Have someone interested in my detail work, need help with prices and such

K

Kool_ZX3

New member
Well a few people have showed interest on my work, they want to know a price to do thier car and that's where i am stuck. I dunno what to charge for whatever they want done,wash and dry,wax job,interior cleaning, etc... I am in canada so can anyone give me a few tips to include in what packages and what to charge for them. i have been waiting for someone to show interest b/c i try really hard at detailing and i am pumped and wanna show everyone what i can do :woot:



So any help is great guys, thank so much :woohoo:
 
Well first figure out what you want to make per hour, $20-50hr, then how much time you think it will take you to complete, 2-5hrs, then figure out how much product use/wear will be maybe $5-20...then add it all up. Don't sell yourself short and don't forget to include you cost for product. Also include any traveling expense if you have to travel to someone.



For example:



Joe detailer wants to make $30hr, he can detail a Honda civic in 4 hours, he uses $10 worth of product, the vehicle is 25 mile's away, his car gets 25mpg, and fuel for his car is $2.70gal.



30x4=120+10=$130+(2.70x2=5.40)=135.40...So either make it $135 or $140 total.



Nobody can tell you what it should be, go by what detailers in your area charge for a detail on a similar car.
 
Another thing you can do is to check the prices of other shops in the area. That could save you from being to low by seeing what they are charging.



James
 
Well someone was telling me the local detailer charges 60 but they don't exactly know what it includes so i have to find out what he charges first. Everyone around here wont give me a chance if i do charge a little more b/c i seen the other guys work and it's not the greatest, i think i can do better. People just think b/c i am young i can't do anything right :wall My parents and family are always super impressed with my work and my grandma and aunt wan thier cars done soon. I plan on lookin around on other's prices and what they include with certain packages, i am thinking she wants a wash and wax, what else should i include in it?



Hey flexin a fellow maritimer :ca never see many of us to often on these boards :xyxthumbs i am new brunswick
 
Before you begin to figure out your prices you may actually first want to figure out exactly what it is that you think you want to offer as a detailing service.



Try thinking of it in groups of packages, such as 1- wash and dry, 2- wash, dry and exterior wax, 3- wash, dry, exterior wax and interior cleaning. It's a lot easier to figure out your prices once you have a clear picture of what you want to offer, rather than what it is people may want you to do.
 
I'll usually charge around $100 for Wash, Dry, Wax/Sealant, Tire Shine (per customers request), and restoring black trim.



When a customer has a few dents and dings, I'll usually sell that in the package also for around $65 a panel (depending on panel).



I've built up quite a following around here, but since I'm moving to Texas in September, I will have to unfortunately leave them to pay the higher prices.



I try to keep my prices just under the competitions just to keep them shivering in their boots.



Don't go too low with your price, but stay around the ballpark and people will refer you over and over agian.



dentless dave!! :xyxthumbs
 
Hey Kool_ZX3,



Where are you located in New Brunswick? I'm in Moncton and have bee looking for a detailer who knows what they are doing.



Also, have you figured out what you'll be charging?



Luc
 
i would also try to keep it realistic. if i was just starting out (which i am as well...simply doing side work for fun money and to support my own detailing habit) i would not feel right charging the same as a local shop for many reasons. yes, i realize many of the local detail shops may not do quality work...but it is a perception thing with the customer as well.



1. you don't have the experience to charge what a seasoned professional charges

2. you are not insured...if (god forbid) you cause serious damage to something or someone, what is your recourse?

3. you need a reputation prior to charging full price (gain some word of mouth via the quality of your work)



now, that might sound harsh, but it is not intended that way. i just like to look at things logically. if i was going to pay someone the "going rate" for something, i would want to know what i was getting, etc....and regardless of their age, i would want to know that they have done the work for others before myself.



.02
 
Dentless Dave said:
I try to keep my prices just under the competitions just to keep them shivering in their boots.



Don't go too low with your price, but stay around the ballpark and people will refer you over and over agian.



dentless dave!! :xyxthumbs
Click to expand...



Honestly, you get more business charging a bit more than the competetion. You want to give the customer a feeling of getting what they pay for with a more premium price and not only do you make more per detail but you have the added snob appeal that those with money like.



Just make sure your work justifies your price. ;)
 
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