Please Help With My Pricelist..Again

maximus20895

maximus20895

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Can you guys help me with my pricelist again. I think I am charging too much, especially at the entry point and it seems that I am over estimated the time it takes to do a detail. I just don't know.

Thanks!

[FONT=&quot]Price List[/FONT]​
[FONT=&quot]Bronze [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Package – [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Begins at $200 for compact or midsize vehicles[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Large vehicles begin at $220[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Hand wash (2 bucket method)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Door jambs cleaned including the trunk, hood, and gas doors.[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheels are cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Tires dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheel wells are cleaned and dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Exhaust tips polished[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Interior is vacuumed and wiped down[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Windows cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]All rubber and plastic trim is dressed with UV protectant[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Interior carpets are shampooed 1[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Dash is dressed with UV protectant[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Leather is cleaned and conditioned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]1 layer of paint sealant or wax is applied (1-2 months of protection)[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Service takes about 7 -9 hours4[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Silver Package – [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Begins at $300 for compact or midsize vehicles[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Large vehicles begin at $330[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Hand wash (2 bucket method)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Door jambs cleaned including the trunk, hood, and gas doors.[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheels are cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Tires dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheel wells are cleaned and dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Exhaust tips polished[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Paint is clayed to remove contaminants[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Paint is polished to remove light oxidation, minor swirls and scratches[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Interior is vacuumed and wiped down[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Windows cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]All rubber and plastic trim is dressed with UV protectant[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Interior carpets are shampooed 1[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Dash is dressed with UV protectant[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Leather is cleaned and conditioned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]1 layer of paint sealant or wax is applied (1-2 months of protection)[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Service takes about 10 -14 hours4[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT] [FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Gold Package - [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Begins at $375 for compact or midsize vehicles[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Large vehicles begin at $400[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Hand wash (2 bucket method)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Door jambs cleaned including the trunk, hood, and gas doors.[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheels are cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Tires dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheel wells are cleaned and dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Exhaust tips polished[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Paint is clayed to remove contaminants[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Paint receives multi-step correction to ensure defects are removed [/FONT][FONT=&quot]2[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Interior is vacuumed and wiped down[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Windows cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]All door jambs and jambs will be polished and sealed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]All rubber and plastic trim is dressed with UV protectant[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Interior carpets are shampooed 1[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Dash is dressed with UV protectant[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Leather is cleaned and conditioned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Engine bay is cleaned and dressed[/FONT][FONT=&quot] 3[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]1 layer of paint sealant or wax is applied (4-6 months of protection)[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Service takes about 12 -16 hours4[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Full Exterior Detail –[/FONT][FONT=&quot] Begins at $300 for compact or midsize vehicles[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Large vehicles begin at $330[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Hand wash (2 bucket method)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Door jambs cleaned including the trunk, hood, and gas doors.[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheels are cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Tires dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheel wells are cleaned and dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Exhaust tips are polished[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Paint is clayed to remove contaminants[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Paint receives multi-step correction to ensure defects are removed 2[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Windows cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]All door jambs and jambs will be polished and sealed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Engine bay is cleaned and dressed 3[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]1 layer of paint sealant is applied (4-6 months of protection)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]1 layer of wax is added on top of the paint sealant to provide for a deep gloss[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Service takes about 10 -14 hours4[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Full Interior Detail – [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Begins at $150 for compact or midsize vehicles[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Large vehicles begin at $180[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Interior is vacuumed, wiped down and thoroughly cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Windows cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Carpets are shampooed 1[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Dash is dressed with UV protectant[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Leather is cleaned and conditioned[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Service takes about 4-6 hours4[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1[/FONT][FONT=&quot] – Some stains may not be removable[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]2[/FONT][FONT=&quot] – Some defects may be too severe to be safely removed[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]3[/FONT][FONT=&quot] – Engine cleaning will require a signed wavier[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]4[/FONT][FONT=&quot] – Actual time will vary according to vehicles condition[/FONT]
 
As far as the time, it's better to overestimate and get done ahead of schedule than to underestimate and have customers upset that you're taking too long.

I wouldn't say you're charging too much, if your work is worth that price and you can find enough people willing to pay it, that's what really matters.
 
I think your list is a huge improvement. Maybe throw in a $20-40 wash, windows and tires package; this shouldn't take more than 2 hours on the biggest SUVs (unless they are really bad!). :xyxthumbs:
 
Ted S. said:
I think your list is a huge improvement. Maybe throw in a $20-40 wash, windows and tires package; this shouldn't take more than 2 hours on the biggest SUVs (unless they are really bad!). :xyxthumbs:
Click to expand...

I think this is a great idea... I am adding it to my list!
 
Awesome! Thanks everyone.

I'm just worried that I quoted too high based on my estimate times. For example, the Bronze average is 8 hours and you multiply that by $25. What if it actually took less time..say six hours..would that be charging the client and addition $50 too much?

I got a first inquire, it was someone who has a 2002 Red Expedition and just wants a wash and wax I believe. He says if i do a good job I can work on his Corvette and maybe other cars to prep up as he is trying to buy and sell cars. He is also said that he owned a detailing shop at one time. Ahh!
 
Last edited:
maximus20895 said:
Awesome! Thanks everyone.

I'm just worried that I quoted too high based on my estimate times. For example, the Bronze average is 8 hours and you multiply that by $25. What if it actually took less time..say six hours..would that be charging the client and addition $50 too much?

I got a first inquire, it was someone who has a 2002 Red Expedition and just wants a wash and wax I believe. He says if i do a good job I can work on his Corvette and maybe other cars to prep up as he is trying to buy and sell cars. He is also said that he owned a detailing shop at one time. Ahh!
Click to expand...

If the job takes you less time, deduct your saved labor rate from your qouted price. That way the customer is even more satisfied.:dblthumb2:
 
maximus20895 said:
Can you guys help me with my pricelist again. I think I am charging too much, especially at the entry point and it seems that I am over estimated the time it takes to do a detail. I just don't know.

Thanks!

[FONT=&quot]Price List[/FONT]​
[FONT=&quot]Bronze [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Package – [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Begins at $200 for compact or midsize vehicles[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Large vehicles begin at $220[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Hand wash (2 bucket method)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Door jambs cleaned including the trunk, hood, and gas doors.[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheels are cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Tires dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheel wells are cleaned and dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Exhaust tips polished[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Interior is vacuumed and wiped down[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Windows cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]All rubber and plastic trim is dressed with UV protectant[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Interior carpets are shampooed 1[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Dash is dressed with UV protectant[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Leather is cleaned and conditioned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]1 layer of paint sealant or wax is applied (1-2 months of protection)[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Service takes about 7 -9 hours4[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Silver Package – [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Begins at $300 for compact or midsize vehicles[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Large vehicles begin at $330[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Hand wash (2 bucket method)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Door jambs cleaned including the trunk, hood, and gas doors.[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheels are cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Tires dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheel wells are cleaned and dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Exhaust tips polished[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Paint is clayed to remove contaminants[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Paint is polished to remove light oxidation, minor swirls and scratches[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Interior is vacuumed and wiped down[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Windows cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]All rubber and plastic trim is dressed with UV protectant[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Interior carpets are shampooed 1[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Dash is dressed with UV protectant[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Leather is cleaned and conditioned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]1 layer of paint sealant or wax is applied (1-2 months of protection)[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Service takes about 10 -14 hours4[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT] [FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Gold Package - [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Begins at $375 for compact or midsize vehicles[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Large vehicles begin at $400[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Hand wash (2 bucket method)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Door jambs cleaned including the trunk, hood, and gas doors.[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheels are cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Tires dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheel wells are cleaned and dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Exhaust tips polished[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Paint is clayed to remove contaminants[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Paint receives multi-step correction to ensure defects are removed [/FONT][FONT=&quot]2[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Interior is vacuumed and wiped down[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Windows cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]All door jambs and jambs will be polished and sealed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]All rubber and plastic trim is dressed with UV protectant[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Interior carpets are shampooed 1[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Dash is dressed with UV protectant[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Leather is cleaned and conditioned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Engine bay is cleaned and dressed[/FONT][FONT=&quot] 3[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]1 layer of paint sealant or wax is applied (4-6 months of protection)[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Service takes about 12 -16 hours4[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Full Exterior Detail –[/FONT][FONT=&quot] Begins at $300 for compact or midsize vehicles[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Large vehicles begin at $330[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Hand wash (2 bucket method)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Door jambs cleaned including the trunk, hood, and gas doors.[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheels are cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Tires dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheel wells are cleaned and dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Exhaust tips are polished[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Paint is clayed to remove contaminants[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Paint receives multi-step correction to ensure defects are removed 2[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Windows cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]All door jambs and jambs will be polished and sealed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Engine bay is cleaned and dressed 3[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]1 layer of paint sealant is applied (4-6 months of protection)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]1 layer of wax is added on top of the paint sealant to provide for a deep gloss[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Service takes about 10 -14 hours4[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Full Interior Detail – [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Begins at $150 for compact or midsize vehicles[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Large vehicles begin at $180[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Interior is vacuumed, wiped down and thoroughly cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Windows cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Carpets are shampooed 1[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Dash is dressed with UV protectant[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Leather is cleaned and conditioned[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Service takes about 4-6 hours4[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]1[/FONT][FONT=&quot] – Some stains may not be removable[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]2[/FONT][FONT=&quot] – Some defects may be too severe to be safely removed[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]3[/FONT][FONT=&quot] – Engine cleaning will require a signed wavier[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]4[/FONT][FONT=&quot] – Actual time will vary according to vehicles condition[/FONT]
Click to expand...


Are you mobile? if so your prices are right on maybe even low I think (depending on your area). I usually stop by all of the detail shops in the area to price check my prices and add a small premium for my drive time ....etc

I think you overestimated your times though. I have a similar package to your bronze package and it takes me 4.5 hours on a larger vehicle, i am mobile though but my trailer is set up pretty efficiently. But as stated earlier it is better to finish sooner than run late.
 
I am not mobile. Currently, I am working out of my garage.

I think I am going to make a $100 package as well. My first client said he didn't want his carpets shampooed etc, etc. so hopefully this will help me as well.

I am pretty sure I overestimated my time. I added up every single thing individually and rounded up..which is the lower number in my estimates. I didn't want to say it's going to take 5 hours and really be 8, but now since I did that it is causing problems on my pricing since I did everything by the average hour.

I'll post the individual times so people can see just how good or bad my estimates are:

Interior
Vacuum & Wipe Down 1
Carpets Shampooed 1
Dash Dressed .10
Leather Cleaned & Conditioned .30

Exterior
Hand Wash 1
Wheels Cleaned .20
Tires Dressed .10
Wheel Wells Cleaned .30
Windows Cleaned .10
Exhaust Tips Polished .10
Trim Dressed .30
Door Jambs Cleaned .20
Door Jambs Polished .30
Clay 1
One Step Polish 2
Multi-Step Polish 4
Wax 1
Sealant 1
Engine Cleaned 1
 
The net is you are grossing $30 or less an hour for your work if your time estimates were even close. You would be doing maybe 1 detail a day.
 
Bunky said:
The net is you are grossing $30 or less an hour for your work if your time estimates were even close. You would be doing maybe 1 detail a day.
Click to expand...
:iagree: That's pretty good, I think. At least for a 22 year old, esp. if he can do 5+ a week.:xyxthumbs:
 
I'm not trying to make butt loads of money doing detailing, but I would like to make some so I have enough when I go back to college in the Fall. I just don't want to sell myself short.

I averaged around $25/hr for most details. Does the time it takes to do a certain task seem appropriate or are some way off?

Thanks everyone :props:
 
I seem to be the only one who thinks this way apparently...but I think your prices are too high. I know everyone else seems to differ in opinion. But, for someone just working out of their garage, and just starting out...those prices are high IMO.

That being said, if a bronze package takes you 8 hours...then I think you just have some developing to do on your process. It shouldn't take anywhere near 8 hours to do what you described to be a Bronze. I think this is why your prices are so high. I think you feel you HAVE to charge that to feel you're getting paid.

Shouldn't your cheaper service be the Bronze?? Starting out at $200-$220 seems really steep when there's not even a 1-step polish involved.

Call me crazy...but I would never pay someone anywhere near $200 to do my car when there's no extracting, no polishing, no clay, and not even an engine cleaning involved. I don't get why you guys think $200-$220 is a fair price for that service.

I think all your prices should come down about $100 for each package. Especially since you're not mobile. But...that's just me apparently, ha.

If I were in your position...I would want my prices to be lower than other peoples. Especially since your just looking to make some extra cash. Lack of experience, working out of your home, and it's a temporary job means that your prices should reflect that. Your prices are setup like that of a busy detailing business in California that only does high end vehicles. You want to attract the average folk cause that's where you're going to make your money.
 
Yea, I think that's true. Maybe I should readjust how long it takes to do a detail and then adjust the prices accordingly.

What do you think a good price per hour would be?
 
Your prices seem a little high but if your area is willing to pay it then thats great.

I have realized quickly beginning my business that packages oftentimes don't sell and clients want a la carte things done. That is where pricing is a bit challenging. Maybe they only want part of a package or a mix and match for example.
 
Yea, I think I may re adjust the times and then drop the prices a little bit. Anyone care to comment on my times:

Interior
  • Vacuum & Wipe Down 1
  • Carpets Shampooed 1
  • Dash Dressed .10
  • Leather Cleaned & Conditioned .30

Exterior
  • Hand Wash 1
  • Wheels Cleaned .20
  • Tires Dressed .10
  • Wheel Wells Cleaned .30
  • Windows Cleaned .10
  • Exhaust Tips Polished .10
  • Trim Dressed .30
  • Door Jambs Cleaned .20
  • Door Jambs Polished .30
  • Clay 1
  • One Step Polish 2
  • Multi-Step Polish 4
  • Wax 1
  • Sealant 1
Engine Cleaned 1
 
That's tough to comment on specifically for each thing. But I do feel like a lot of things that take you an hour...really shouldn't take an hour.

Actually, everything that takes you an hour IMO...shouldn't. I know it doesn't take me an hour to clay, wash, vac/wipe down, etc.

The only thing that does take me an hour is sealant. But that's because I let it sit for 45 minutes to an hour. Other than that, those other things should be quicker.

Clay is a gamble. You never know how long clay will take you. But I know for me...on average it takes far less than an hour. Of course there are vehicles that REALLY need a solid hour for clay. But that's usually due to over spray, rust pins on white paint, etc.

I think it's just going to take you some time to get a system down. Also, if I were you...I would really stick to your packages and stay away from a la carte type situations. I only say that because it's crucial you get comfortable with a system that works well for you. Having customers nit pick your packages apart is just going to take that learning opportunity away from you.
 
Awesome! Thanks for the advice. I think I will do some stuff on my car or someone else's and time how long it takes for each step. I know for some of the estimates they are way off such as cleaning the leather shouldn't take 30 minutes I don't think as well as the others you mentioned.

Thanks for the help! Maybe I will actually get this going sometime this year..
 
maximus20895 said:
Awesome! Thanks for the advice. I think I will do some stuff on my car or someone else's and time how long it takes for each step. I know for some of the estimates they are way off such as cleaning the leather shouldn't take 30 minutes I don't think as well as the others you mentioned.

Thanks for the help! Maybe I will actually get this going sometime this year..
Click to expand...

Actually, leather cleaning is something I find to be pretty time consuming. Obviously it depends on how bad the leather is. It's a lot like trying to guesstimate how long it will take you to clay. It could be 20 minutes, or an hour and half. Just depends. But leather cleaning can be time consuming.

You definitely don't want to rush things...but there's absolutely average times for most things. Things like dressing tires, windows, applying wax, so on and so forth typically have common time frames. Good luck man. You'll get it! :dblthumb2:
 
As a business owner myself, (a contractor) what about insurance? Will you be driving your customers cars at all? even in and out of the garage? Who cover the customer and their property when their on your property? Do you own the property where you will be doing the work?
Only reason I bring this up is 25-30 per hour doesn't seem like its enough to cover the over head cost of the business.

Some people can be a little different, their not on the same page as most of us and like to abuse the legal system. Not to say some people are sue happy but it does happen every day.
My advice is spend the hundred bucks and set yourself up as an LLC to protect personal property and talk to an insurance guy about some liability coverage.
doesnt cost that much and can save your ass!
 
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