Show prices on website?

[Firehouse Mike]

I was reading Renny Doyle's book last night (awesome read) on the business side of detailing and the topic of posting prices on your website was mentioned as a bad idea. Said it takes the salesmanship away from you. So, I can see not having prices listed so the customer will contact you, giving you a chance to communicate with they as to what they really need or want and being able to up-sell better. But at the same time, myself, if i don't see prices listed i automatically think they must be high and will just move on.....

Thoughts?
:work:

 

[zmcgovern45]

This topic has no right or wrong answer IMO... everyone has their own opinion.

I show my prices on my site. To me, it weeds out people who are not interested in my premium services. I list my prices as "starting at" for each service so it provides a ballpark estimate, but nothing is set in stone as each vehicle is different and therefore requires a unique quote for every situation.

But again, that is just my approach and I continue doing it because it works well for me.

 

[Pureshine]

This topic has no right or wrong answer IMO... everyone has their own opinion.

I show my prices on my site. To me, it weeds out people who are not interested in my premium services. I list my prices as "starting at" for each service so it provides a ballpark estimate, but nothing is set in stone as each vehicle is different and therefore requires a unique quote for every situation.

But again, that is just my approach and I continue doing it because it works well for me.

:iagree: I do the same thing!

 

[808_detail_nut]

I asked a similar question and got no response about 3 for 4 days ago. I asked if anyone gave prices on a car by car basis because I feel like I can understand what exactly the customer wants and price it accordingly during the estimate. Also I can get the price range that the customer is thinking about spending. Since this is not my primary form of income, I want to have a more personal relationship with my customers.

 

[WillWashesCars]

It's an interesting topic. I list my basic prices to start off and upsell from there. I'd rather have the prices online than have someone call who expects a $25 wash, clay, wax and only waste my time by going to a car wash at the end of the day. Do what works for you, try both.

 

[808_detail_nut]

It's an interesting topic. I list my basic prices to start off and upsell from there. I'd rather have the prices online than have someone call who expects a $25 wash, clay, wax and only waste my time by going to a car wash at the end of the day. Do what works for you, try both.

I agree with the end of it. Do what is best for you and keeps you busy. I think in my local area this works best for me, mainly because there is a few "production type" places that crank out cars fast. Not saying that they do a bad job but because I work by myself, I can assure my customers that I will address all phases of the job personally and not cut corners.

 

[CDot]

But at the same time, myself, if i don't see prices listed i automatically think they must be high and will just move on.....

Thoughts?

Since I'm not a pro-detailer I come at this from the perspective of a customer. Transparency in a service-based business is especially important because--unlike a tangible product-based business where you can see what's offered--the service level is not initially available to a potential customer. Think about it this way...

Product-Based

Store A offers CQuartz UK Coating
Store B offers "Poly Seal" Paint Coating
Store C offers "Tight Bead" Coating
Store D offers "Nano Lock" Coating

Both products make the exact same claims on performance. Which coating do you buy? CQuartz of course--because you are familiar with the product.

Service-Based

Detailer A offers a "Exterior Protection Detail" for $120
Detailer B offers a "Exterior Shine Detail" - no price listed
Detailer C offers a "Exterior Silver Detail" - no price listed
Detailer D offers a "Exterior Lvl II Detail - no price listed

All detailers list their tools/products/steps used and they are the exact same. The Results Pics & website content/polish are the exact same level as well. All claim to have great results. Which one are you most likely to pick without picking up the phone/emailing for more info?

I show my prices on my site. To me, it weeds out people who are not interested in my premium services. I list my prices as "starting at" for each service so it provides a ballpark estimate

I list my basic prices to start off and upsell from there.

Those two statements are very important because they set an expectation; which as a business owner IMHO, it's your responsibility to do. It allows a customer to have a tangible basis for the quality of your services, and therefore make an informed decision (result pics can be photo-shopped). It also lets me know that you are honest about pricing. I know you start at X, so I can decide if it's for me or not. If you don't list your prices, how do I know you aren't giving 2 different prices for the same vehicle based on some random, subjective variable that I'm completely unaware of?

Just my 2 cents :cheers:

 

[RevitalizeAutoSpa]

My wife and I run a part-time photography studio as well, and I agree that there's no "right" answer. Anyone who says there is, well, they're flat wrong. It depends on your business philosophy, your area, what your potential clients expect, etc. For us, we've always listed prices. One, it means that customers that are looking for a $400 wedding photographer don't call us. Two, it means the clients that ARE looking for a good photographer have an idea of what to expect price wise.

 

[brondondolon]

On my site i just have a "Starting at" price. This way people know what to expect some what and i have room to charge what ever is appropriate