My Detailing Prices

Well I live (live not from, always have to make that distinction!) in Alabama and those prices would be really low even here. I'd raise them a good bit if I were you also.


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you can also raise your prices as you get better and have more experience. That's what I did.
 
I would never hand over my car to someone charging $20 for a wash including rims and trim protection. It screams "I don't know what I'm doing, just a beginner."

Your cheapest package should be around $80~$100 (minimum!)... Just wait until you come across pet hair and coffee/wine stains...
 
I live in UT and although only do this for personal reasons with the occasional side job, I would charge more than that. I just did an escalade with an AIO to the outside, wheels cleaned and waxed and pretty much a vacuum and wipe down on the interior with scent (interior was pretty clean) and I charged $120. That's cheap. Most people for an SUV charge up of $160-200. They gladly gave me $120 and tipped me 20 bucks when they saw the results. I always shoot before and after pics to email them while I do the work. Keeps them coming back and they see that I totally changed the appearance.
 
bmwgalore said:
I would never hand over my car to someone charging $20 for a wash including rims and trim protection. It screams "I don't know what I'm doing, just a beginner."

Your cheapest package should be around $80~$100 (minimum!)... Just wait until you come across pet hair and coffee/wine stains...
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I agree the prices are low but maybe not as low because of the area he lives in. As for you handing over your car...you're an autogeek! none of us want others touching our rides!!!! I get what you're saying though.

I think charging more will all come in time. Raise the prices as you get better/get more customers. Hopefully the good ones will tip! When I started in 2010 I was charging $75 and even customers were telling me to charge more.
 
Well my problem is that the local major detailing shops prices are so low and people prefer to pay less just because they want their car to look "shiny"
 
Jmoran said:
Well my problem is that the local major detailing shops prices are so low and people prefer to pay less just because they want their car to look "shiny"
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They not only charge low they come with free swirls.

How come you don't offer free swirls?
 
I based mine on an average of $25-$30, averaging the going rate in my area, and average of others on AG. I also added a FAQ section on my web site. I think some just see detailing as extra cleaning, it is in a sense, but if you explain the process, your clients will see your giving extra care and attention to their car, ultimatelly paying more than just for a basic wash and wax.

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If I may add to this, I'm also in Utah, Utah County actually which is know as cheap valley.
I suggest you decide how much you want to make per hour and charge accordingly. DO NOT compete with the big swirl shops. People that go there want a clean car cheap. Your market should be people that REALLY care for their car and are willing to pay.
For example, I just did an Acura NSX with an AIO+glaze+wax, didnt even open the door to clean inside. When I was done I said "that'll be $75." he shook his head and gave me $275!" I was speechless, he was happy and is going to tell his friends. Not too bad right?
I also did a CLK550 same process, nothing inside. Again I charged her $75 she said NO WAY and gave me $185!
Sooo, the market showed me I was undercharging by a ton. Compare that same scenario but with a "Super Wash" customer, I bet they would say OK!!! or even try to get me to cut them a break on the price.
Find a target audience and follow that. More money, less work at times, and a heck of alot less troubles. Do not hesitate turning down a job, unless you're slow, but even then tell them "I normally charge $XX.xx but I'll knock $XX.xx off since you're a new customer" or some BS like that.
Good luck to ya.
 
OP - Your prices are right in line with the guys I see offering their services here on Craigslist. Their ads are filled with misspelled words and horrific grammar. Somehow, they can get everything done in an hour or two, etc, etc. I'd up your prices and feel out your market. If you need to drop them just to survive, that's what you have to do. Otherwise, you're paying yourself about $8/hour with what you're providing after product costs, if that.
 
I'm also playing around with pricing for my new mobile venture. At the dealership I currently work for they get $280 for a full detail done by yours truly in about 1.5-2 hours depending on the vehicle.

Most people opt for the $190 detail package, and guess what... I USE THE SAME EXACT PROCESS! Sure the packages are worded differently, but when it comes down to executing the detail I use the same method for both details, and I have plenty of regular customers that request me by name every time they have there oil changed.

I should add that there is also a bare minimum package available starting at $80.00, which is basically your standard wash/wax, but I also blow these vehicles out, clean the mats and windows, and condition the seats. You can also use fluffers such as rain ex, or renewing plastics as added options to your higher end details to justify a more expensive detail.



I will probably charge similar prices. I will offer 3 packages, $75, $150,$250, and up charge for large trucks, and dog hair removal. I will charge $40 an hour for paint correction / scratch removal, and when I get to the point where I can mix on the spot I will offer to go around a vehicle and touch up the car for $40-50. I will also offer headlight restoration for around $50, maybe more depends on how much work they need, if they need to be wet sanded aggressively charge more.
 
Last edited:
hi.nick from Auto Detailing Concepts in COCOA BEACH FL.
PERSONAL i have a deal w a high end car lot all i do is wash,clay,
polish and seal and sum headlights 9-4 for 500 a week plus my
private clients.i make anywhere from 700- 1000 A week take home.if its just detailing i charge
25 per hr ..... crazy restoration sanding, compounding ,polishing, sealing....50 per.
even w headlights takes me an hour about 30 bucks .add 20 for cquartz....
where i make my money is offering clients 3 diff protectants 3 diff longivity
WAX , POLYMER SEAL or CQUARTZ....I read on here a long time ago
25 dollars per hour wholesale , 50 per private....i stuck w 25 all around cause i make
up the diff in the upsale......any questions call me im super busy all the time, its not
about the money its the passion...i have the machine , pad , product down to a perfect science.....i never really touch interiors no money in scrubbn nasty carpets plus its more product u need , i focus on paint perfection and protecting using the highest quality products....all in all it comes out to 150 w tip i make from just a total exterior care ..
300-400 if correcting and coating w c quartz....MEGUIARS and MENZERNA ...FLEX..
LAKE COUNTRY HYBRID...BLKFIRE..WOLFGANG AND CQUARTZ......Thats ur bread and butter.....They say im the best around here but i dont boast...I labor for GOD and you will
know my work by the looks of it....lol.... THANKS NICK
3523215585
 
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