Yet another Price & Package Critique

maximus20895

maximus20895

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I am starting an auto detailing business. I made some packages along with prices with much help with the post from Shawn at Sully's Detailng.

Thanks for your time! Im the MAN

[FONT=&quot]Price List[/FONT]​
[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]​
[FONT=&quot]Bronze Package – $40-60[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Hand wash (2 bucket method)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheels are cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Tires dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Interior is vacuumed and wiped down[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Windows cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]*Please add an additional $10-20 in the case the vehicle is really dirty [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Service takes about 3-4 hours.[/FONT]


[FONT=&quot]Silver Package – $70-100[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Hand wash (2 bucket method)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Door shuts cleaned including the trunk, hood, and gas doors[/FONT][FONT=&quot].[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheels are cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Tires dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Interior is vacuumed and wiped down[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Windows cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]1 Layer of premium wax is applied (1-2 months of protection)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]*Please add an additional $10-20 in the case the vehicle is really dirty[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Service takes about 4-6 hours.[/FONT]


[FONT=&quot]Gold Package – $100-160[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Hand wash (2 bucket method)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Door shuts cleaned including the trunk, hood, and gas doors.[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheels are cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Tires dressed[/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[/FONT][FONT=&quot] 1[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Dash is dressed with UV protectant[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Leather is cleaned and conditioned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]1 layer of premium wax is applied (1-2 months of protection)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]*Please add an additional $10-20 in the case the vehicle is really dirty[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Service takes about 5-7 hours.[/FONT]


[FONT=&quot]Platinum Package – $225-325[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Hand wash (2 bucket method)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Door shuts 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 (80% corrected)[/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 premium wax is applied (1-2 months of protection)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]*Please add an additional $10-20 in the case the vehicle is really dirty[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Service takes about 10-12 hours.[/FONT]


[FONT=&quot]Diamond Package $375[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Hand wash (2 bucket method)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Door shuts 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]Interior is vacuumed and wiped down[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Windows cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]All door shuts 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]1layer of paint sealant is applied (4-6 months of protection)[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Service takes about 12-15 hours.[/FONT]


[FONT=&quot]New Car Prep – For Newly-Purchased Vehicles – Only $70-100[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Hand wash (2 bucket method)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheels are cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Tires dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]All rubber and plastic trim is dressed with UV protectant[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Dash is dressed with UV protectant[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]1 layer of paint sealant is applied (4-6 months of protection)[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Service takes about 3-5 hours.[/FONT]


[FONT=&quot]À la carte[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Paint Correction – $30 an hour (will take 10+ hours)[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Hand wash (2 bucket method)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Door shuts 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 shuts and jambs will be polished and sealed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]1 layer of paint sealant is applied (4-6 months of protection)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Curried wax follows the sealant to provide for a deep gloss[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Service takes about 10-14 hours.[/FONT]


[FONT=&quot]1-Step Polish – $110-180[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Hand wash (2 bucket method)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Door shuts cleaned including the trunk, hood, and gas doors.[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Wheels are cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Tires dressed[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Paint is clayed to remove contaminants[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Paint is polished to remove light oxidation, minor swirls and scratches (about 80% corrected)[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Windows cleaned[/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]1 layer of wax or paint sealant is applied[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Service takes about 6-8 hours.[/FONT]


[FONT=&quot]Full Interior Detail – $110-180[/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 hours.[/FONT]


[FONT=&quot]Engine Bay Detail – $30[/FONT]

  • [FONT=&quot]Engine bay is completely cleaned 3 [/FONT]
  • [FONT=&quot]Engine bay is dressed[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Service takes about 1 hour.[/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]
 
I would sit down and price out what all the products cost conservatively by the most you will probably use in a job.

Also keep in mind how much you value your time. For example, you listed the bronze package at $40-80 depending on severity, and estimate 3-4 hours (which sound like a good time estimate for most daily drivers relative to the bronze package). Now your "A La Cart" service is listed as $30 an hour. This means for every four bronze packages that at minimum estimate at 12 hours, equals at minimum $160. But every 12 hours of the "A La Cart" service, you make $360, therefore you forgo $200!:eek:

To be realistic, you may want to play with the numbers a bit, but make sure you come up with a $ amount that you want to make an hour (unless you have employees, then the problem is quantified), include the calculated product costs you will be using, and how much you want to profit from each job to reinvest in your job. If you really want to get technical, you can include machine costs based on the warranty broken down to the days and hours you will be working, and if you are mobile, you can include gas.

For some of your services you hit the nail right on the head, but others seem to be a bit off in my opinion. Remember, when pricing, keep in mind your area, the cost of services in your area, your level of experience, and how willing your target clientele is willing pay for such services.
 
do a "wash, Vac and glass" for 15 or 20 bucks

wash
rims
glass
tire shine
vac

then maybe to a quick wipe down around the driver's area real quick....no scrubbing ( if u feel like it)
keep it simple and the customer is in and out the door



50 bucks seems expensive for a wash. you typical customer prolly doesnt have an OCD problem ...but is lazy or it is difficult for them to wash their own car.
 
I had packages like that but it left too much room for customers to gripe and ask questions like "well what about if I want this and this but not that" or "I only want this".

I changed to a flat hr rate so that way I am not getting hosed when a cruddy mini van comes and the customer with the well kept mini cooper comes he doesnt get taken either.

I decided on a figure that I feel my area can tolerate and that I am satisfied with. I charge $25 for all services except polishing where that is $35 per hr.

The only two things I do not do by the hr is the new paint coatings and G1 on the glass. Those two I charge a rate not by the hr.

I have only done this for a little while so I will see how it works but I think I am going to like it.

Back to your prices... they look ok. Make sure you are happy with them and are willing to do the work at that price. Since you have so many (like I did) make sure you know them in your head so when you get that random call you can discuss it with them without looking at a cheat sheet. Develop a patter when discussing it with the potential clients to where you are smooth and organized and at the same time you break it down to them so they understand what you do. Dont get discouraged when you get some dingleberry who just cant comprehend what you are saying and doesnt use you because of that.

Thats just my experience so far. Keep us posted on how it works out for you.

Jon
 
Grammar Nazi note: Door jambs, not shuts with advance apologies if you're outside the US. (Profile didn't say)

Perhaps look at 2-3 basic services to keep advertising simple and when customers ask about add ons, you can quote them the price you figured out.
 
I would say take out the term "80% corrected" from your platinum package. Most of your customers don't understand that. Just my opinion
 
Ted S. said:
I would sit down and price out what all the products cost conservatively by the most you will probably use in a job.

Also keep in mind how much you value your time. For example, you listed the bronze package at $40-80 depending on severity, and estimate 3-4 hours (which sound like a good time estimate for most daily drivers relative to the bronze package). Now your "A La Cart" service is listed as $30 an hour. This means for every four bronze packages that at minimum estimate at 12 hours, equals at minimum $160. But every 12 hours of the "A La Cart" service, you make $360, therefore you forgo $200!:eek:

To be realistic, you may want to play with the numbers a bit, but make sure you come up with a $ amount that you want to make an hour (unless you have employees, then the problem is quantified), include the calculated product costs you will be using, and how much you want to profit from each job to reinvest in your job. If you really want to get technical, you can include machine costs based on the warranty broken down to the days and hours you will be working, and if you are mobile, you can include gas.

For some of your services you hit the nail right on the head, but others seem to be a bit off in my opinion. Remember, when pricing, keep in mind your area, the cost of services in your area, your level of experience, and how willing your target clientele is willing pay for such services.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. It seems I have spent a whole day just working on the packages, prices and time it takes. I do know on the Bronze Package I make around $14/hr and on the A la carte it is $30..which is more than double. I think I did that because I just don't see anyone paying more for the Bronze package, but then again I don't want to sell myself short either so I'm not really sure where to go from there. :/

I am just doing this on the side. I am 22 (in 4 days) so I am not in dire need of the money, but once again I don't want to sell myself short. My age is another thing I think plays a role in the pricing. I would think that a client would not suspect I am as good or whatnot as older people and possibly few me in a different light. This should change after I impress people with results.

One thing that I stressed over, which I rarely, if ever do, is how long each process/package etc will take. I think I spend a good 3 hours just on this facter alone. I honestly have no idea how long each package will take. I just calculated each, individual item and added it as a whole. So I hope I'm in the ballpark with the time it takes.

matthew87 said:
do a "wash, Vac and glass" for 15 or 20 bucks

wash
rims
glass
tire shine
vac

then maybe to a quick wipe down around the driver's area real quick....no scrubbing ( if u feel like it)
keep it simple and the customer is in and out the door



50 bucks seems expensive for a wash. you typical customer prolly doesnt have an OCD problem ...but is lazy or it is difficult for them to wash their own car.
Click to expand...

If I am not mistaken, I would think that the Bronze package is just a wash and vac. If I am incorrect or if you have a more specific idea please let me know! :dblthumb2:

PAR Detailing said:
I had packages like that but it left too much room for customers to gripe and ask questions like "well what about if I want this and this but not that" or "I only want this".

I changed to a flat hr rate so that way I am not getting hosed when a cruddy mini van comes and the customer with the well kept mini cooper comes he doesn't get taken either.

I decided on a figure that I feel my area can tolerate and that I am satisfied with. I charge $25 for all services except polishing where that is $35 per hr.

The only two things I do not do by the hr is the new paint coatings and G1 on the glass. Those two I charge a rate not by the hr.

I have only done this for a little while so I will see how it works but I think I am going to like it.

Back to your prices... they look ok. Make sure you are happy with them and are willing to do the work at that price. Since you have so many (like I did) make sure you know them in your head so when you get that random call you can discuss it with them without looking at a cheat sheet. Develop a patter when discussing it with the potential clients to where you are smooth and organized and at the same time you break it down to them so they understand what you do. Don't get discouraged when you get some dingleberry who just cant comprehend what you are saying and doesn't use you because of that.

That's just my experience so far. Keep us posted on how it works out for you.

Jon
Click to expand...

I think the by hour thing is nice and allows for more user customization and makes them feel that the service is all about them which is what you want. I might keep the packages, but also give them an option to customize it according to their needs. I think it is just something you have to try out for your business and see if it works for you.

I will definitely keep this thread updated with what I have done and found out that works for my and more importantly the customer's needs.

ScubaCougr said:
Grammar Nazi note: Door jambs, not shuts with advance apologies if you're outside the US. (Profile didn't say)

Perhaps look at 2-3 basic services to keep advertising simple and when customers ask about add ons, you can quote them the price you figured out.
Click to expand...

I live in Knoxville, TN, I guess I will add that to my profile. I try to be correct in my English so thanks for the tip, I just copied Shawn's so blame him :)

What you mean by the other statement I guess was advertise 3 packages or what not and then talk to the customer afterwords if they would like any additional services. Is that correct?

CEE DOG said:
I would say take out the term "80% corrected" from your platinum package. Most of your customers don't understand that. Just my opinion
Click to expand...

Good point, I will take that off after I post this up!

Thanks everyone for your help. I really do appreciate it! If you need anything else let me know! :buffing:
 
are you really charging only 20-30 bucks per hour??? are these the times it really takes you do do these packages? I just would hate to see you sell yourself short. if you do good work then you should get paid!! also, please fon't do what I did and make brochures with pricing.. I ended up adjusting my prices and the flyers are now in the attic. I just have Business cards with the website address. just my thoughts.. they don't mean nothin'
 
How much do you charge?

I stated that I wasn't sure how long each step would take.
 
I have to spend $200 minimum before you'll clean my wheel wells? It takes no time at all to spray some apc and scrub them with the same water you use on the wheels. As for dressing just shoot some cheap tire foam on them and you're set. Regardless of how you dress them they will be dirty when you start driving.
 
I could be wrong but it just seems like a basic service. Maybe I should start charging extra? :) Now if we're talking an excessive amount of mud then there should be an extra fee associated which I see you do add. Overall you're off to a good start :)
 
Thanks! I'm one of those people that fear being under prepared even though I'm over prepared. This whole package, price and time thing is harder than the actual work!

I'm always listening for improvements!
 
Looking at it as a potential customer I would say there are way too many offerings. As mentioned above cut it down to a few packages, four at the most. Here's a suggestion..........

This:
The Basics
Begins @ $40 for compact or midsize vehicles
Large vehicles begin @ $60

Hand wash and dry
Clean wheel wells, wheels, and tires
Dress tires
Interior vacuumed including trunk
Dash and interior trim wiped down
Exterior and interior windows cleaned
Time required - 4 hours

*Extremely dirty vehicles or those requiring removal of excessive personal items in the interior/trunk will result in an additional charge. Owner will be informed of full cost prior to the beginning of work.


Instead of this:
Bronze Package – $40-60

Hand wash (2 bucket method)
Wheels are cleaned
Tires dressed
Interior is vacuumed and wiped down
Windows cleaned
*Please add an additional $10-20 in the case the vehicle is really dirty

Service takes about 3-4 hours.
 
Last edited:
The tremendous amount of packages is something I acknowledge when I was putting this all together.

Just a question, but what would be the benefit of starting cars at $40 and larger vehicles at $60? I thought I already did that, but there must be something you are trying to say that I don't understand :)
 
You said $40-$60. $40-60 for what? No vehicle sizes are defined are they? I defined them. You know what you are trying to say but you're not explaining it to me as a customer. Your wording and the way it's used is critical to making people read and comprehend your message.

With a firm price you are locked in to that price no matter what. That's why "Begins at" is so important. As a new person at this you have no idea of the crap cars that are going to come to you. "Begins at" price means everything is ideal, you can finish it easily ahead of time. Very very few will ever be that way so you must charge more, just that simple. What about the compact car chock full of dog hair? Are you gonna charge $40 for that car when the vacuuming alone will take two hours? Begins at $40 gives you some leeway to charge a bit more for a particular vehicle for something fairly minor.

Get someone to assist you with the writing if need be. Have several people read what you have written and make suggestions. Would you pay any attention to a price list if it didn't make sense to you and it brought up more questions than answers? NO.
How about if it was short, informative, and well written? Now you're talking!!

Just my 2 cents worth, take it for what it's worth.
 
Ah okay, very important lesson that I just learned there!

I really appreciate it!
 
Ted S. said:
I would sit down and price out what all the products cost conservatively by the most you will probably use in a job.

Also keep in mind how much you value your time. For example, you listed the bronze package at $40-80 depending on severity, and estimate 3-4 hours (which sound like a good time estimate for most daily drivers relative to the bronze package). Now your "A La Cart" service is listed as $30 an hour. This means for every four bronze packages that at minimum estimate at 12 hours, equals at minimum $160. But every 12 hours of the "A La Cart" service, you make $360, therefore you forgo $200!:eek:

To be realistic, you may want to play with the numbers a bit, but make sure you come up with a $ amount that you want to make an hour (unless you have employees, then the problem is quantified), include the calculated product costs you will be using, and how much you want to profit from each job to reinvest in your job. If you really want to get technical, you can include machine costs based on the warranty broken down to the days and hours you will be working, and if you are mobile, you can include gas.

For some of your services you hit the nail right on the head, but others seem to be a bit off in my opinion. Remember, when pricing, keep in mind your area, the cost of services in your area, your level of experience, and how willing your target clientele is willing pay for such services.
Click to expand...

I agree. My overall thoughts were that your prices are low. Be careful with those lower packages that only make you $60-$100 for 3-5 hours worth of work. That's not enough to keep you above water IMO. I try to always make about $50 an hour or more. A lot of times it comes out to be more than that. Cause if someone comes in and wants $50 worth of work...I sure as hell am not even spending an hour on it. Just not worth it to me when there's a customer willing to pay $350 just behind it.

But then again, I have a shop...so maybe that's where my change of rate falls into play. I guess if you're just mobile then it's different cause you don't worry about rent, electrical, etc.

I know for me...I've heavily considered scrapping those lower packages all together. Mainly because peoples expectations are always WAY too high for the service. For example, you say for the Bronze Package that you do a "wipe down". What you consider a wipe down, and what someone else considers a wipe down...are two DRASTICALLY different things.

Those low packages can be a headache. Especially when you just want to do your best for each customer...but they only purchase these mediocre services. I find myself biting the bullet on those lower quality services quite a bit. People want the Diamond Package for the price of the Bronze. But they'd rather order the Bronze, then ##### till you give them a Diamond, ha.

Just trying to give you some insight on what you'll be dealing with for those lower services. I have been more than serious about tossing them out completely.
 
Last edited:
You can use my packages that's fine just don't copy and paste them :)

Also give everything a starting price but don't give a maximum price. Because one full interior and 1 step on the exterior might take you x amount of hours on one vehicle and x amount on another. Tell them a bass price and give them the final price when you see the vehicle.

You should be able to gage how long it will take you to do the vehicle.

For example I won't to make $40 an hour whether I'm washing a car or correcting it so I make sure that I quote the job right.

If you want to make 30 an hour and cap let's say the silver package is capped at 100 but you get a litter F-350 that takes you 5 hours you just lost 50 bux by putting a cap to your prices. If you have a starting price and no end price it is much easier for you to make the money you want on the job

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
 
i would lower your number on 1 step polishing-80% is to high
 
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