Package that you do a "wipe down". What you consider a wipe down, and what someone else considers a wipe down...are two DRASTICALLY different things.

Those low packages can be a headache. Especially when you just want to do your best for each customer...but they only purchase these mediocre services. I find myself biting the bullet on those lower quality services quite a bit. People want the Diamond Package for the price of the Bronze. But they'd rather order the Bronze, then ##### till you give them a Diamond, ha.

Just trying to give you some insight on what you'll be dealing with for those lower services. I have been more than serious about tossing them out completely.
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I completely understand wanting to do your best job and having the conflict of the client ordering a mediocre service. That was one thing that was in the back of my mind.

I know I would much rather do a full=fledged service, but I would think that a nice package with the polisher and all might be few and far between, thus that's why I made small packages so I could actually get some business!

It's very possible now that I will just scratch those and see how things go. If I don't get some business I will add them accordingly.

Thanks for the advice Im the MAN


sullysdetailing said:
You can use my packages that's fine just don't copy and paste them :)

Also give everything a starting price but don't give a maximum price. Because one full interior and 1 step on the exterior might take you x amount of hours on one vehicle and x amount on another. Tell them a bass price and give them the final price when you see the vehicle.

You should be able to gage how long it will take you to do the vehicle.

For example I won't to make $40 an hour whether I'm washing a car or correcting it so I make sure that I quote the job right.

If you want to make 30 an hour and cap let's say the silver package is capped at 100 but you get a litter F-350 that takes you 5 hours you just lost 50 bux by putting a cap to your prices. If you have a starting price and no end price it is much easier for you to make the money you want on the job

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I feel kinda bad now :( I tried to edit it, but I will continue to do so, so it won't be exactly like yours. Plagiarism was not my intention, I'm sorry.

I think you are on the same boat as RTexasF where it's better to leave the upper end open due to the large variety of conditions the vehicles can and will come in. This makes perfect sense.

I was going to ask how I would know when I see the vehicle how long it will take, but I guess once I get going I will get a feel for how long each process takes. For this, how do you calculate it. I am guessing you gauge how many hours and you multiply that by however much you want to make per hour. Is this correct?

Once again thanks for your help and sorry I stole your nice little layout!

:buffing:
 
maximus20895 said:
I completely understand wanting to do your best job and having the conflict of the client ordering a mediocre service. That was one thing that was in the back of my mind.

I know I would much rather do a full=fledged service, but I would think that a nice package with the polisher and all might be few and far between, thus that's why I made small packages so I could actually get some business!

It's very possible now that I will just scratch those and see how things go. If I don't get some business I will add them accordingly.

Thanks for the advice Im the MAN
Click to expand...

I understand where you're coming from. A mistake a lot of people make when they first get into detailing...is that they think they'll do more of cheaper packages than the more expensive ones. You'll see very quickly that it's actually the opposite. I do far more of my Silver, and Gold Packages than I do my Bronze and lower.

In fact, probably about 95% of my business is my Silver Package and higher. I rarely do a Bronze, or a "Spruce up" as I call it. I think if someone is willing to drop off their vehicle for a detailing...they just assume they might as well get an actual detailing instead of something they could do themselves.

Good luck to you man, I hope you succeed! :xyxthumbs:
 
I just never thought there was a big market for it, but I think your theory about since the car is already there makes sense.

Thanks for your help!

Now, I just need to find a company name!
 
I can't find out how edit a post, but my company name is First Class Detailing and the website is FCDetailing.com

I'm not sure if I should advertise as fcdetailing or First Class Detailing. I was trying to make it maximum****** since my name is Max. I was just going to play off that, but oh well.

If you find a name that includes Max please don't tell me because I would just get mad. :)
 
Take it from an older guy who's been around the block a few times... You have way too many offerings. You're not running a Macdonalds. Nobody wants to read a book of options most of which they have no idea what you are talking about especially soccer moms who are probably going to be your most important customers. They only care about having a nice shiny car. That's it. Think like your customers not like a detailer. Offer a basic wash, and wax including cleaning the interior. At this point in your career the money is in daily drivers not the elite car buff with the BMW or Porsche. Your best customers are women who just want a nice shiny car. Once you get established then play around with more offerings. For now keep it simple Simon. KISS.
 
Once you get going and have done a few car you will know how long it will take you (most of the time) some job you will have no idea. Like the Camaro SSI just did I had no idea. I told the car I did something similar on a different car and it took me 10 hour, his took me 15. But for the most part you should know
 
Thanks everyone! I'm working on it right now. I want to get started!

Edit:

I think I am going to have something that looks like the following:


  • Gold package or similar which cleans interior, but doesn't bring out the polisher
  • Then an AIO - No interior
  • Multi-step - No interior
  • Full Interior Detail
  • Multi-step and Interior detail
  • New car
I hope this would work :confused: I guess if they wanted the interior cleaned I could add some sort of interior add on package.

Any thoughts? :bowdown:
 
Last edited:
Random idea, I think another member already mentioned it, but why not do what the customer wants. I've thought about that. I'm in the same situation trying to do some detailing on the side of my job while I finish up college.

Just give the customers the most info possible about what you can do to their vehicles. Then let them make an informed decision based on what they want from you. When they make their own package, have an estimate ready (by adding the longest possible time it will take to complete the job). Do not charge more than the estimate even if it takes you longer than you first though. But if it takes less, deduct that amount of labor from the estimate. This is what I have been giving thought to.

I'm trying to compile a list right now of how much it cost and how long it takes to complete tasks in general. That way I can write down what clients want and quickly come up with a quote.
 
Yea, I might do something like that or just add some wordage that states that they can customize a package if none fits their needs.

You live in Tennessee, go to college and are starting a detailing business..sounds exactly like me! Where do you live and go to college?
 
maximus20895 said:
I am just doing this on the side. I am 22 (in 4 days) so I am not in dire need of the money, but once again I don't want to sell myself short. My age is another thing I think plays a role in the pricing. I would think that a client would not suspect I am as good or whatnot as older people and possibly few me in a different light. This should change after I impress people with results.
Click to expand...

:rant:Your age shouldn't matter... People that are going to discriminate against you because "your too young" are not people that you need as customers... You are worth more than your age! You need to be firm on this! If you are not then what are these people going to do to the next 22yo that provides GREAT service?

Basically DON'T SELL YOURSELF SHORT!!!:rant:

On the other note... I think all of the above advise is great and I think that you are doing good by taking it as that!
:buffing: ON!
 
maximus20895 said:
Yea, I might do something like that or just add some wordage that states that they can customize a package if none fits their needs.

You live in Tennessee, go to college and are starting a detailing business..sounds exactly like me! Where do you live and go to college?
Click to expand...

Live in Clarksville and attend Austin Peay. I work at Arby's right now.

I'm going to try and start out small with this detailing stuff until word of mouth gets out. Hopefully I start getting steady business by the end of summer. I'd like to get into correction work by next summer if I can get a business license and insurance (I do not want to take any chances).

It's cool to see younger people start their own business. Where I live, people our age (18-24) are constantly talking about getting jobs with the government, or have "pot" dreams and thinking they will be rich and famous sans hard work.
 
I am majoring in entrepreneurship. This is just a side job for fun and some extra cash. I'm planning on retiring by 30-35.
 
CrownKote said:
:rant:Your age shouldn't matter... People that are going to discriminate against you because "your too young" are not people that you need as customers... You are worth more than your age! You need to be firm on this! If you are not then what are these people going to do to the next 22yo that provides GREAT service?

Basically DON'T SELL YOURSELF SHORT!!!:rant:

On the other note... I think all of the above advise is great and I think that you are doing good by taking it as that!
:buffing: ON!
Click to expand...

Age shouldn't matter...you're right. But unfortunately, it does matter to a lot of people. In all reality, it's all about how you present yourself. If you just look like some kid stuffing equipment in his car and offering to come to your house and detail your vehicle...that will be tough.

Now, if you speak to a customer professionally, answer their questions with knowledge of the field, have business cards, brochures, examples of your work, have a nice detailing setup, etc. Then yes, age doesn't matter.

I am 29 years old, and got my business when I was 25 years old. I also look really young. I'm not gonna lie, and say that people don't look over my shoulder for someone else when I tell them I'm the owner. They still do it! People come in and look right past me all the time.

But, it really isn't about your age. Once they speak with me...they realize real quick that they've come to the right place. There's multiple reasons for that. I address them, speak with knowledge, direct them to the best service to suit their needs, book their appointment via my online booking program, send a confirmation email for their appointment, do a good job, and on top of all that...they see all the other work going on. They may immediately think of me as some kid. But, quicker than they made that assumption, they realize this is my business, I take it seriously, and that this is nothing new to me.

Just be professional, and make sure you absolutely know what you are doing and talking about. Otherwise it will bite you in the ass. Just remember...you're not selling your service most the time. You're selling yourself. If someone likes you as a person...they'll have no problem giving you business. That's just how it is. People like to feel that they are taken into consideration, and that is really all there is to it.
 
silverfox said:
Take it from an older guy who's been around the block a few times... You have way too many offerings. You're not running a Macdonalds. Nobody wants to read a book of options most of which they have no idea what you are talking about especially soccer moms who are probably going to be your most important customers. They only care about having a nice shiny car. That's it. Think like your customers not like a detailer. Offer a basic wash, and wax including cleaning the interior. At this point in your career the money is in daily drivers not the elite car buff with the BMW or Porsche. Your best customers are women who just want a nice shiny car. Once you get established then play around with more offerings. For now keep it simple Simon. KISS.
Click to expand...

I could not say it better!!!!!! Silverfox is right on. Make your packages simple and understandable to the average person who has no clue what a paint correction is. Most people don't know what a swirl is and are happy as long as it's clean and shiny.

I am sure that the time frames you have listed are way off because if it will take you 5 hours to make $100 then you will be two things: #1 disillusioned that you are working for nothing #2, out of business.

The worst feeling is to be doing a job and feel like you are not making enough money on it.

HOWEVER: I totally get that you want to entice business and you may be worried that you won't get enough business right away. I was there. remember, get paid what you are worth. It would be a mistake to build your business on low price point just to get the business. I think most people tend to see lower price to mean lower quality. Please don't worry about being higher than the next guy because you are not the next guy. Let someone else do do the 10 washes for $15 each killing thereselves (all black cars with 2" deep of dog hair with cherios and fingernails). you will get those but if you do good work, people will not have a problem paying a little extra for your service. They will also send their friends. These are the clients you want.

I know a guy who has a nice shiny red corvette and he scoffed at $70 for a wash/wax & vac package I offer. he takes his car to the $10 wash place next to the 7-11... he thinks it's just fine and for him it pobably is. I will never be his detailer and that's okay because he's blind to all the swirls he gets each time.. My point is that if you are a PRO and do honest, quality work, then you WILL be successful. Remember this industry if chock full of fly-by-night side of the road yahoos and shady "detailers". This means it's not hard to shine just by doing the right thing.

I think you can be higher on your prices. Don't sell your work short.. customers will come.
 
Ted S. said:
Nice! I never want to retire.:)
Click to expand...

Why not? I would like to retire to do anything I want anytime I want. Everyday will be a Saturday to me.


Kristopher1129 said:
Age shouldn't matter...you're right. But unfortunately, it does matter to a lot of people. In all reality, it's all about how you present yourself. If you just look like some kid stuffing equipment in his car and offering to come to your house and detail your vehicle...that will be tough.

Now, if you speak to a customer professionally, answer their questions with knowledge of the field, have business cards, brochures, examples of your work, have a nice detailing setup, etc. Then yes, age doesn't matter.

I am 29 years old, and got my business when I was 25 years old. I also look really young. I'm not gonna lie, and say that people don't look over my shoulder for someone else when I tell them I'm the owner. They still do it! People come in and look right past me all the time.

But, it really isn't about your age. Once they speak with me...they realize real quick that they've come to the right place. There's multiple reasons for that. I address them, speak with knowledge, direct them to the best service to suit their needs, book their appointment via my online booking program, send a confirmation email for their appointment, do a good job, and on top of all that...they see all the other work going on. They may immediately think of me as some kid. But, quicker than they made that assumption, they realize this is my business, I take it seriously, and that this is nothing new to me.

Just be professional, and make sure you absolutely know what you are doing and talking about. Otherwise it will bite you in the ass. Just remember...you're not selling your service most the time. You're selling yourself. If someone likes you as a person...they'll have no problem giving you business. That's just how it is. People like to feel that they are taken into consideration, and that is really all there is to it.
Click to expand...

To clear things up, I am working out of my garage and I do not have any employees other than myself. He's the best I've hired. Im the MAN

Thanks for this knowledge. I am trying to be as professional as possible in order to obtain the clients I want.

I'm also interested in you online booking program. :)

catfish07 said:
I could not say it better!!!!!! Silverfox is right on. Make your packages simple and understandable to the average person who has no clue what a paint correction is. Most people don't know what a swirl is and are happy as long as it's clean and shiny.

I am sure that the time frames you have listed are way off because if it will take you 5 hours to make $100 then you will be two things: #1 disillusioned that you are working for nothing #2, out of business.

The worst feeling is to be doing a job and feel like you are not making enough money on it.

HOWEVER: I totally get that you want to entice business and you may be worried that you won't get enough business right away. I was there. remember, get paid what you are worth. It would be a mistake to build your business on low price point just to get the business. I think most people tend to see lower price to mean lower quality. Please don't worry about being higher than the next guy because you are not the next guy. Let someone else do do the 10 washes for $15 each killing thereselves (all black cars with 2" deep of dog hair with cherios and fingernails). you will get those but if you do good work, people will not have a problem paying a little extra for your service. They will also send their friends. These are the clients you want.

I know a guy who has a nice shiny red corvette and he scoffed at $70 for a wash/wax & vac package I offer. he takes his car to the $10 wash place next to the 7-11... he thinks it's just fine and for him it pobably is. I will never be his detailer and that's okay because he's blind to all the swirls he gets each time.. My point is that if you are a PRO and do honest, quality work, then you WILL be successful. Remember this industry if chock full of fly-by-night side of the road yahoos and shady "detailers". This means it's not hard to shine just by doing the right thing.

I think you can be higher on your prices. Don't sell your work short.. customers will come.
Click to expand...

I think I will raise my prices, I live in probably the nicest, highest class places in Knoxville so I believe people will be able to afford what I charge as well as appreciate the quality of work that I achieve with each car. My company is called First Class Detailing for a reason so I would like my prices and work to reflect that.

I am working on editing and cutting some packages right now so I will post them up tonight!
 
maximus20895 said:
To clear things up, I am working out of my garage and I do not have any employees other than myself. He's the best I've hired. Im the MAN

Thanks for this knowledge. I am trying to be as professional as possible in order to obtain the clients I want.

I'm also interested in you online booking program. :)
Click to expand...

Yeah, I understand that. The principles are still the same. You can have a busy shop, employees, and all the equipment in the world....and it still boils down to how you present yourself. You can go from working out of your garage part time, to having a shop and working full time very quickly if it's done right.

The online program I use is Genbook.com. It costs $20 a month, and you can always have your schedule on hand from any computer. Also, it will automatically collect customer info and save it to your contacts. It even sends out customer appointment reminders via email, and review requests. That site has been a VERY handy tool for me.

Genbook may not be the best thing for you at the moment since there's a monthly charge for it. But, for someone just starting out...you could easily get by using something as simple as Google Calendar if you wanted something free.
 
Here is an edited version. I cut out the bronze and silver packages and renamed the packages accordingly. I now think the prices are too high so I would like input on that as well as estimated times.

Another thing I was concerned with is that the new silver package is the same price as the Full Exterior Detail..the difference is that nothing will be done to the interior,but the trade off is you get more corrected paint. Should I add an engine detail to the Full Exterior Detail or what? Any help on these topics?

Here is the price list:

Price List

Bronze Package – Begins at $200 for compact or midsize vehicles
Large vehicles begin at $220

• Hand wash (2 bucket method)
• Door jambs cleaned including the trunk, hood, and gas doors.
• Wheels are cleaned
• Tires dressed
• Wheel wells are cleaned and dressed
• Exhaust tips polished
• Interior is vacuumed and wiped down
• Windows cleaned
• All rubber and plastic trim is dressed with UV protectant
• Interior carpets are shampooed 1
• Dash is dressed with UV protectant
• Leather is cleaned and conditioned
• 1 layer of paint sealant or wax is applied (1-2 months of protection)
• *Please add an additional $10-20 in the case the vehicle is really dirty

Service takes about 7 -9 hours 4


Silver Package – Begins at $300 for compact or midsize vehicles
Large vehicles begin at $330

• Hand wash (2 bucket method)
• Door jambs cleaned including the trunk, hood, and gas doors.
• Wheels are cleaned
• Tires dressed
• Wheel wells are cleaned and dressed
• Exhaust tips polished
• Paint is clayed to remove contaminants
• Paint is polished to remove light oxidation, minor swirls and scratches
• Interior is vacuumed and wiped down
• Windows cleaned
• All rubber and plastic trim is dressed with UV protectant
• Interior carpets are shampooed 1
• Dash is dressed with UV protectant
• Leather is cleaned and conditioned
• 1 layer of paint sealant or wax is applied (1-2 months of protection)
• *Please add an additional $10-20 in the case the vehicle is really dirty

Service takes about 10 -14 hours 4
 
Gold Package - Begins at $375 for compact or midsize vehicles
Large vehicles begin at $400

• Hand wash (2 bucket method)
• Door jambs cleaned including the trunk, hood, and gas doors.
• Wheels are cleaned
• Tires dressed
• Wheel wells are cleaned and dressed
• Exhaust tips polished
• Paint is clayed to remove contaminants
• Paint receives multi-step correction to ensure defects are removed 2
• Interior is vacuumed and wiped down
• Windows cleaned
• All door jambs and jambs will be polished and sealed
• All rubber and plastic trim is dressed with UV protectant
• Interior carpets are shampooed 1
• Dash is dressed with UV protectant
• Leather is cleaned and conditioned
• Engine bay is cleaned and dressed 3
• 1 layer of paint sealant or wax is applied (4-6 months of protection)

Service takes about 12 -16 hours 4

Full Exterior Detail – Begins at $300 for compact or midsize vehicles
Large vehicles begin at $330

• Hand wash (2 bucket method)
• Door jambs cleaned including the trunk, hood, and gas doors.
• Wheels are cleaned
• Tires dressed
• Wheel wells are cleaned and dressed
• Exhaust tips are polished
• Paint is clayed to remove contaminants
• Paint receives multi-step correction to ensure defects are removed 2
• Windows cleaned
• All door jambs and jambs will be polished and sealed
• 1 layer of paint sealant is applied (4-6 months of protection)
• 1 layer of wax is added on top of the paint sealant to provide for a deep gloss

Service takes about 10 -12 hours 4

Full Interior Detail – Begins at $150 for compact or midsize vehicles
Large vehicles begin at $180

• Interior is vacuumed, wiped down and thoroughly cleaned
• Windows cleaned
• Carpets are shampooed 1
• Dash is dressed with UV protectant
• Leather is cleaned and conditioned

Service takes about 4-6 hours 4


1 – Some stains may not be removable
2 – Some defects may be too severe to be safely removed
3 – Engine cleaning will require a signed wavier
4 – Actual time will vary according to vehicles condition
 
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