Pricing

[TimmyG]

One thing you do need to realize is that the customer's time is worth money, but so is yours. You are providing a quality service to your customers. Detailing a vehicle takes a lot of work and time and you need to price out how much your time is worth as well. I also sell on the value of my detailing services...don't be afraid to turn down an offer (this is one the hardest things to do)

For example, I have friends and family that ask me to detail their cars (usually full paint correction) and when I throw out a price they often ask me why I couldn't do it for cheaper (or sometimes FREE). I do tell them that if they don't think my work and time is worth the money then we are wasting each others time. More times than not, people are just trying to see how low they can get you before they agree. I would say that I've only lost 3-4 jobs by taking this aggressive approach (these 3-4 only come out to 5% of my total business AT THE MOST)

Having a car detailed IS a luxury, not a commodity. Don't sell yourself short...if you are providing a quality, value-added service, then position yourself that way. It will be what separates you from the competition.

I'm going to end this post by saying that I do come from a sales background (and it is my day job), so I don't have a problem selling on VALUE and not on price. If done correctly, price will be the last thing you talk about and will only be talked about so they know how much to write on the check

Great post here - and I completely agree.

I was one of those guys that'd drop $500 on a detail with no problem - so long as the work itself was quality. I got tired of paying it and decided to give it a try myself. Let's just say I understand why I was paying so much.... Knowledge, experience, tools, product, time.....They all factor into that price.

I notice that many of the up and coming guys are trying to be priced so aggressive that they are leaving their profits in their customers pockets. Bottom line is, you should be paid according to your skill level and time. If that means $xx/hr, then so be it.

 

[ray6]

Wow I really appreciate all the responses. I just talked to a detailer about my age that details around my area and he said from experience he charges $25 for cars and $30 for trucks so I'm gunna go with that since he's talked to customers around here.

I don't know about your area but on the west coast the price is influenced by the warranty. If you warrant your restoration for 1 or 2 years, you're far above anyone not warranting their work. Also, the better job you do, the more referrals you will get. Probably 80% of our work comes from referrals and word of mouth. Also consider what it costs you to do a restoration when determining pricing.
Travel time, labor, materials, etc.Your goal is to get a decent return on your time and meet your customer's expectations and pocketbook.

Happy customers will become your free sales force.

I would also consider offering multilevel restorations to meet different customer needs:
Commercial for fleets, government vehicles, etc. Fast and low cost, but long drying times. Warrant fot 1 year.
Consumer for mobile, car washes, quick oil changes, detailers, etc.
Good as new- high end detailers, etc. Time consuming but the best looking. Requires more time and extra equipment, but commands fees up to $100 per vehicle.
We set our charges to generate an average of $80/hr. net.
ray6

 

[Vegas Transplant]

Great post here...I notice that many of the up and coming guys are trying to be priced so aggressive that they are leaving their profits in their customers pockets. Bottom line is, you should be paid according to your skill level and time. If that means /hr, then so be it.

True that hand.

So I've been back and forth deciding how I'm going to set my prices because I'm just starting out and don't want to scare the customers away but I want to make some good money. There are literally 4 big car washes within a 3 miles radius of where I live and their prices range from the cheap $3 dollar to $20. Then of course the detailing which range from $100.00 to $250.00 and up. I live in a nice area but I'm not sure if people will look at a $40 car wash and go running for the hills or say it's a good price? Any advice would be appreciated

Sounds like you are only offering a mobile car wash at this time, no?

 

[speedislife11]

Yeah sort of, I've waxed and polished in the past but iv been at school and just transferred back to my home town so I'm trying to start it up and want to get some more practice before I start to do paint corrections. But I agree with my time is worth the money they're going to be paying but I just keep second guessing myself on raising the prices bc I know the economy is slowly recovering and don't know if people are willing to pay $35 and $45 dollars but then again when I work on a car I'm very meticulous.

 

[Vegas Transplant]

Well...you gotta start somewhere. Whenever one door closes, another one opens IMO.
Do your research, network, and put your best face forward hand.
Good luck and God Bless.