Below Average Condition Interior (Up Charge)

My Detailing Guys

My Detailing Guys

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When I arrive to detail a client’s vehicle I’m amazed how many people think the interior starting price covers their Below Average or Extremely Below Average Condition vehicle. I’m also amazed how people let their vehicle’s interior get so trashed, it’s like they are driving in a garbage can.

I’m currently charging an hourly rate based on a guess of what the additional time required to clean the vehicle.

I’m wondering how you decide what to charge for these types of vehicles?

Does anyone have a formula approach, or is it just a guess?

Thanks,
Greg
 
My Detailing Guys said:
When I arrive to detail a client’s vehicle I’m amazed how many people think the interior starting price covers their Below Average or Extremely Below Average Condition vehicle. I’m also amazed how people let their vehicle’s interior get so trashed, it’s like they are driving in a garbage can.

I’m currently charging an hourly rate based on a guess of what the additional time required to clean the vehicle.

I’m wondering how you decide what to charge for these types of vehicles?

Does anyone have a formula approach, or is it just a guess?

Thanks,
Greg
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First, I make sure and tell the customer I work on an hourly basis so there will be no surprises for either of us

If the appointment is made by phone, I ask if they need the leather/carpets cleaned or just wiped down/vacumed. If they say just wiped down/vacumed, then I factor in 1 hour (or less) When I actually see the car and if what they said wasn't truthful, I skip the interior all together (unless I have time in my schedule) and tell them another appointment will need to be made

When someone says 'it's not that bad', plan on it being a wreck
 
Yep , it s always worst than what they say , as for selling cars ! lol
 
Id also like to know how other guys are approaching this problem. A lady straight lied to me on the phone the other day and told me her van was in good condition. When she arrived she admitted that she had been hauling a goat (like a pet) along with her four kids. I quoted her $200 interior alone after seeing it. I thought i could work quickly and finish in 6 hours. Nope! It took over 9. It looked awesome...no tip...no real genuine gratitude. Really, i got ripped off. I should have quoted nearly $300. It's just so hard to tell sometimes how difficult it's going to be.
 
Quote them accurately the first time so they can make a clear decision if they want to spend that much. Nothing pisses off the customer more than letting them know after they drop off the car that it would cost more.
 
Theo_Auto_Fines said:
Quote them accurately the first time so they can make a clear decision if they want to spend that much. Nothing pisses off the customer more than letting them know after they drop off the car that it would cost more.
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I agree, but sometimes, like in my case, the customer just outright lies about the condition of the vehicle over the phone. When the customer arrives you have to upcharge.
 
statusdetailing said:
Id also like to know how other guys are approaching this problem. A lady straight lied to me on the phone the other day and told me her van was in good condition. When she arrived she admitted that she had been hauling a goat (like a pet) along with her four kids. I quoted her $200 interior alone after seeing it. I thought i could work quickly and finish in 6 hours. Nope! It took over 9. It looked awesome...no tip...no real genuine gratitude. Really, i got ripped off. I should have quoted nearly $300. It's just so hard to tell sometimes how difficult it's going to be.
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A goat?!?!?!? :laughing:

Once I quote a price, I stick with it. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose

I can live without a tip, but the lack of gratitude always pisses me off
 
statusdetailing said:
Id also like to know how other guys are approaching this problem. A lady straight lied to me on the phone the other day and told me her van was in good condition. When she arrived she admitted that she had been hauling a goat (like a pet) along with her four kids. I quoted her $200 interior alone after seeing it. I thought i could work quickly and finish in 6 hours. Nope! It took over 9. It looked awesome...no tip...no real genuine gratitude. Really, i got ripped off. I should have quoted nearly $300. It's just so hard to tell sometimes how difficult it's going to be.
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I absolutely despise vans of any variety. I've detailed since 99 and could probably count on one hand how many I've done that were in decent shape. I swear if I am ever financially comfortable enough I will never touch a van again.
 
I never give a quote for interior work over the phone all my prices are starting at. I tell the customer over the phone I can not give an accurate quote till I see the interior. I see some of your guys prices on interior and its way to cheap. I never trust a customer over the phone about their car ever.
 
Theo_Auto_Fines said:
Quote them accurately the first time so they can make a clear decision if they want to spend that much. Nothing pisses off the customer more than letting them know after they drop off the car that it would cost more.
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I agree...once I make a quote I honor it. I know I wouldn't want someone to keep increasing the price at every turn.

Flash Gordon said:
A goat?!?!?!? :laughing:

Once I quote a price, I stick with it. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose

I can live without a tip, but the lack of gratitude always pisses me off
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:iagree::iagree::iagree::iagree:

jmfp said:
I absolutely despise vans of any variety. I've detailed since 99 and could probably count on one hand how many I've done that were in decent shape. I swear if I am ever financially comfortable enough I will never touch a van again.
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Honda Odyssey's are always trashed beyond belief. They have nice interior's and the parents let their kids use it like it's a coloring book. I had one lady tell me after spending 7 hours cleaning just the interior her kids would have it trashed in 2-3 weeks. I thought to myself "Control your kids!", but I politely said, "call me"!

statusdetailing said:
I agree, but sometimes, like in my case, the customer just outright lies about the condition of the vehicle over the phone. When the customer arrives you have to upcharge.
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:iagree:

statusdetailing said:
Id also like to know how other guys are approaching this problem. A lady straight lied to me on the phone the other day and told me her van was in good condition. When she arrived she admitted that she had been hauling a goat (like a pet) along with her four kids. I quoted her $200 interior alone after seeing it. I thought i could work quickly and finish in 6 hours. Nope! It took over 9. It looked awesome...no tip...no real genuine gratitude. Really, i got ripped off. I should have quoted nearly $300. It's just so hard to tell sometimes how difficult it's going to be.
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LMAO Now it would have been creepy if it was some guy driving around with the goat!

Pureshine said:
I never give a quote for interior work over the phone all my prices are starting at. I tell the customer over the phone I can not give an accurate quote till I see the interior. I see some of your guys prices on interior and its way to cheap. I never trust a customer over the phone about their car ever.
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I do the same. Have you looked at my pricing? What do you consider cheap? Most people I've dealt with seem to be willing to pay top $$$ out of shame.

sproketser said:
Lucky man then ! Exceptions I guess mate .
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Yes, should have played the lotto that day! :xyxthumbs:
 
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