How much should I charge?

AutoApollo

AutoApollo

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Hey guys, I've been detailing personal cars for a while now. I want to start a mobile detailing business. Wondering how much I should be charging. For example, wash, clay and wax. How much? Thanks guys
 
That's a very difficult question to answer without more information. Demographic, competitors' rate, how long you take, products & process of use, skill, experience, reputation, cost of living, and how much your time is worth all play a roll in answering that question.
 
I am in a similar situation as I just getting my prices down. One key thing for me and many others I don't give a set a price for all of my work. Some cars are more jacked than others. What someone may want may not be exactly what you'll give for the next 30 customers. Example I say my interior only starts at 150 and my exterior only starts at 120. I need a interview and often require a inspection before a hard number is given. Customers usually have a different interpretation of how bad their car is than Autogeek ;).
 
One has to consider factors such as geo locations, etc... Are you doing production detailing or word of mouth high line work. A typical package will cost different in NYC than it would could cost in anytown in rural New Hampshire.

The best thing to do is compare your packages to other established business in your GEO area, they probably will not be exact (item for item) but you'll get the idea. Get a consensus of what the competition charges and set your rates accordingly.

Remember, competition is good, but undercutting your peers in your location could be bad for business.
 
I also like to add 2 things: 1st competitors pricing. Because your area will have a range of detailers pricing. You will want to take seriously the ones with the level of services comparable to your own.

Also how much your time is worth. You will experience a difference in doing a few family and friends rides versus professional work; if you don't value yourself enough in your pricing you will burn yourself out. Even if you take a 'initial' financial hit, it will be worth it in piece of mind alone. Targeting customers who appreciate your work will keep your morale high. That's why I charge a little more for interiors. It's a PIA and I have my own personal standards of excellence that's important to me. Your question has been asked many times. I have read them to answer my same question. At least 50% would say, I don't know what your market is but your prices appear a little low. I suspect the same people years before we're in the other person's shoes. Think about that :) .
 
Rod73 said:
I am in a similar situation as I just getting my prices down. One key thing for me and many others I don't give a set a price for all of my work. Some cars are more jacked than others. What someone may want may not be exactly what you'll give for the next 30 customers. Example I say my interior only starts at 150 and my exterior only starts at 120. I need a interview and often require a inspection before a hard number is given. Customers usually have a different interpretation of how bad their car is than Autogeek ;).
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About the interpretation thing, I learned this the hard way today.

A friend of mine wanted his wife's interior done, so I agreed to take "his word" stating it was moderately dirty. My moderate price for a small to mid-size starts at $115. Upon arrival, it was DEFINTELY in the heavy category. I should of started in at $135. Even then I think I am undercutting myself there. ANYONE THINK I'M ON THE CHEAP SIDE???

NEVER DOING A JOB WITHOUT LOOKING AGAIN... THATS FOR SURE!!!!
 
Rod73 said:
That's a very difficult question to answer without more information. Demographic, competitors' rate, how long you take, products & process of use, skill, experience, reputation, cost of living, and how much your time is worth all play a roll in answering that question.
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I am no professional but I'd like to think that I'm pretty average. I have had good results on my cars and friends' of mine. I was looking into my area and detailers are charging mostly by what needs to be done. So interior cleaning $110, wash and wax with vacuum interior $39....But, I was going to charge $15 by the hour with assessment of the vehicle first. I can gauge pretty well how long a job will take and I'm fairly efficient. If a job takes less or more than I anticipate I can negotiate. Or is that a bad idea?
 
Don't tell people you are charging $15/hr if thats what you do. Few like to hear an hourly rate for detailing. $15/hr seems pretty low. Factor in equipment, travel time, gas, time communicating with the customer, set up and break down time, replenishing supplies, washing towels and cleaning pads, etc...

Google "your city auto detailing" and a few variations. See what competitors charge and adjust accordingly.
 
Check out the prices if other detail shops in your area. Read what their packages include for the price. Call them act like a customer and see if they know what they are talking about. If you think they are a quality shop then use their prices as a guideline to set your prices
 
I do the same as you are thinking about doing. I figure in my head that I need $20-40 per hour and I give the customer a price without the per hour rate.
 
You have consider the time that you need to work on and the amount of products you will use. You need to gain back the money that you will use for the job. You will decide on how much profit to gain. Don't charge to little or a lot.
I haven't detail as a side job yet, so I will start with my personal cars to understand what I would use for products and the amount of time I would spent.
I have 5 cars with my family. I have cars from sport cars to minivans (I own the sport car). The condition of each car will vary. I have my car clean weekly but the others are not clean as often.
I have not clean my car like the autogeek way because I just started to learn about this place. I will soon detail my car like a geek but I am still waiting for my products and I am about to move soon to a new house.
I wish you good luck on your business and I hope I was able to help with your question.


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The pro detailers I see on the forums charge $99 for a ONR Rinseless Wash -- clay - Opti Seal. They claim it takes them about 30 minutes to complete the job.
 
The detail shops in my area only list prices "starting at" a certain number for their different packages.....and then adjust accordingly when the vehicle comes in.
 
Real Riders said:
The pro detailers I see on the forums charge $99 for a ONR Rinseless Wash -- clay - Opti Seal. They claim it takes them about 30 minutes to complete the job.
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yeah,I believe it and probably looks like poor results.Takes me 45 minutes to prep a car for detailing wash clay ironx wheel barrels,flush out all door jambs and steel wool all exterior glass.once you charge 100 bucks for 30 minutes that car better be lookin good or kiss that customer good by.30 minutes is impossible even with 2 people don't listen to people who give false information.Thats ok when that happens you will set yourself apart from greenhorns who do crap work.first thing out of a customers mouth is wow,you do everything my last guy didn't do any of that customer for life.
 
GSKR said:
yeah,I believe it and probably looks like poor results.Takes me 45 minutes to prep a car for detailing wash clay ironx wheel barrels,flush out all door jambs and steel wool all exterior glass.once you charge 100 bucks for 30 minutes that car better be lookin good or kiss that customer good by.30 minutes is impossible even with 2 people don't listen to people who give false information.Thats ok when that happens you will set yourself apart from greenhorns who do crap work.first thing out of a customers mouth is wow,you do everything my last guy didn't do any of that customer for life.
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I agree. The sealant alone needs minimum 20 mins to haze lol
 
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