15+ hour interior detail for less than $100

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Maestro Sam

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Hey Guys,
Been receiving a lot of PMs about how am I able to dedicate many hours on one vehicle, and only the interior itself?
The reason behind it is when I first started detailing, I did know how to price things well. I did not have a platform "website" and also did not have a reputation. When I posted my prices on craigslist, it was between $30-80 dollars for a full interior and exterior including paint correction which sometimes took upwards of 20 to 50+ hours depending what needed to be done on the car. Also, I did not think that I could charge the prices that other shops had quoted because I was simply doing this out of my garage without a reputation. After a couple of years of working my ass off trying to get my reputation up and working 50+ hours a week to earn less than $200 a week, I decided that I needed to make a website and show people the work and dedication I put into cars. Even before the website, I stopped posting my ads on craigslist and customers were still reaching out to me because of the reputation I built working on trashed cars and making them look a whole lot better for a great price. These customers became repeats and are still repeats even when my prices shot up.

Still, sometimes I still work on trashed cars for minimum pay just like this car Link: Maestro Auto Detailing | Auto Detailing in Montgomery County, PA
The reason why is because sometimes I don't want to lose that piece of myself who worked on dirty cars and became the reputational detailer that I am today. Without working on these cars, I would probably not have the same dedication and passion I have for all cars, even trashed cars, like today. I have learned to master my skills working on these poor state cars and still strive to become a better detailer by working on more difficult cars. Sure I work on nice cars but sometimes you need to change things up a bit and work on other cars that are in bad condition. Sometimes money is important, but sometimes you must give back and go beyond to be recognized by others, leading to more referrals and recognition.
I know it's a long text but my point is, do something extra for others and those that appreciate your work will take care of you.

I first started out detailing for beyond minimum wage---> now I am booked and charge what I am worth ---> a lot of word of mouth spread and a lot of investors are trying to partner up with me ---> hopefully this year I will open up a multimillion dollar car wash/detail shop.

That's all folks, hope you take something from this!

If you guys are bored here is a link long time ago of a car that I did for less than $50. The car took over 15+ hours for a full interior and exterior (wash&wax) Maestro Auto Detailing | Auto Detailing in Montgomery County, PA
Here is another blog doing a full interior including human vomit clean up for less than $50 Maestro Auto Detailing | Auto Detailing in Montgomery County, PA

I am proud of my work even if I did not get paid well so I have them on my site! Hope you enjoy!
 
How do you pay your bills? You worked 40 hrs on that van and only got how much? You could have got a job at McDonald's and made way more then that ... I hope you boost you prices .
 
Your work looks exceptional dont be afraid to demand a good price for it.
 
Nice work. The rest I won't comment on since it's your business.
 
awesome story. looks like you are still working out of your garage? any plans to move to a shop?
 
Your story is in some ways like mine. I charge about half of what I think my work is worth because I'm a teenager doing this on the side and nobody is going to pay a teenager what I think my work is actually worth. And I also haven't been doing this as long as you have.

I also do it because the end result also looks a whole lot better when the customer doesn't have to shell out much money. This tends to result in more referrals and word of mouth

Nice work! Good luck with your future work!
 
People who are giving you their cars to clean for those prices ought to feel ashamed to give you so little for all the hard work you do. Your work is fantastic. Believe me, you are worth so much more than you charged.
 
Nice work. I've realized over time that undercutting work and charging low prices just to get jobs isn't the best tactic. On paper it seems so (wich I thought) but in the long run it isnt. Good work though and good luck on future endevours!
 
Your work is top notch! However, you need to realize that it's more than ok to charge what you are worth. If you want to go back to your roots, find a local mom in need and detail her car for free! it's a great feeling and will get you a ton of exposure on facebook/instagram!
 
Definitely top quality work.

Personally, I think you're doing yourself and the local detailing community a disservice. If your intent is to prevent future competition from getting experience by doing trashed cars for pennies, good job. But you're allowing people to take advantage of your skills and work ethic now. Your work is only as valuable to some people as you charge. And at $50 for a full detail, they'll likely trash the car again within 6 months thinking they can get it looking new for less than they pay their babysitter for a night. At some point you need to realize you've paid your dues and your time and expertise shouldn't be associated with Craigslist. I think you're well beyond that.
 
I just reread my previous comment and it came across a lot harsher than I meant. It was intended more as a compliment toward your skills than a rebuke. I'd suggest that if you want to revisit your roots once in a while, perhaps you could offer up your services at a charity auction. The people who attend those aren't generally meticulous about their cars like we are. And you'd be giving back to the community or a particular organization. Just my final two cents worth.

In the meantime, keep up the good work!
 
Really nice work. A shame you only made very little. I am from Montgomery county also
 
I think what the OP is saying is that he charges more now in line with what he should charge, but that from time to time, he takes on a charity case because it takes him back to his 'roots'.
 
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