imported_Luster
New member
I don't usually say "I charge $40 per hour."
I'll look at the car, walk around it, determine the number of hours of work, do the math in my head, and quote them a total price.
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How do you determine price?
- Thread starter John M.
- Start date
I don't usually say "I charge $40 per hour."
I'll look at the car, walk around it, determine the number of hours of work, do the math in my head, and quote them a total price.
Youv really can't go wrong with an hourly price. It keeps the fee commensurate with the work involved. It'll cover the quickies requested by mom and her DD minivan or the laborious full paint correction all day affair. They are paying for something a.) they don't want to do and b.) the efficiency and skill of someone who knows how to do it correctly.
I make every attempt to also "sell" my higher end services by educating those who want to know what's involved. A wash and a wax is fine but it can be better. I also try to encourage the customer to let me "maintain" it so it just takes a proper wash and wax reapplied to keep it looking it's best. I'd say about 90% of my customers are regular visitors. I try to sell the same service I use to maintain MY car i.e. a lot of frequent but quicker visits and then twice a year return to perfection.
I make every attempt to also "sell" my higher end services by educating those who want to know what's involved. A wash and a wax is fine but it can be better. I also try to encourage the customer to let me "maintain" it so it just takes a proper wash and wax reapplied to keep it looking it's best. I'd say about 90% of my customers are regular visitors. I try to sell the same service I use to maintain MY car i.e. a lot of frequent but quicker visits and then twice a year return to perfection.
Thanks for the clarification Mr. Luster
That makes alot of sense...I was just not clear how you approach telling them the price....so telling them the "package" price is the way to go.
Has the economy reduced your business everyone? or is everyone lowering their prices to get more jobs?
I don't usually say "I charge $40 per hour."
I'll look at the car, walk around it, determine the number of hours of work, do the math in my head, and quote them a total price.
That makes alot of sense...I was just not clear how you approach telling them the price....so telling them the "package" price is the way to go.
Has the economy reduced your business everyone? or is everyone lowering their prices to get more jobs?
imported_Luster
New member
That makes alot of sense...I was just not clear how you approach telling them the price....so telling them the "package" price is the way to go.
Has the economy reduced your business everyone? or is everyone lowering their prices to get more jobs?
I've been as busy as any normal summer, but I have cut my rates from $45 to $40.
Mustangous
New member
Same price. $40 per hour no matter what the task. Waxing, polishing, interiors, tar removal, everything...
I charge more for engine bays because I can do them quick and most customers don't have a clue where to start.
Sorry for the confusion... I mean how do you (or anyone) break down interior work for the customers. What type of options? For example 1: vacuum, windows, wipe dash. or 2: vacuum, windows, clean and dress dash n door panels. or 3: all of 2 and shampoo. any other variations?
imported_Luster
New member
Sorry for the confusion... I mean how do you (or anyone) break down interior work for the customers. What type of options? For example 1: vacuum, windows, wipe dash. or 2: vacuum, windows, clean and dress dash n door panels. or 3: all of 2 and shampoo. any other variations?
I just ask questions. Do you want the carpets shampoo'd? Or vacuumed? For interior work I always do interior glass, clean and condition all vinyl, plastic and leather and vac carpets. So carpet shampoo is the only real option.
The exception to that is if I'm doing an "Express Detail" where I just wipe everything down and vacuum. Express Detail is $79 to wash, spray wax, clean and dress wheels and tires and clean interior.
Hey John... my formula is pretty simple. I charge $40 per hour.
The most important part of the estimate is Looking the car over really well before quoting a price!!!!
For example, for a wash, wax, clean interior, leather conditioner, tire dressing... I usually figure 2.5 hours or $100. (for a medium-size coupe or sedan)
For me it's pretty easy to figure out how many hours it will take.
Just make sure you know exactly what the customer wants and be sure to check for areas that might sneak up on you. Like TAR! Can be very time consuming!!!:banghead:
That is exactly what I do. I hate quoting a price BEFORE seeing the vehicle. With that said, I give a cost estimate (example is between $100-$150). Ask many questions. The more you ask, the better you can pinpoint what the customer wants. That's not to say you can't upsell other services. I also like to show problems areas that have been corrected...whether it's interior or exterior. Last, but no least, ask for referrals. I give the client a few business cards for family, friends, ect.
imported_Luster
New member
That is exactly what I do. I hate quoting a price BEFORE seeing the vehicle. With that said, I give a cost estimate (example is between $100-$150). Ask many questions. The more you ask, the better you can pinpoint what the customer wants. That's not to say you can't upsell other services. I also like to show problems areas that have been corrected...whether it's interior or exterior. Last, but no least, ask for referrals. I give the client a few business cards for family, friends, ect.
I had a lady call me this morning and ask me for an estimate over the phone. I told here exactly that. [Price range], depending on the condition of the car.
Then I told her that I would give her a final estimate when I examine the car for tar, deep scratches, oxidation, etc.
I've seen excessive tar take 3 hours to remove!!! So I always do a pretty thorough check.
I had a lady call me this morning and ask me for an estimate over the phone. I told here exactly that. [Price range], depending on the condition of the car.
Then I told her that I would give her a final estimate when I examine the car for tar, deep scratches, oxidation, etc.
I've seen excessive tar take 3 hours to remove!!! So I always do a pretty thorough check.
Well said, Bill. By taking the time to give an acurate price and looking over the car completely, it lets the client KNOW they are important....not just a number.
imported_Luster
New member
Well said, Bill. By taking the time to give an acurate price and looking over the car completely, it lets the client KNOW they are important....not just a number.
Right... Also, you can point out any damaged areas on the car. So they can't come back and say... "Hey, that wasn't there before!" Not trying to be cynical, just realistic.:redface: