Re: Advice for someone considering a mobile detaling side hustle!!!
Here's my best advice, first thing, come up with your Service Menu at least 3 packages or "items" on the menu.
Why?
Because you want to practice, the old tired and true approach of having something for everyone. Some people just want a basic wash and wax. They don't know what a ceramic coating is and won't pay for it for their car. Some people have something that's "cool" to them and want the best you have to offer. And some will fall in the middle.
So at a MINIMUM - create a MENU that includes 3 packages you can offer and then give them a name and list what they include.
Above all - keep it simple. Don't make your customer WORK at figuring out how to do business with you.
Some guys come up with fancy marketing names for their packages like,
Platinum Package
Gold Package
Silver Package
5 Star Package
4 Star Package
3 Star Package
Me? I keep it more simple,
Package 1
Package 2
Package 3
Then list what's included in the package using a bulleted list.
Package 1
- Wash and dry
- Clay
- Machine wax
- Dress tires
- Clean glass
Price: $000.00
The above is for outside only. If you want to include the interior in each package you can also do that or make it a separate menu item.
Look at the menus on competitor's facebook pages and websites. DO NOT COPY THEM - but do learn from them.
Take advise from those on this forum that are already successful.
Mike I've found this advice to be very helpful.
Actually when customers come to my they typically say something like, "I need a full detail.", or "I just need my interior done." Then they may name off a couple of their concerns on the exterior.
"I need a full detail." Is pretty vague. This is where having my package established sets me apart from the pack. If they say, "I just want my interior done." I usually tell them I'd be happy to do that but it would be cheaper to purchase my Emerald Package, I would charge them $50 and hour for interior cleaning or what ever their single concern is.
Just like that one guy the other day. He told me, "All he needed was a wash and wax." I told him it was 50 bucks an hour and it would probably take me 3 hours, so that would be $150. He told me he'd think about it. I haven't heard back from him.
Here's a copy of my Emerald Package which is my cheapest package. It seems to be picking up popularity here and usually takes around 6-8 hours if I am careful about the jobs that I accept.
My next package that I roll out will be my Emerald Elite package which is my BF One Step package topped with BF Black Ice. This package will start out at $349 for a small vehicle. What I did on that Ford Focus is pretty close to the Emerald Elite Package.
My Ruby Package is my two step ceramic coating package. Then after that Diamond.
I initially started out by calling them package 1, package 2, Etc., but my friend who is pretty knowledgeable in sales informed me that based on his research is was better to have the, "fancy" names. So I named my packages after gemstones.
One thing I've found is that my Emerald Package is a great introductory package to customers that haven't had their car detailed before by me. It's cheap, but once they get the AUTOCLEAN treatment I believe I earn their trust and they come back for repeat business.
Thank you mike, your advice of having packages has been some of the best advice I've followed. The "Final Touch" is the placement of the microfiber towel and thank you card.
Emerald Package -
This package offers my most affordable pricing as well as the quickest return of your vehicle.
The Emerald package is also a great maintenance package.
Small - $109.00
Medium - $129.00
Large - $149.00
Extra Large - $159.00
The base Emerald Package includes -
Cleaning of the wheels, tires, and wheel wells.
A careful and meticulous wash of the vehicle with a premium quality wash product.
303 Touchless Sealant applied to the paint if no upgrades such as an iron decontamination and clay package are purchased.
If upgrades are purchased I will machine wax your vehicle with a wax that is matched to your paint color.
Excess water blown out of emblems, cracks, crevices, ETC.
All tires checked and inflated to correct PSI
Tires shined with Mckee’s 37 SiO2 Enhanced Tire Shine. This is a solvent free product that will not sling on to the paint, dries to the touch, and actually protects your tires sidewalls from cracking and turning brown.
Door jambs wiped out
Interior blown out with air and debris blown out from under the seats
A thorough vacuuming
Interior surfaces excluding storage compartments wiped down.
Control panels cleaned with micro vacuum attachments, brushes, and various techniques
Vents Cleaned
Interior surfaces dressed and protected with 303 Protectant.
A quick wipe of the sun visors with AMMO Shag to remove fingerprints or light dirt
Rubber and WeatherTech floor mats quickly scrubbed and sprayed off.
If you would like for me to give your floor mats more of a concours cleaning, then for an additional $9.99 I can machine scrub and protect your floor mats with the BLACKFIRE Mat Cleaner and Protectant this covers the extra cost of the product, will leave your floor mats protected without being slick, and keep them looking great!
Glass cleaned
Fragrance applied to inconspicuous areas of the vehicle unless specified otherwise.
After all of this the final inspection will be conducted and the, “Final Touch” will be installed
Thank you for placing your trust in AUTOCLEAN Detailing Services, your business is greatly appreciated.
