My Detailing Packages...suggestions

[JLC]

Hello all. Ive been a professional detailer off and on since the late 90s, always working for other people. Im in the planning process of starting my own mobile detailing business (most likely an LLC with 4-5 investors, all being friends/aquaintences of 5 years or more) and I would like some feedback on some detail packages I put together for the "Services Offered" section of my business plan. I have researched the competition in the area (at least all of the companies with websites) and based my pricing and services on what others are offering. I was actually quite pleased with what I saw in the "competition" and their services, pricing, and grammar. There are a handful of well established companies that offer services that I couldnt compete with head-to-head as Im starting out...but in this industry there are no companies with a dominate market share.

Below is a sample of the packages/pricing that Ive come up with. Note that "Express" will be a major theme with the company. Any and all feed back will be greatly appreciated as Ive learned so much from the members of this forum while "lurking".

 

[JLC]

Services Offered
(Prices depend on size and condition of vehicle.)
*Starting prices are for compact cars/small pickups and do not include sales tax.

Express Wash: Starting at $15
• Hand wash using 2-Bucket Method
• Bug and tar removal
• Hand dry using microfiber towels
• Clean wheels and tires
• Dress tires
(Approximate time: 20 to 30 mins)

Express Wash and Wax: Starting at $45
• Hand wash using 2-Bucket Method
• Bug and tar removal
• Hand dry using microfiber towels
• Complete exterior wax
• Clean wheels and tires
• Clean wheel wells
• Dress tires
• Clean exterior windows
(Approximate time: 45 mins to 1 hour)

Express Mini-Detail: Starting at $65
• Hand wash using 2-Bucket Method
• Bug and tar removal
• Hand dry using microfiber towels
• Complete exterior wax
• Clean wheels and tires
• Clean wheel wells
• Dress tires
• Clean interior and exterior windows
• Wipe down door jambs
• Wipe down console
• Vacuum entire interior
(Approximate time: 1 to 1 ½ hours)

 

[JLC]

Express Detail: Starting at $85
• Hand wash using 2-Bucket Method
• Bug and tar removal
• Hand dry using microfiber towels
• Complete exterior wax
• Clean wheels and tires
• Clean wheel wells
• Dress tires
• Clean interior and exterior windows
• Deep cleaning of door jams
• Light cleaning of all seats, door panels, console, dash board, cup holders and mats
• Spot Cleaning of headliner
• Conditioning treatment for all leather and vinyl
• Vacuum entire interior
(Approximate time: 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours)

Deluxe Detail: Starting at $150
• Hand wash using 2-Bucket Method
• Bug and tar removal
• Hand dry using microfiber towels
• Complete exterior wax (Paint Sealant included)
• Clean wheels and tires
• Clean wheel wells
• Dress tires
• Dress exterior trim
• Clean windows Interior and exterior
• Complete thorough vacuum entire interior
• Complete deep cleaning of door jams
• Deep cleaning of all seats
• Spot cleaning of headliner
• Thorough cleaning of cup holders, air vents & crevices
• Thorough cleaning of door panels, console & dashboard
• Vacuum and deep clean mats
• Clean all mirrors, vanity, rear-view, etc.
• Conditioning treatment for all leather and vinyl
• Complete interior carpet extraction
(Approximate time: 3 to 6 hours)
NOTE: We use a heated carpet extractor to deep clean carpet and upholstery which lifts and removes dirt and stains rather than carpet “shampooing” which leaves the dirt behind. Engine bay cleaning and protection is available upon request.

 

[craz0boy]

Looks like a good starting point. I would bump up the prices by $20. I like to keep my hourly income around $30-$45. Don't forget charge extra for neglected vehicles and for traveling.
On my website I have a list of some pricing if you wanna check it out.

 

[dwlinc23]

Looks like a good starting point. I would bump up the prices by $20. I like to keep my hourly income around $30-$45. Don't forget charge extra for neglected vehicles and for traveling.
On my website I have a list of some pricing if you wanna check it out.

Ya, what he said........

 

[dougaross]

I think I understand difference between light and through cleaning of cup holders. However, I don't think that a customer who paid for Express Detail would be happy with less than clean cup holders

 

[Gurge]

looking very quickly I feel your prices are a bit low, the package descriptions are a bit long and tough to follow

I try to keep my package descriptions short if possible. and try to start each line with either a verb or a noun (pick one and stick with it)

Example:

-clean glass
-vacuum carpet
-dust dashboard

or

-glass cleaned
-carpet vacuumed
-dashboard dusted

 

[WindyCity]

So if I call you up for an express wash, you will volunteer your time, gas and wear and tear on your vehicle and drive to my house, talk to me about my car, try to up sell more services (i will say no thanks) and set up to wash my car (using 2 buckets 8 gallons of your water) for a measly 15 bucks? Ask yourself if thats even worth it? My express is starts at 70 dollars and takes about 1.5 hours total and thats taking my sweet time.

Quality automatic carwashes charge 15 bucks nowdays. I feel that you will be running yourself crazy and making less than minimum wage with operating that kinda service. If you can do a group of cars at one time then thats ok.

good luck

 

[RhetoricMixes]

I think you have way too many different packages and i stopped reading them since you only up the price maybe $20 between each one. If im a detailer and dont like the format i doubt that the average customer would read through all that.

As far as your prices go i would first off get rid of that $15 package its too low a price and you wont make any real profit from that. Considering your mobile that makes you a niche service in your area and you should really sell your self on that point. I see that you looked up on your competition and priced yourself accordingly to THEM. Dont ever price yourself the same as your competition or you wont be competition to them at all, you'll just be fighting to get more cars than them. If theres one thing ive learned from AG and other detailers is that you should ALWAYS price yourself and your services according to what YOU think your worth. Hope that helps and good luck with your venture.

 

[JLC]

Looks like a good starting point. I would bump up the prices by $20. I like to keep my hourly income around $30-$45. Don't forget charge extra for neglected vehicles and for traveling.
On my website I have a list of some pricing if you wanna check it out.

I feel that whille my Starting Prices are on the low side, it is explained that they are for compact cars and I can complete the services on smaller vehicles in a fraction of the time. The prices are by no means set in stone at this point. It is also stated that prices depend on the size and condition of vehicles. I also have an Additional Services section with upgrade options. Nice website.

I think I understand difference between light and through cleaning of cup holders. However, I don't think that a customer who paid for Express Detail would be happy with less than clean cup holders.

Very good point. Thank you.

looking very quickly I feel your prices are a bit low, the package descriptions are a bit long and tough to follow
I try to keep my package descriptions short if possible. and try to start each line with either a verb or a noun (pick one and stick with it)

This was a concern of mine after reading through it the first few times. My mother was a grade school grammar teacher and I think if I had her read that her mind might explode.
I visited your website and love your pricing format! I considered doing something like that initially, (Express Detail= Express Wash and Wax Plus...) but a business mentor (and potential investor) felt that each package should list the exact services provided.

I also like that you have seperate pricing for cars, trucks, and suvs. This is something Ive been tossing back and forth. The previously mentioned mentor also felt that only listing the starting prices would draw people in and get them on the phone, where most of the sales happen. I personally disagree. If I were checking around online for prices to detail my SUV and saw a website that only had pricing for cars, forcing me to call to get a quote, I would more than likely keep searching through other websites that did offer SUV pricing.

I hope you dont mind me using your website as rough outline for my own. We are thousands of miles aay after all. One thing that caught me off gaurd when clicking your link....it starts with MRS and subconciously I assumed you were a woman, then BAM, Gotee! Mrs Parkle Detailing, lol.

 

[JLC]

So if I call you up for an express wash, you will volunteer your time, gas and wear and tear on your vehicle and drive to my house, talk to me about my car, try to up sell more services (i will say no thanks) and set up to wash my car (using 2 buckets 8 gallons of your water) for a measly 15 bucks? Ask yourself if thats even worth it? My express is starts at 70 dollars and takes about 1.5 hours total and thats taking my sweet time.

Quality automatic carwashes charge 15 bucks nowdays. I feel that you will be running yourself crazy and making less than minimum wage with operating that kinda service. If you can do a group of cars at one time then thats ok.

good luck

Please note that this is the starting price for compact cars and is targeted for office buildings, hospitals, and car lots that will have several cars for me to service at one location.. I will most likely bump it up to $20, but there are 2 mobile companies in the area that offer a $15 wash/dry service.

 

[JLC]

I think you have way too many different packages and i stopped reading them since you only up the price maybe $20 between each one. If im a detailer and dont like the format i doubt that the average customer would read through all that.

As far as your prices go i would first off get rid of that $15 package its too low a price and you wont make any real profit from that. Considering your mobile that makes you a niche service in your area and you should really sell your self on that point. I see that you looked up on your competition and priced yourself accordingly to THEM. Dont ever price yourself the same as your competition or you wont be competition to them at all, you'll just be fighting to get more cars than them. If theres one thing ive learned from AG and other detailers is that you should ALWAYS price yourself and your services according to what YOU think your worth. Hope that helps and good luck with your venture.

This is exactly what Ive been thinking. In my research, I discovered 2 mobile companies offering this service at $15 for cars/$25 for trucks and SUVs. Both of these companies have the small, pre-packaged, "turn key" mobile detailing trailers with magnetic signs on their daily driver trucks. I on the other hand, will have a cargo van with full graphics, filled with equipment and products I personally hand picked. If I consider these guys my competition, I will be selling myself short. Thanks for confirming that.

These are exactly the sort of responses I was looking for. Thanks everyone!

 

[mhphoto]

I think I understand difference between light and through cleaning of cup holders. However, I don't think that a customer who paid for Express Detail would be happy with less than clean cup holders

I'm in the same boat. I don't like the idea of a wipe down vs. a "deep cleaning" of door jambs. The same with a "light cleaning" of the dash vs. the "thorough cleaning". If you're going to clean it, do it well the first time. I think you should also at least spray the car with a spray wax or sealant for the first package. Sending a car away unprotected isn't my idea of detailing.

Maybe it's just me. I really like simplicity in services. I don't give my customers too many options.

 

[RZJZA80]

IMO, your prices are really low, regardless of the size of the car. If you know what you're doing, bump them up a bit, and just give discounts to repeat clients, as necessary.

 

[Gurge]

I visited your website and love your pricing format! I considered doing something like that initially, (Express Detail= Express Wash and Wax Plus...) but a business mentor (and potential investor) felt that each package should list the exact services provided.

I also like that you have seperate pricing for cars, trucks, and suvs. This is something Ive been tossing back and forth. The previously mentioned mentor also felt that only listing the starting prices would draw people in and get them on the phone, where most of the sales happen. I personally disagree. If I were checking around online for prices to detail my SUV and saw a website that only had pricing for cars, forcing me to call to get a quote, I would more than likely keep searching through other websites that did offer SUV pricing.

I hope you dont mind me using your website as rough outline for my own. We are thousands of miles aay after all. One thing that caught me off gaurd when clicking your link....it starts with MRS and subconciously I assumed you were a woman, then BAM, Gotee! Mrs Parkle Detailing, lol.

That's Mr. Sparkle Detailing Inc. my friend

glad you like the setup. its simple. keep it simple. people dont want to read much. and no reason not to make the prices clear for different sized cars.

Most times the sale isn't happening on the phone for me, its happening as they evaluate the site. Do I trust this person to A) come to my home B) do a good job and C) do it for a price i'm comfortable with. Show your face, show your prices, show your photos.

 

[TimmyG]

So if I call you up for an express wash, you will volunteer your time, gas and wear and tear on your vehicle and drive to my house, talk to me about my car, try to up sell more services (i will say no thanks) and set up to wash my car (using 2 buckets 8 gallons of your water) for a measly 15 bucks? Ask yourself if thats even worth it? My express is starts at 70 dollars and takes about 1.5 hours total and thats taking my sweet time.

Quality automatic carwashes charge 15 bucks nowdays. I feel that you will be running yourself crazy and making less than minimum wage with operating that kinda service. If you can do a group of cars at one time then thats ok.

good luck

Have to agree here. $15 is entirely too low. $35 sounds more like it and upsell from there imo.

 

[JLC]

OK Ive have made some changes based on your opinions and my own. Tell me what you think.

Express Exterior Detail
Process:

• Clean wheels and tires
• Pre-Wash soak using foam gun
• Hand wash using the 2-Bucket Method
• Remove bugs and tar
• Hand dry using Microfiber towels
• Clean exterior glass and mirrors
• Dress tires
• Apply spray wax and wipe vehicle down to a protected shine

Approximate Time: 1 hour
Price: $40-$60

Express Interior Detail
Process:

• Blow out all dust and debris using compressed air
• Vacuum carpets and floor mats
• Clean and protect all plastic and vinyl surfaces
• Clean door jams
• Clean interior glass and mirrors
• Apply selected fragrance/air freshener

Approximate Time: 1 hour
Price: $40-$60

Express Detail Package
Process:

• Express Interior Detail
• Express Exterior Detail

Approximate Time: 2 hours
Price: $70-$110

 

[JLC]

Additional Exterior Services:

• Clay bar treatment to remove embedded contaminates in paint and glass (+$25)
• Upgrade to synthetic paint sealant (+$20)
• Upgrade to premium Carnauba Wax (+$30)
• Black Trim restoration (+$25)
• Exterior glass polish and protection (+$30)
• Exterior glass rain repellant treatment (+$10)
• Headlight restoration and protection (+$50)
• Chrome and aluminum wheel polishing (+$40)
• Pin striping and decal removal (FREE estimate)
• Paint correction including swirls and oxidation (FREE estimate)

Additional Interior Services:

• Complete carpet extraction and stain removal (+$50)
• Pet hair removal (+$15)
• Premium leather cleaner and conditioner application (+$25)
• Air duct odor removal (+$30)
• Fabric and upholstery protection (+$20)
• Mold and mildew removal/protection (+$25)
• Plastic, rubber, and vinyl UV protection (+$20)
• Anti-Fog treatment (+$10)

Deluxe Detail Package
Process:
Express Exterior Detail PLUS:

• Remove embedded contaminates in paint and glass using clay bar
• Polish paint using multi-step polishing compounds
• Apply premium Carnauba wax
• Polish and protect glass
• Polish and protect wheels

Express Interior Detail PLUS:

• Spot clean headliner using steam cleaner
• Deep clean carpet, floor mats, and upholstery using heated extractor
• Apply fabric guard to fabric and upholstery
• Apply UV protection to plastic, rubber, and vinyl
• Clean and condition leather using premium products

Approximate Time: 4-6 hours
Price: $175-$250

 

[TimmyG]

Complete carpet extraction $50?!?!? Pet hair removal $15?!?!?

You be in Chicago anytime soon???

That's wayyyyyyy too cheap sir. I would bid those out by appointment only.

 

[JLC]

Complete carpet extraction $50?!?!? Pet hair removal $15?!?!?

You be in Chicago anytime soon???

That's wayyyyyyy too cheap sir. I would bid those out by appointment only.

As an add on to a detail package neither sound unreasonable. Im not going to drive to someone and ONLY remove pet hair for $15 or extract their carpet for $50. Im considering putting "Starting at" before all the additional services prices....or possibly no prices at all.