Price List Organized

I have tried to include everyone's suggestions in an updated price list that I tweaked a little bit tonight. Here is the new prices:

Wash & Wax
Compact Cars - $40
Trucks $ SUV’s - $60
Great option for new vehicles or those recently detailed.


- Snow foam pre-soak
- Soft hand wash (2 bucket method)
- Forced air & hand dried
- All jambs wiped down
- Windows cleaned
- Tires dressed
- Premium quality spray wax applied
Estimated time: 1-2 hours

Full Exterior Only
Compact cars - $150
[FONT=&quot]Trucks and SUV’s - $170[/FONT]
*Price subject to change based on overall condition of vehicle

- Snow foam pre-soak
- Soft hand wash (2 bucket method)
- Claybar treatment to remove contaminants from paint
- Forced air & hand dried
- All jambs including door jambs, gas door, trunk and hood thoroughly cleaned
- Wheels and wheel wells are cleaned, degreased and dressed
- Tires cleaned & dressed
- All windows cleaned
- Premium quality wax or sealant is applied by machine
Estimated time: 2-4 hours

Add-ons:
- Machine polish vehicles paint - $50
- Machine compound & polish vehicles paint - $100
- Engine bay degreased and dressed - $50
- Headlight restoration - $40/headlight

Full Interior Only
Compact cars - $130
Trucks and SUV’s - $150
*Price subject to change based on overall condition of vehicle

- Entire interior is wiped down, disinfected and vacuumed
- Dash and other plastic/vinyl pieces are protected after cleaning
- All windows are cleaned (tint safe)
- Carpets and mats are shampooed and chemically cleaned
- All leather is cleaned and conditioned
- Fabric seats will receive same attention as carpet
- Choose your scent!
Estimated time: 2-4 hours

Level 1
Compact cars - $220
Trucks and SUV’s - $260
*Price subject to change based on overall condition of vehicle
Great option for a clean exterior and interior on a well maintained vehicle


- Snow foam pre-soak
- Soft hand wash (2 bucket method)
- Clay bar treatment to remove contaminants from paint
- Forced air & hand dry
- All door jambs, gas door, trunk and hood are cleaned
- Wheels and wheel wells degreased and protected
- Tires degreased and dressed
- Interior is wiped down, disinfected, and vacuumed
- Dash and other plastic/vinyl pieces are protected after cleaning
- All windows cleaned (inside and out)
- Premium quality wax/sealant is applied by machine
- Choose your scent!
Estimated time: 3-5 hours

Level 2
Compact Cars - $280
Trucks and SUV’s - $310
*Price subject to change based on overall condition of vehicle
Great option for mildly neglected daily drivers


- Snow foam pre-soak
- Soft hand wash (2 bucket method)
- Clay bar treatment to remove contaminants from paint
- Forced air & hand dry
- All door jambs, gas door, trunk and hood are cleaned,
- Wheels and wheel wells degreased and protected
- Tires degreased and dressed
- Exhaust tip polished
- Vehicles paint is polished to remove minor imperfections and defects
- Interior is wiped down, disinfected, and vacuumed
- Dash and other plastic/vinyl pieces are protected after cleaning
- Leather is cleaned and conditioned
- Carpets and mats are shampooed and chemically cleaned to remove stains
- All windows cleaned (inside and out)
- Premium quality of wax or sealant is applied by machine
- Choose your scent!
Estimated time: 4-8 hours

Level 3
Compact Cars - $340
Trucks & SUV’s - $400
*Price subject to change based on overall condition of vehicle
Great option for extremely neglected vehicles or for customers looking for flawless paint with an unbelievable shine

- Snow foam pre-soak
- Soft hand wash (2 bucket method)
- Clay bar treatment to remove contaminants from paint
- Forced air & hand dried
- All door jambs, gas door, trunk and hood are cleaned
- Door jambs are polished and protected
- Wheels and wheel wells degreased and protected
- Tires degreased and dressed
- Exhaust tip polished
- Vehicle paint receives a multi-step correction to remove imperfections and defects
- Engine bay degreased and dressed
- Interior is wiped down, disinfected, and vacuumed
- Dash and other plastic/vinyl pieces are protected after cleaning
- Leather is cleaned and conditioned
- Carpets and mats are shampooed and chemically cleaned to remove stains
- All windows cleaned (inside and out)
- Premium quality wax or sealant is applied by machine (customer preference)
- Choose your scent!
Estimated time: 7-14 hours

I then put this on the bottom of my list because I was unsure how to incorporate it into the list:

Add-ons (cannot standalone):
- Machine polish vehicles paint - $50 (cannot be added to Wash & Wax or Full Interior Only package)
- Machine compound & polish vehicles paint - $100 (cannot be added to Wash & Wax or Full Interior Only package)
- Engine bay degreased and dressed - $50 (can be added to any package)
- Headlight restoration - $40/headlight (can be added to any package)

Any advice/constructive criticism on the prices or services? I'm having a difficult time incorporating "add-ons" into the list. For some reason I am just thrown for a loop when it comes to them. This price list process is tedious but I am actually enjoying it a lot!
 
I think you are giving to much info. It may work but I guess I would have to see how it looks on website. All those things you are doing to the car ex pre soaking the car. People do not know what that means (nor do they probably care) They are paying for the end result. When I recently had a fence installed I did not care how the fence was installed, I was only concerned with the finished product. If one company told me they would hand dig the posts and another had a fancy bobcat with a fancy drill attachment that would not have mattered to me. Sometimes to much info overwhelms and confuses the customer. I live by K.I.S.S.

My customers do not know anything about detailing. They let me know what they are trying to accomplish (ex I want the car to shine more) and I tell them what it will take to reach that goal. (ex you would need the deluxe detail because that involves a polishing step)

Real world customers are not like the people on detailing forums.

Your website may look jumbled if you put to much info on it.
 
rustytruck said:
I think you are giving to much info. It may work but I guess I would have to see how it looks on website. All those things you are doing to the car ex pre soaking the car. People do not know what that means (nor do they probably care) They are paying for the end result. When I recently had a fence installed I did not care how the fence was installed, I was only concerned with the finished product. If one company told me they would hand dig the posts and another had a fancy bobcat with a fancy drill attachment that would not have mattered to me. Sometimes to much info overwhelms and confuses the customer. I live by K.I.S.S.

My customers do not know anything about detailing. They let me know what they are trying to accomplish (ex I want the car to shine more) and I tell them what it will take to reach that goal. (ex you would need the deluxe detail because that involves a polishing step)

Real world customers are not like the people on detailing forums.

Your website may look jumbled if you put to much info on it.
Click to expand...

I agree which was my concern at first. I think I am going to try to cut down on the list so there's not so much of a "detailed explanation" as there is a "to the point explanation". I can always explain the services further if the customer desires. Maybe I can keep this list on me for personal use, kind of like a check-list, while using a shortened version for the website or marketing material.
 
excuse me if i missed this, but if you're just starting out I would offer something to attract repeat business. i.e. free spray wax for new customers, discounts for those who refer new customers, free vaccum on your third job... just a few ideas.
 
I think your explanations are awesome TBH. I'm learning that its better to be thorough in explaining exactly what you're providing for the fees you're charging. When you're vague, the customer who might be skeptical about you will have less info to make a decision on. I personally rather them see me as detailed and a bit OCD, than loose and nonchalant.
 
jrs1418 said:
I think your explanations are awesome TBH. I'm learning that its better to be thorough in explaining exactly what you're providing for the fees you're charging. When you're vague, the customer who might be skeptical about you will have less info to make a decision on. I personally rather them see me as detailed and a bit OCD, than loose and nonchalant.
Click to expand...

Thank you! and I agree. I like the customer to be informed (whether they understand or not) on what exactly is being done to their vehicle.

andy2485 said:
excuse me if i missed this, but if you're just starting out I would offer something to attract repeat business. i.e. free spray wax for new customers, discounts for those who refer new customers, free vaccum on your third job... just a few ideas.
Click to expand...

I threw this idea around for awhile and am still considering doing something along those lines. Not really sure what though.
 
I both like it and.... see where it would possibly be a problem (when all listed on a website). The detailer in me (and I use that very loosely in this crowd) ;) says I want to really know everything that's going on.

Now; the guy standing across from me at Quick Trip otoh couldn't care less. He looks at his car, at my car, and says "What does it cost to make mine look like that?"

See where I'm going here? ;)
Maybe if when laying out the website you trim it down a bit but make it where if they 'click here' it opens up another box where the entire list drops out. Like a little box that turns into a big box.

I have a very similar list, but only give it to those that are interested in seeing it. Some want the 'cliff notes' version, some don't.

Combine a good list with the VIF (from the forum) and it turns into a freaking book! Perhaps a homogeneous mixture between the two would be worth a look?
 
My quick suggestion, don't throw the word "Full detail" around to much. It means a lot of different things to a lot of different people (from hack detailer, to pro, to customer). Otherwise the list looks great bud! Very well thought out & expressed. Love it!
 
I just want to jump into this conversation to gather some information. I am learning and the same mind set as most in the sense I want to do every inch of the car to the best of my ability but that's time consuming and most just want it shiny. I don't really time myself but is average times of everyone for the basic jobs? wash, clay, machine polish, vacuum, wheels, etc? this would help for overall package pricing etc for others viewing this
 
Just a suggestion to simplify things a bit for both you and your customer.

Package 1 looks great.
Package 2 might say something like "Package 1 PLUS these extra steps, XYZ"
Package 3 might say something like "Package 2 PLUS these extra steps, PDQ" or whatever....

Like someone mentioned above, your customers are going to be confused by perusing the lists trying to figure out why each package cost is different. Separate it out for them so they can jump to the "extra steps" at the end and ask you questions if they do not understand what exactly those steps are. Great selling points, you can showcase your knowledge, teach them a little something they may not know, and put them at ease about spending a little more for a superior package, without wasting their time trying to distinguish what is different.

Works for me, and it saves much space on my tri-folds and it engages the customer.

Great list! I can see you'll do well putting this much thought into what you're doing and why.
 
Jeffro said:
Just a suggestion to simplify things a bit for both you and your customer.

Package 1 looks great.
Package 2 might say something like "Package 1 PLUS these extra steps, XYZ"
Package 3 might say something like "Package 2 PLUS these extra steps, PDQ" or whatever....

Like someone mentioned above, your customers are going to be confused by perusing the lists trying to figure out why each package cost is different. Separate it out for them so they can jump to the "extra steps" at the end and ask you questions if they do not understand what exactly those steps are. Great selling points, you can showcase your knowledge, teach them a little something they may not know, and put them at ease about spending a little more for a superior package, without wasting their time trying to distinguish what is different.

Works for me, and it saves much space on my tri-folds and it engages the customer.

Great list! I can see you'll do well putting this much thought into what you're doing and why.
Click to expand...

1.This quote explained it all. I was slightly confused when reading your lists. I think great effort and thought went into making them and I congratulate you for that.
2. I think for the polishing, you should use words like "Paint Correction" and then you can actually show the customer what you are talking about. (If you own a Brinkman and Depth Tester, that will impress to the customer that you are professional ) You also must explain about pitting and RIDs when you do a paint corrected vehicle, or it will cause you issues at the end with the customer. You could even go as far as doing a test panel for the customer to show them the difference. That will likely convince them to go the extra mile, even though they will hit the local Auto Bell the next week.

3. Headlights --- all day long at $80, remember the customer will think you include the driving lights also. My Mercedes has 6 lights up front total, and the driving lights are an extreme pain. (Easier to buy new lenses)

4. Remember, customers who pay for your Level 2,3,4 etc... will likely be individuals with higher end vehicles. You could price them on a inspected price only. Also offer these vehicle owners a regular maintenance program with a poss. discounted price. That way you are securing future business.

5. Suggestion----Alot of people, and I am sure they are on here too, go crazy with purchasing materials and products when starting a business. UNLESS you have to have it, DO NOT buy it. Start with the minimum, use what works for you product wise. Like a wipe on, no wipe off synthetic sealant for your basic wash/wax list. Will cut time for you and still provide protection with shine for a customer. One thread a member used Meguires APC, but diluted it 6 different ways for numerous diff uses. Cut down on 3-4 products that way. Just talking from experience. You will build products over time.

6. Provide a price for both of these---- New care prep, (Tell customers who you know to keep a dealer from touching a car they are purchasing and bring it to you). Explain why and or what you need to do from the start. Selling a Car--- Perfection, make it as new as you possibly can. Will even bring more money at the dealer when traded in. Pending vehicle maybe not dollar for dollar but you get the point.


I hope all this helps, Just my two sense and definitely good luck!!!
 
Quick question, how will this information be presented to the ( potential) customer?

If it is on a colored 8 1/2 by 11 page you may have to condense it down a bit. If it will be in the shop you can have more detailed information available to your clients. If it is a website, then you can have more information than you can shake a stick at.

Overall, its a very nice write up, and I would highly suggest the idea that Jeffro put forth. I would definitely do a forum search for Mike Phillips' articles to start you in the detail centric marketing circles.

also an idea to throw into the air offer services that your competition does not. Also make sure these Value added services are conducive to your level and willingness to perform them. for example if you are in area that receives rain for a good portion of the year add a windshield rain repellent service. If you get at least a month worth of snow, you could add a winterizer package, which would be great for your maintenance customers. If you are in an area that has a lot of trucks that go " muddin" have a quick list of options or an up-charge for those clients as well.

like most "professional" detailers, your obsession/skill level could make most beaters into concourse ready material given enough time. On the other hand, most people only want a production level shine on their cars or are only willing to pay for that level of service. but you will come across a few that will want to experience the full magnitude of your detailing prowess. for these, you will definitely want to go the "appointment route" that way you can devote as much time as needed to assure the client that both of your expectations are met.

You could also have within your literature or in person with the client an explanation of what is entailed in each package, I will try to give you a fluffy foo foo version of your package that you offer that will give you an ideaof what could sell you on a potential client.
 
I kind of did everything by memory last year, but this year I wanted something more solid and on paper to quote for people to be consistant. The suggestions on here have given me the list that I need, so I have one less thing to think about. :dblthumb2:



Dennis (Its All in the Details) Im the MAN
 
Colinpd137 said:
My quick suggestion, don't throw the word "Full detail" around to much. It means a lot of different things to a lot of different people (from hack detailer, to pro, to customer). Otherwise the list looks great bud! Very well thought out & expressed. Love it!
Click to expand...

Thank you! I never thought using the word" Full Detail". I kind of just wrote it as if it was instinct. You make a very valid point though. I have removed the word "Full" from the list! :xyxthumbs:

Jeffro said:
Just a suggestion to simplify things a bit for both you and your customer.

Package 1 looks great.
Package 2 might say something like "Package 1 PLUS these extra steps, XYZ"
Package 3 might say something like "Package 2 PLUS these extra steps, PDQ" or whatever....

Like someone mentioned above, your customers are going to be confused by perusing the lists trying to figure out why each package cost is different. Separate it out for them so they can jump to the "extra steps" at the end and ask you questions if they do not understand what exactly those steps are. Great selling points, you can showcase your knowledge, teach them a little something they may not know, and put them at ease about spending a little more for a superior package, without wasting their time trying to distinguish what is different.

Works for me, and it saves much space on my tri-folds and it engages the customer.

Great list! I can see you'll do well putting this much thought into what you're doing and why.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the kind words! Also a very good suggestion! I think what I am going to do is keep the list that I wrote on this thread for my personal use. Almost like a check list. And when I am marketing my services I will use the suggestions that you have made. Definitely simplifies things for the customer!

MrCleanit said:
Very nice write up
Click to expand...

Thank you!

ixnod said:
Quick question, how will this information be presented to the ( potential) customer?

If it is on a colored 8 1/2 by 11 page you may have to condense it down a bit. If it will be in the shop you can have more detailed information available to your clients. If it is a website, then you can have more information than you can shake a stick at.

Overall, its a very nice write up, and I would highly suggest the idea that Jeffro put forth. I would definitely do a forum search for Mike Phillips' articles to start you in the detail centric marketing circles.

also an idea to throw into the air offer services that your competition does not. Also make sure these Value added services are conducive to your level and willingness to perform them. for example if you are in area that receives rain for a good portion of the year add a windshield rain repellent service. If you get at least a month worth of snow, you could add a winterizer package, which would be great for your maintenance customers. If you are in an area that has a lot of trucks that go " muddin" have a quick list of options or an up-charge for those clients as well.

like most "professional" detailers, your obsession/skill level could make most beaters into concourse ready material given enough time. On the other hand, most people only want a production level shine on their cars or are only willing to pay for that level of service. but you will come across a few that will want to experience the full magnitude of your detailing prowess. for these, you will definitely want to go the "appointment route" that way you can devote as much time as needed to assure the client that both of your expectations are met.

You could also have within your literature or in person with the client an explanation of what is entailed in each package, I will try to give you a fluffy foo foo version of your package that you offer that will give you an ideaof what could sell you on a potential client.
Click to expand...

I was planning on presenting the services offered in a variety of different way really. Internet, flyers, brochures, word of mouth, and whatever else I can think of. I will definitely have to alter the set-up and length of the packages depending on the marketing technique being used.
 
Velocitybts said:
1.This quote explained it all. I was slightly confused when reading your lists. I think great effort and thought went into making them and I congratulate you for that.
2. I think for the polishing, you should use words like "Paint Correction" and then you can actually show the customer what you are talking about. (If you own a Brinkman and Depth Tester, that will impress to the customer that you are professional ) You also must explain about pitting and RIDs when you do a paint corrected vehicle, or it will cause you issues at the end with the customer. You could even go as far as doing a test panel for the customer to show them the difference. That will likely convince them to go the extra mile, even though they will hit the local Auto Bell the next week.

3. Headlights --- all day long at $80, remember the customer will think you include the driving lights also. My Mercedes has 6 lights up front total, and the driving lights are an extreme pain. (Easier to buy new lenses)

4. Remember, customers who pay for your Level 2,3,4 etc... will likely be individuals with higher end vehicles. You could price them on a inspected price only. Also offer these vehicle owners a regular maintenance program with a poss. discounted price. That way you are securing future business.

5. Suggestion----Alot of people, and I am sure they are on here too, go crazy with purchasing materials and products when starting a business. UNLESS you have to have it, DO NOT buy it. Start with the minimum, use what works for you product wise. Like a wipe on, no wipe off synthetic sealant for your basic wash/wax list. Will cut time for you and still provide protection with shine for a customer. One thread a member used Meguires APC, but diluted it 6 different ways for numerous diff uses. Cut down on 3-4 products that way. Just talking from experience. You will build products over time.

6. Provide a price for both of these---- New care prep, (Tell customers who you know to keep a dealer from touching a car they are purchasing and bring it to you). Explain why and or what you need to do from the start. Selling a Car--- Perfection, make it as new as you possibly can. Will even bring more money at the dealer when traded in. Pending vehicle maybe not dollar for dollar but you get the point.


I hope all this helps, Just my two sense and definitely good luck!!!
Click to expand...

:wow: Now that is a good post! Amazing suggestions and ideas that I will definitely be using. Just a few questions to clarify:

2) Do you think it would be confusing to use the words Paint Correction in both Level 2 & 3? Or would something like "Paint Correction" for Level 2 and "Multi-Step Paint Correction" for Level 3 be okay?

3) Are you saying that $80 for headlight restoration is fair?

4) Do you think the note "Price subject to change based on overall condition of vehicle" is good or should I completely remove the prices and just put "Prices determined after inspection of vehicle"?

5) Completely agree! I was guilty at first with this. Luckily I have calmed down and focus more on building my arsenal over time!

6) Awesome suggestion and I will be making these packages as well!
 
dennis5_0 said:
I kind of did everything by memory last year, but this year I wanted something more solid and on paper to quote for people to be consistant. The suggestions on here have given me the list that I need, so I have one less thing to think about. :dblthumb2:



Dennis (Its All in the Details) Im the MAN
Click to expand...
I completely agree! The help on this forum is amazing. I've seen my price list go from words just scattered everywhere to a nicely organized and well worded list that everyone can understand. I can't wait to make some more changes based on the new feedback and see where that takes me!
 
Not meaning to hijack this thread by any means but I don't want to clutter the forum with similar things. If you'd like OP, I'd be more than happy to make a new thread :props:

Anyways, I would like some feedback on my price list. I feel like my prices are reasonable for my area and are slightly lower than my competition. I am having a hard time getting away from my perfectionist attitude that I know I can't have with every car I come in contact with so hopefully me breaking it down like this will help with that some.

Basic Wash
Exterior only wash. No interior cleaning.
$25 Cars
$35 Truck/SUV
Includes:
-Foam Presoak -Hand wash (Utilizing 2-bucket wash method to prevent the addition of any scratches) -Forced air dry/Chamois wipe down -Wheel/Tire Cleaning

Executive Wash

$35-45 Cars
$45-55 Trucks & SUV's

Includes:
Everything in Basic Wash package
Window Cleaning
Tire Dressing
Add-on: -Spray Wax $15
Approx. 1/1.5 Hours

Express Detail

$40-50 Coupes/Hatchbacks
$50-65 Sedans
$55-70 Small Trucks/SUVs
$70-100 – Large Trucks/SUVs/Vans

Includes:

-Everything in Executive Wash package
-Interior cleaned with forced air and vacuum -Wheel Wells cleaned and dressed -Door Jambs cleaned -Air Freshener -Quick wipe down of vinyl on dash and doors
-Wax/Sealant Application

Approx. 2.5/3 Hours

**Large vehicles and vehicle condition may be subject to additional fees.**

Deluxe Detail

$125-$145 Coupes
$145-$160 Sedans/Small SUVs
$165-$180 Trucks
$180-$205 Large SUVs and Mini Vans

Includes:

-Everything in the Express Detail
-Thorough cleaning of all interior vinyl --Dress all interior vinyl
-Extensive vacuum of interior, including trunk (Additional fee for pet hair removal)
-Carpet spot cleaning
-Leather cleaned and conditioned (if applicable)
-Clay bar - (Clay bars clean the paint's surface. Some contaminants grip, even penetrate the clear coat. Detailing clay safely removes these contaminants from the paint and leaves your vehicle feeling slick and smooth. Claying also prepares the paint for a better bond with wax or sealants.)
-All-in-one Polishing - silicone-free, acrylic formula that polishes, shines and protects your vehicle's paint in one easy step. All In One is strong enough to remove serious scratches while it finishes so fine leaving a perfect like-new shine. As the name suggests, it works three ways - the polish removes oxidation, light scratches, swirl and scuff marks, the shine brings back the shine of your vehicle's paint giving it a deep, lustrous shine and the sealant locks it all in. The effects of All In One should last up to six months.
Approx. 4-6 Hours

Add-ons:

-Additional Coat of Sealant – Maximize your paint’s protection with an additional coat of sealant. Applied with a machine polisher for maximum efficiency and shine. $40-60 (Depending on vehicle size)
-Plastic Trim Restoration - $25-50 (Depending on vehicle size)
-Engine Detail - $20 w/ Deluxe Detail

**Large vehicles and vehicle condition may be subject to additional fees.**


Let me know what you guys think! TIA:dblthumb2:
 
Only thing I would say is let preference dictate profit. If a customer needs less time on something like a protectant, allow the room for machine. :buffing:
 
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