Check out my pricing for new season..

Tarios

Detailing=Artwork
Hi guys,
Let me know how this pricing sizes up.
I'm trying to be resonable and not crazy with the prices..
I am trying to average about $40.00 an hour in a full paint service job.
This takes me about 4 hours or so WHICH WOULD INCLUDE COMPOUND POLISH SEALER AND WAX..(sorry for caps)


Ok here goes:

Compound using PB:
SSR 2.5 $40.00
any additional SSR steps will be $10.00
(so if I have to use all three phases SSR3, 2.5, and 1 cost=$60.00)

Polish PB:
$40.00

Sealing EX-P:
$40.00

Wax :Nattys or which ever I use:
$40.00


So Total for a Full 3 step Compound, Polish, Sealer- Wax =$180.00
A One step Compound using SSR2.5, Polish, Sealer, Wax =$160.00

OR:
NO COMPOUND JOBS:

Polish,Sealer,Wax =$120.00

OR:
QUALITY QUICK CLEAN DETAILS:
AIO+UPP =$140.00
(expensive products so I charged a little more)

AIO+Natty's= $120.00

Any interor cleaning job with shampooing carpets and all..a fix price at $50.00



What do you guys think??
 
hey there, here is what we charge at the dealership i work at on ontario. i called around recently and out prices are very low compared to other detail shops.

quick plus-outside wash,clean windows,wipre vinyl,vacuum-$20.00
supreme plus-all of the aboce with interior shampoo-90.00
total reconondition-same package as trade ins get-150.00
any buff job starts-100.00, unless wetsanding is involved,than price goes up.

i found detail shops charge over $200.00 for total recons, and buff jobs start around 150.00. i would call a few shops in your area and say you are looking to have work done on your vehicle and ask pricing.don't tell them you want to adjust your prices.
 
maximv1 said:
hey there, here is what we charge at the dealership i work at on ontario. i called around recently and out prices are very low compared to other detail shops.

quick plus-outside wash,clean windows,wipre vinyl,vacuum-$20.00
supreme plus-all of the aboce with interior shampoo-90.00
total reconondition-same package as trade ins get-150.00
any buff job starts-100.00, unless wetsanding is involved,than price goes up.

i found detail shops charge over $200.00 for total recons, and buff jobs start around 150.00. i would call a few shops in your area and say you are looking to have work done on your vehicle and ask pricing.don't tell them you want to adjust your prices.

Thanks for responding..
Yes I know that a lot of 'shops' charge a lot more than what I listed..But a lot of more people I think (including myself if I wasn't doing this hobby/sideline) would do the same..and that is not pay the $250.00 jobs but instead go by word of mouth and ask around who does quality work at a 'home based' price..I have no employees and I work at home..so Ithink it's a good start..
If I aim to high too fast..then those who pay those prices will remain where they usuallly go..be it good work or just decent work..
I like to entice by price...people have gotten really impressed with my owork..I began charging something like $90.00..
Time to move it up a notch I say..but not to that of pro shops etc..
 
I agree with you Tarios...just make sure you have calculated enough so people won't think the're getting poor quality( low price=low quality) The word of mouth is a powerful tool...to hurt or to build you business. STAY CONSISTENT in your quality of jobs.

I will bring up my prices this March to pay for more than the product I place...like my sweat (especially interior lately). If they see a change in my process being lower in quality they will speak. If they see a consistency and a brilliant shine and wow factor...they will speak.

Daniel
:ghost
 
I just got done with evaluating my services for '05 after my first official year of detailing for money here in '04 and I've changed things up a bit for this year...dropped one of my packages that I offer, ect. Alot of this is determined by the market here in Ohio and the fact that I'm still a weekend warrier at this point.

Detail-------car---truck

hand wash 30---40
basic wash,seal and wax 85---110
clay, Light polish, seal and wax 135---160
Clay, compound, polish, seal, wax 185---210

All of the above include vacuum, interior dressing, glass, fender wells, ect. The top detial also contains carpet shampoo and leather treatment as an added incentive to purchase the full detail...otherwise I charge $30 to add it to any of the other details.

I dropped interior only details as they were killing me timewise...every single person who wanted interior only was becuase of a huge spill or mess and no mater how much I estimated for how long it would take...I always lost time on those details. I also used to charge different money for different products but it got too confusing for my customers and frankly when you're buying in bulk the prices aren't THAT big of a deal anymore as they all break down pretty similar in the long run. The only option that I really offer now is Pinnacle Soveran as a topper as opposed to S100 or #16

Andy
 
i didn't realize it was side work. when i do side jobs i calculate a $20.00/hr. wage, plus materials.just like Holyghostfilled said, if your prices are too low the people will think your work is low. i find people will always for good work. if your justifies a good price don't be afraid to charge. if it is too cheap you may get alot of people who have trashed their cars coming to you. we all know you don't make as much money on those and that is the point of side work. i make $14.00 per hour at my job so i figure i have to make enough to make up that amount plus extra for my materials. i haven't had any complaints so far and i stay busy during the months when it is warm. i charge $80.00 for a wash,interior with spot clean, outside wax,engine detail,rim detail. shampoo is $15.00 extra and a buff job is $30.00 extra. i also oil spray for $40.00 a vehicle. i also do minor pdr, price is judged by size of dent
 
Well I have calculated it to about $45.00 p/h at max 4 hours($180.00) and that's when I do a full 3 step compound polish sealer wax..this full job takes me 4 hours...I may take a little more time when I ll detail and do the mags etc..but paint work itself, for me is roughly 4 hours. I think that VERY good..and STILL super competitive..
Then if I do a one step compound like SSR1, I ve cut the time down significantly..just a little over 2 hours of work I'd say. and that is $160.00 job. roughly $75.00 an hour..doesn't mean though that I won't take the time I need to do the job right..and if I pic and nik on stuff...it can just about be a 4 hour job as well..

I had to make a list for clients to pick and choose from...otherwise I would have to advertise full compound, polish, sealer, wax for $120.00..and that is definitely a loss!

This way I can justify the prices and people will GET what they pay for...
AIO and UPP...if that's all the person wants...no problem...$140.00
Client just wants a "AIO and Nattys" kid of job ..fine..$120.00
I think people need to understand what they are getting...

Unlike a friend of mine, who has a SHELL garage business in a rich wealthy area..he offers his clients; get this:
compound
and interior shampoo...for $125.00

He uses the term compound but all he gives them is a shiney car...
I said if you want to give me clients go ahead and I ll just do the exact same thing..I'll wash..apply some UPP do the interior and everyone is happy..
He said,
"that's fine...these people he said, don't care about sealer, wax polish..etc...just bring me back the car lustrous and slick and they 'll be happy..."
I can't wait for those jobs ;)
 
Your prices sound fair, but just make sure you are aiming at clients that can pay that price. If you are talking about doing minivans and low end cars you might sound over-priced, for a Ferrari owner you would sound low.
 
Antonio Waxer said:
Your prices sound fair, but just make sure you are aiming at clients that can pay that price. If you are talking about doing minivans and low end cars you might sound over-priced, for a Ferrari owner you would sound low.

Ferrari..oh man, I don't have an idea where to find that customer..but I would definitely work on one if I had the chance..I'd be quite cautious to say the least...
I would adjust my prices for minivans and regular car owners..definitely..
Just as I would adjust the work for those cars..

BTW..the quote is,"I ll make you (him) an offer you (he) can't REFUSE" ;)
 
maximv1 said:
i found detail shops charge over $200.00 for total recons, and buff jobs start around 150.00. i would call a few shops in your area and say you are looking to have work done on your vehicle and ask pricing.don't tell them you want to adjust your prices.

Not to try and sound negative or to put you down, But alot of these "shops" that charge these prices are trying to be legit. We pay rent, insurance, workers comp, TAXES. and Have alto more overhead then fellows doing it down the road in there driveway in the evening or saturdays. We all have to start someplace, But calling legit shops and then cutting there throat on prices.. Just doesn't seem to be the right thing to do.

This is the "PROFESSIONAL DETAILING CORNER" AKA--Guys that pay the price of being professionals. As far as any of us giving up our prices to be undercut--I am doubting it will happen. Don't get me wrong--I will answer any tech questions or legit business questions I can for you...But to tell you my prices so I can be undercut--That is just plain wrong--I'm surprised the Moderators let this thread go. Before you think of cutting our business--remember--we are trying to make a living at this--And have enough trouble with good clients bringing you a flyer found on there door with cheap prices done in there yard-asking you to match it--

In my town--Myself and the few other shops have lobbied together and set our prices about the same--that way--your good work gets you the business. but then again--I'm a ego maniac shop owner that thinks everyone should pay the same taxes and price of doing business as I do?--LOL *rant off, and open for all "good and bad replies".
 
On the flip side, a lot of these shops charge out the nose for pretty shoddy work as well (please don't take that as a stab at you, just my own personal experience). Just because someone does it out of a driveway doesn't mean their work is any less than that of a person who does it "legit," as you say. I think people should be be able to charge what they are worth, that's not a crime. Just my $.02.
 
JaredPointer said:
On the flip side, a lot of these shops charge out the nose for pretty shoddy work as well (please don't take that as a stab at you, just my own personal experience).QUOTE]


none taken Jared, Just letting folks know that us shop guys have allot of expenses that we have to factor into our full detail prices, And of those $200 prices, at the end of the day after everyone gets there piece of the pie--Not much is left for the man who does it day in and day out. So if someone calls your shop to set there price or to "hire your help in the evenings" It kind of leaves a bad taste. But then again--Like you say--shoddy work will put you out of business allot quicker than high prices.
 
Jug Head said:
Not to try and sound negative or to put you down, But alot of these "shops" that charge these prices are trying to be legit. We pay rent, insurance, workers comp, TAXES. and Have alto more overhead then fellows doing it down the road in there driveway in the evening or saturdays. We all have to start someplace, But calling legit shops and then cutting there throat on prices.. Just doesn't seem to be the right thing to do.

This is the "PROFESSIONAL DETAILING CORNER" AKA--Guys that pay the price of being professionals. As far as any of us giving up our prices to be undercut--I am doubting it will happen. Don't get me wrong--I will answer any tech questions or legit business questions I can for you...But to tell you my prices so I can be undercut--That is just plain wrong--I'm surprised the Moderators let this thread go. Before you think of cutting our business--remember--we are trying to make a living at this--And have enough trouble with good clients bringing you a flyer found on there door with cheap prices done in there yard-asking you to match it--

In my town--Myself and the few other shops have lobbied together and set our prices about the same--that way--your good work gets you the business. but then again--I'm a ego maniac shop owner that thinks everyone should pay the same taxes and price of doing business as I do?--LOL *rant off, and open for all "good and bad replies".

I agree with you on this one. My shop should be open in March. What I did is look at the websites of other detail shops in the area and I'm going to set my prices in line with them. I don't want to undercut them and maybe start a price war. There is no money in that. I will have bills to pay too so I don't want to make less money for my time. What I want to do is get the work offering a high level of service and treating the customers right.

James
 
Jug Head said:
none taken Jared, Just letting folks know that us shop guys have allot of expenses that we have to factor into our full detail prices, And of those $200 prices, at the end of the day after everyone gets there piece of the pie--Not much is left for the man who does it day in and day out. So if someone calls your shop to set there price or to "hire your help in the evenings" It kind of leaves a bad taste. But then again--Like you say--shoddy work will put you out of business allot quicker than high prices.

I didn't mean to sound like I disagreed with you either...forgot to say that. I really do admire small business owners who stick with it, especially those who place high value on their workmanship. I guess what I should say is that I can see it from both sides. I wish all detial shops would place on emphasis on workmanship like the people whose work is displayed here. It would really lend a lot of credibility to the profession I think.
 
hey guys, i didn't mean to sound like i was putting down shops anywhere. i totally understand you have bills to pay. i get irratated when people say"well so&so owns their own business,they must be loaded".if it were that easy,everyone would do it.flexin and jughead are right on the ball whe nyou talk about $200.00 turns small real quick. at my work i am very involved in how our detailing dept works so i know first hand. as far as calling around to undercut. unfortunatly thats what side jobbers will do. i find that most people who come to me for side work are either good friends or can't justify spending 150.00-300.00 on their car. i have many customers at work who will gladly pay the prices we charge. those aren't the people i find who are interested in side jobbers. i called several shops in my area for work, because we found we were quite a bit cheaper and are going to raise our prices. like you said no one wins in a price war. i see both sides of the coin, but i understand where you guys are coming from because you are the owners.honestly i am envious because to own a detail shop,while not always profitable would be a blast. good luck to the both of you.
 
hey jughead, just a thought. at my work we are staring a program with our quick plus service(wash,vacuum,windows,wipe vinyl). it is a loyalty card where every 5th one will be free. it is a quick job(can be done in 30 minutes),so the loss won't be drastic but will help keep them coming back. another thing we are doing is contacting local business and offering a special rate for the employees of the businesses. it may be harder for you, but we offer free pick and delivery,but we have a shuttle driver for that. just a couple of ideas.
 
Very good topic and discussion. Just to add my .02 since this is kind of where I'm at right now too. If my perspective is off please help me recalibrate. I'm not trying to argue I'm trying to learn.

I'm one of those weekend jobbers. I called several shops and got flyers from shops around the area. Most shops don't have too much info about what services they offer. So I'm seeing a need and trying to fill the need.

To set my prices i figured and hourly rate plus product and tried to stay within the costs of the local shops. In some prices I'm higher. Our area has low price for a wax detail. So my first approach to business in this area is, upfront pricing rather than "starting at" prices. Of course I still evaluate condition before setting price. My second approach is an extensive list of services provided for each package. I want the client to know what they are going to get for the money. If I were paying for this service (which I don't think I'd ever pay to have a car detailed) I would want to know what is included in the price.

Now its up to me to be the best in the market area. That's why I'm here and other detail sites. I guess I don't try to undercut a local shop. If I charge as much or more that's competition not undercutting.

I don't see anything wrong with a weekend (driveway) detailer trying to compete with the full time shops. (A weekend detailer really can't compete with a full time operation anyway. Wishful thinking on my part.) Who knows maybe one day I might have to detail full time for a living too. I owe it to myself and my family to be prepared for job loss.

As for the original topic... Tarios do you feel this amount is worth your time and abilities? How do your prices compare against local shops?
 
As for the original topic... Tarios do you feel this amount is worth your time and abilities? How do your prices compare against local shops?

Well..it's funny you ask me that..
I just did my 1ST INTERIOR detail this afternoon..It took me 2 hours for a total CLEANING (Including washing the car and drying it)
vacum, clean rubber winter mats, door panels, carpet shampoo and cleaning and conditioning the leather seats.
I cleaned all surfaces with SG and then wiped down with OXI cleaner.
OXI SPot Cleaned the rugs and then OXI detergent used as a total caroet cleaning..Dammnnn that's a lot of work..
I marked a price of $50.00 for this job and I AIN'T going below that.
I'm charging $30.00 bucks for this client but no way for that price again.

After I post this I will go and do a AIO and Natty's finish.
This I charged him $120. This will take me a little under 2 hours...taking my time..
So what does that make?
approx. 4 hours at a total cost of: $150.00 which makes $37.0 an hour..I'd say it's pretty good.
Mind you a list price $20.00 more for shampooing:
.. so $120.00 plus interior shampooing at $50.00
which makes that a job of $170.00

I think I'm pretty decent in the pricing for my work.

Local shops?? Man..I can't speak for all of them obviously..but They charge about $250.00 for a compound and wax..Now...I have seen what one local guy does and he basically does a compound and uses only 3M line stuff.
I have seen that most charge about $200.00 for a full buff, polish wax..but then again..I don't know what they are doing exactly..a lot use key words and cliche words....like Simoniz...
But I doubt they are cheaper than me in these phases...I have no overhead so I can afford to go a lot lower you see....
 
It would be interesting to find out what their "buff" is. I'm sure you'll step down your polishes. Do you use a rotary for your buffing?
 
scrub said:
It would be interesting to find out what their "buff" is. I'm sure you'll step down your polishes. Do you use a rotary for your buffing?

I use the PC.
Haven't gotten to a rotary yet but that is in the very near future..

What "they" use?? Man, I asked a guy one time what compound he uses and he answered me back. "you know, Compound, they are all the same"..
I was like, "ok, thanks.."
I'm telling yoiu..I have seen even some product called Blue Corral..I wouldn't use that on a kids skateboard let alone a clients car..
 
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