Pricing question?

808_detail_nut

808_detail_nut

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I know you guys are probably tired of hearing these questions but I just wanted to know if I'm undercharging. I been doing a package that includes 2 bucket wash, decon with clay and ironx, quick polish with menz106 fa or 205, sealant, dress wheel wells and tires, 303 wiped down on trim, and a quick window cleaning. I been charging 90-100 for cars, 100-130for trucks and SUVs. I did a few friends cars and they mentioned that I should charge more. That got me thinking so I figure ask you guys.
 
In West Los Angeles/Century City that would be more like 350 to 600. More if it required a two step polish to get rid of serious defects.
 
Really. Wow I guess I'm a little cheap. Thing is I enjoy the work but I need to make is somewhat of a profit. I have a Cadillac ATS tomorrow and I am doing this with a quick interior (vac, wipe down windows and hard surfaces) and steam clean and condition the leather seats. I'm was thinking 225 but maybe I should up that.


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You need to break it down to what is it costing you and what is the market value of your service. How many hours did it take you to do the above mentioned service?
 
I would say on average it takes 5-6 hours.


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I thinking that the detail on the ATS is going to take me about 6-7


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Your market plays a huge role, but not the only factor. Like Joe said break it down (time and costs). I usually charge by the hour, or at least my packages are based off an hourly rate of $50/hr. That covers product, travel, and my time. you have to figure our your own costs and how much you want to be paid (and how much your market will allow). Just don't short-change yourself because you enjoy the work.
 
Thanks guys still working things out. I have never had a complaint and it's easy to compete with the Craigslist guys because I seem to be fixing a lot of their work. This is a side business for me so I am not financially dependant on this. Picked up Renny Doyle's book and I been looking at it from time to time. Guess I need to sit and read it cover to cover. Thanks again.
 
$100 divided by 6 hours is $16 and some change an hour. Not good. 1st get efficient. Do the best job possible in a timely manner. Then figure an appropriate hourly rate. $50+ is good. Your 6 hour job should be $300.
 
I like how that sounds. I enjoy it already that would make it a whole lot more satisfying.
 
Don't listen to these guys. Your pricing is good now. Maybe a little high.

When can I drop my clients' cars off?
 
It really depends what your local market can support. Around here most guys are $50-60/hr when you break down the rates. Most basic work here starts at: ~$300.
 
All great advice thus far. I have developed an hourly rate and don't budge from it. I then estimate how long the job will take and quote it. Some bite, some walk. That's ok. My hourly rate was based on a careful and very thought out derivation of material costs and local market yield.

Whether you are a part timer or a seasoned pro...get what you are worth to the customer! ALWAYS. Jarred seemed to nail my outlook on this perfectly.
 
Haha funny guys. I'm now charging 45 a hour for the last 6 details and it is much more enjoyable. I also scared away a few but so be it. My time is my time. They can take it somewhere else then bring it back to me to fix. Thanks for the help. I appreciate everything I learned and will continue to learn from all of you. Mahalo.
 
Thats the way it is suppose to be! They get a sweet detail you pack your pockets with cash and cheetos.
 
Happy customers is all that matters. Business actually picked up and since it's my part time I can take as much or as little as I want.


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See, I've only been only taking family (material costs only), friends and acquaintances until this spring, and have been comfortable asking $20 an hour after costs. Without distractions, a job like the one in the first post could take me about six hours and I would charge $150. But this year I already have a few non-acquainted customers lined up and I'm having similar trouble deciding what to quote. A few are referrals (family of friends or co-workers) and I'll continue to give a nice price break on condition that they refer me to others without discussing price. But the few people I don't know that are interested in my services... Yes, I'd like to make $45 an hour.
 
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