Fairly new Detailer

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Abram86

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I started the first week of] Feb and so far I have made about 500.00 for the month including the week of bad winter weather. I have some questions. If I offer a wash and wax as a basic package would that includes tire dressing and door jambs? Here is what I offer so far.

Cars
Bronze
Basic wash and wax- 25.00
Silver
Bronze + vacuum+ Interior polish- 40.00
Gold
Bronze+ Carpet cleaning + Engine cleaning 65.00

Trucks
Bronze 30.00
Silver. 45.00
Gold. 75.00

Full size vehicles
Bronze. 40.00
Silver 60.00
Gold. 100.00
 
HD.Detailing said:
cheap prices!
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I dont want to go too high and scare customers away. There's another guy doing full detail for 50.00 on any vehicle. My town is a small one so I dont think there's much of a market for high priced services.
 
It can include what ever you want it to. The more you do for the customer, the more you should charge.
 
Abram86 said:
I dont want to go too high and scare customers away. There's another guy doing full detail for 50.00 on any vehicle. My town is a small one so I dont think there's much of a market for high priced services.
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Your going to run yourself out of business. There will always be other guys that offer dirt cheat details, I see it all the time. It's not your job to compete with those guys, because You can't! Show your customers why your rates are more, don't bad mouth the other guy but show them why he charges what he charges and why your better.
 
Welcome to Autogeek!

1. Do not clean door jambs with a basic wash.
2. Don't offer engine cleaning with prices that low. Most people don't want or care about it anyway. Those that do will be willing to pay extra to have it done.
3. Trucks should be considered full size vehicles! Most pick up trucks are as big or bigger than SUV's now days.

About the guy doing $50 details... don't be afraid of him or his pricing. A little time learning on the forums and you will be easily pumping out work superior to his.

For every person that goes to him because his details cost $50, there are 2 or 3 people with really nice cars that do NOT go to him because his details cost $50.

Are there other small towns nearby? Market to them also. Never let the competition set your prices. Your prices should be a combination of:

1. Your market
2. What you need to make a living
3. Your skill level as a detailer
 
Thanks Jamesboy for welcoming me. Rolo and VP you have offered great advice. I figured if I was to charge anymore than what I do then I would have to include work like clay barring the vehicle and so forth. I put on my page im running those prices until the end of Feb 28th. After that day prices will go up. I have yet to figure out how much more ill raise it. I dont know if I mentioned but im working out of my garage so im not a full fledged business yet. But at my prices I've already worked on about 10 vehicles so far.
 
You really should purchase Renny Doyle's book "How to Start a Home Detailing Business". It is helpful to everyone but seems like just the ticket for you.

Don't be shy about asking questions, that's what this forum is for!
 
Ill certainly look into it. I was wondering would I need some kind of insurance if im operating out of my home? How can I put my customers at ease that their vehicle is in good hands? Also I feel like a chubby kid in a candy shop lol. I see all kinds of useful info but i dont know where to start first!
 
I ran a special on pricing which is the prices I listed above and one customer liked the first job I did so he had me do his other 3 cars. Then I guess he passed word on facebook and the rest started coming in.
 
Ok, I live in Killeen, Tx. Your near abiline right?
If so maybe cater to some people there. With 10,000ppl that is small but there should be at least 5-10 people out of those 10k that want their car detailed every week. Here, there is a lot more competition. Lately it seems like everyone with a bucket and hose is advertising on CL. Just keep at it.
 
I know there's one other detailed that has been doing this for years but he does more advanced stuff and charges about 250.00 to 400.00.
 
check you library for the book. that were i went and got it. its a must read as it has some great business advice include setting prices marketing and everything else. must read!
 
Abram86 said:
I know there's one other detailed that has been doing this for years but he does more advanced stuff and charges about 250.00 to 400.00.
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But he stays in business despite the $50 guy being around.
I'm thinking the $50 guy isn't really your competition so much and that maybe you shouldn't compete to take his type of clients. Maybe work to get somewhere between the $50 and the $250-400 guy as soon as you can and build your skills and techniques from there. Then move to a bigger, more affluent area.
 
Awesome book! Should be the first thing you buy for your business.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using AG Online
 
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