I don't run a detail shop and only do our two vehicles and my daughter's car and the son-in law's car ( when they have time for it.) I am in no way an expert but have a fair understanding of the basic processes. I have to say that I am always asked how I get our vehicles so shinny. NOW having said all that...a couple of people at work want me to detail their cars. We haven't gotten into exactly what they want done as far as just a wash and one step or clay, polish, glaze, sealer and wax or any combination there of, nor have I committed. Don't know if I want to get into all that but have no idea how to price a job if I did. Understanding a wash and one step is more time consuming than a full blown detail, do I price according to what they want done OR do I price per hour according to how long I work on the car? AND either way what would be the fees?
How do you price a detail job?
- Thread starter jlineman
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mrclean81
New member
It really depends on your geographical location as far as pros go. Say, with me being in the area Im in, and a guy equally good (meaning performing the same quality of work) in Florida or Cali, there are going to be big differences in price. I would suggest finding out what they are looking to have done, and then do a rough estimate of how long it will take you. Honestly friends and family is where it starts. Don't try to make a killing but don't work for free either. They will tell their friends, those friends will tell others, and THEN the money will start coming in.
Todd@RUPES
Just a regular guy
Tough question to ask because we all have situations that work best for us. You have to know your market, your (realistic) skill level, and most importantly you have to deliver a value for your services. (Value based upon your market).
So instead of telling you what to do I can offer some advice on what I would recommend NOT doing.
-Don't under price yourself- At first this is difficult because you need to attract clients and frankly you don't have much experience. You may have to 'cut some deals' to get the ball rolling, but once the ball is rolling you need to be firm in your pricing.
-Don't cut too many deals- Everybody wants a deal, and if you cut deals on promises then you will end up hurting yourself. People will promise you everything like their 20 friends that would love your services. Tell them once you have your 20 friends would will cut them a deal, not the other way around.
-You are the expert, not them- Never let a client dictate to you what to do. You are the expert, your word is your bond and your business. You diagnose the problems, you offer the solutions, you make the recommendations, and you let them choose the best option for you. You don't go to a doctor and tell them why you have a headache...
-Don't worry too much about the price of other detailers in your area- Focus on offering a value for your service and market the value of your service. Chipolte didn't focus on meeting McDonalds prices, they focused on offering 4 star quality food at a 3 star price=value=success.
The above is assuming that you want to grow your business slowly, have fun, and keep it a small/part time operation.
If you really want to make big money, then disregard everything I said, higher some people, under cut the competition and do 2 star quality work at a 1 star price. That is where the big money is.
So instead of telling you what to do I can offer some advice on what I would recommend NOT doing.
-Don't under price yourself- At first this is difficult because you need to attract clients and frankly you don't have much experience. You may have to 'cut some deals' to get the ball rolling, but once the ball is rolling you need to be firm in your pricing.
-Don't cut too many deals- Everybody wants a deal, and if you cut deals on promises then you will end up hurting yourself. People will promise you everything like their 20 friends that would love your services. Tell them once you have your 20 friends would will cut them a deal, not the other way around.
-You are the expert, not them- Never let a client dictate to you what to do. You are the expert, your word is your bond and your business. You diagnose the problems, you offer the solutions, you make the recommendations, and you let them choose the best option for you. You don't go to a doctor and tell them why you have a headache...
-Don't worry too much about the price of other detailers in your area- Focus on offering a value for your service and market the value of your service. Chipolte didn't focus on meeting McDonalds prices, they focused on offering 4 star quality food at a 3 star price=value=success.
The above is assuming that you want to grow your business slowly, have fun, and keep it a small/part time operation.
If you really want to make big money, then disregard everything I said, higher some people, under cut the competition and do 2 star quality work at a 1 star price. That is where the big money is.
TLMitchell
is dazed & confused
I don't price hourly comparably to some of the seasoned pros although I feel I'm capable of comparable results in some cases.... 90-95% correction or better. Depending on a customer's budget and results of a test spot I estimate how much actual work time it ought to take me in a range and give an estimated price based on probably half the hourly rate many pros charge. I work slow and methodically and take lots of breaks, I don't want detailing to become a job and I don't take on clients with time restraints. :::shrug::: I don't have to do this for a living and the vehicle has to be something that interests me in some capacity, usually those with the most potential for a dramatic turnaround. For me it's as much of a challenge and test of my capabilites as it is offering a service to a customer.
Last big job I did I estimated 2 - $300 for a 1-step MF/D300, LSP, trim, glass etc... no interior. This was on a large, black luxury barge with severe marring and swirling from end to end. The test spot indicated an excellent result with just D300, the customer didn't have anything available in the budget for a 2nd step that probably would've enhanced the finished product. An experienced pro that has his products and processes down pat would probably do it in half the time and probably charge about the same. I was about 25 - 30% short on my time estimate because as I worked and saw the results I took it upon myself as a personal challenge to take the finish to it's potential beyond my estimate of time involved. I stuck to the high end of my estimate even though based on work time I probably should have charged $100 more. If you do this for a living you obviously can't afford to work this way.
TL
Last big job I did I estimated 2 - $300 for a 1-step MF/D300, LSP, trim, glass etc... no interior. This was on a large, black luxury barge with severe marring and swirling from end to end. The test spot indicated an excellent result with just D300, the customer didn't have anything available in the budget for a 2nd step that probably would've enhanced the finished product. An experienced pro that has his products and processes down pat would probably do it in half the time and probably charge about the same. I was about 25 - 30% short on my time estimate because as I worked and saw the results I took it upon myself as a personal challenge to take the finish to it's potential beyond my estimate of time involved. I stuck to the high end of my estimate even though based on work time I probably should have charged $100 more. If you do this for a living you obviously can't afford to work this way.
TL
No hard and fast answer for the question of pricing. One aspect of your situation does make answering your question a bit easier. That is you apparently are not intent on making a living at this, rather you are looking to pick up some side money while improving your skills. Working on that assumption all you really need to do is is 1) determine the customer's expectations (IMO this is the most important aspect of detailing for "customers") This is also the point where you get a feel for what the customer is hoping to spend. 2) determine (guestimate based on your current experiences) the time required to complete the job as described by the customer (keeping in mind that there is more time spent than the actual job of "cleaning") and 3) determine what your free time is worth. 4) Then using the simple equation of time x dollars submit your quote to the potential customer. This is when you do a "walk around"
with the customer explaining how you intend to address their expectations (see step 1). This is also the time when you may offer "up sell" options, at additional cost of course.
I'm confused by this statement. In business, the customer, specifically the person with the checkbook, always dictates the guidelines to the provider. This can include specific products used if they desire. You provide suggestions they dictate which option they prefer (not all customers are clueless). We may choose not to provide the service or product they desire, but they do set the guidelines.
with the customer explaining how you intend to address their expectations (see step 1). This is also the time when you may offer "up sell" options, at additional cost of course.
I'm confused by this statement. In business, the customer, specifically the person with the checkbook, always dictates the guidelines to the provider. This can include specific products used if they desire. You provide suggestions they dictate which option they prefer (not all customers are clueless). We may choose not to provide the service or product they desire, but they do set the guidelines.
Todd@RUPES
Just a regular guy
Todd@RUPES
Just a regular guy
double post.
If you really want to make big money, then disregard everything I said, higher some people, under cut the competition and do 2 star quality work at a 1 star price. That is where the big money is.
this is typically how the rich get richer... i would prefer to receive and honest days pay for an honest days work. i like sleeping at night with a clear conscience.
this is typically how the rich get richer... i would prefer to receive and honest days pay for an honest days work. i like sleeping at night with a clear conscience.
"Mr Clean" you are pretty much correct in your assumption. Like I said, I'm not even sure I want to get into this and if I do it will be mostly to help these two people out with their car's appearance rather than drum up a bunch of business. I probably don't mind helping them but don't want to give my time away either. For openers, I guess I'll explain their options and see how involved they want this to get, then pluck an hourly figure and estiment out of the air that seems fair to me and them and go from there. I'm not trying to compete with anyone and they can always say "No" which won't hurt my feelings one way or the other. Thanks to everyone for the advice.
dirtbustersmd
New member
I own a small mobile operation based in Biloxi, Ms and refuse to work for less than $50 an hour so I price all my work accordingly. I can do a basic wash/dry/vac, clean windows, dress tires in 45 minutes in most cases and I charge $40 for this service. The guys I was trained by in California will not work for less than $100 an hour but that's a different market than here. I am the most expensive down here but I also provide the highest level of service in my area. Basically, dont give yourself away. I have to compete with so many fly by nights that want to clean a car for $20 and all that really does is kills the detailing services as a whole in our area.
polisher
New member
ya it is hard to price on good workman ship..but u should go with lot of factors..
the competitors around u
the location
what kind of customer you would want to work with
the competitors around u
the location
what kind of customer you would want to work with
I did an interior for 50 bucks the other day. They seemed pleased. I removed the seats and scrubbed and cleaned carpet and seats, went over the dash and vents with brushes and small vacuum attachments, wiped everything down, and deodorized. I had actually came up with the same price as dirtbustersmd on the wash vacuum window and tire cleaning.
Addicted2Bling
New member
Another thing to consider, is when you go and talk to clients, alot of them already know how business runs. And some of them will try to pick at you to see how much 'extra' they can get, because they know you are just starting your business. Do not become someone's door mat, it may be ok to give them a freebie here and there but you have to draw that line somewhere!
sal329
New member
Figure out what your hourly rate is going to be, factor in time, products, utilities, etc... When you look at a potential detail estimate how many hours, for this you will need to know the customers expectations, how many steps it will take and times that by your hourly rate. Now some people in some cities and experience levels charge $20 an hour while you will find others at $85. It took me a little bit to realize in my area I can not charge the premium and I then altered what I offer as a package and this yr I have been busier then ever. I detail as a paying hobby as my full time job im there 5-6 days 60+ hours and have a family at home. So I usually fill in a detail on my saturdays off or if I detail for the dealer I work at I do that early am before my shift starts at 7am
I figure what I want to have in my pocket per hour. Then I'd figure overhead like insurance (you do have insurance?), taxes, rent, gas, utilities, etc. Take that total and divide it by the number of hours in a normal work week. Add that figure to you're hourly pay. I use that total~ for my hourly rate.
classofshine
New member
Your time + products used + skills required to perform a quality job= price of the detail.
belair
New member
Agreed. Plus find out clearly if they want their car to look like yours or like the guy's next door.
You're doing side jobs, not running a business (at least not yet), so just keep it simple! Figure your costs and what you should make per hour, but don't quote them per hour. You should use your hourly rate to calculate a price, but simply quote them the price.
For example: They want interior detailed, exterior washed/clay/wax, engine & trunk cleaned. If you think it should take you 4 hours. You want $20/hour, and your supply cost is estimated to be $20. You quote them $125.
Easy enough? After you do a few cars for money, if they're all happy and word-of-mouth gets around and you start getting more customers... AND, you want to keep going, then you can start getting a little more complicated. but you'll also have more experience. You'll buy in bulk, so each job will cost less. You'll get more done quicker. You'll get better at estimating time. You'll get better and want to make more per hour. Etc Etc Etc... But for now just keep it simple...
For example: They want interior detailed, exterior washed/clay/wax, engine & trunk cleaned. If you think it should take you 4 hours. You want $20/hour, and your supply cost is estimated to be $20. You quote them $125.
Easy enough? After you do a few cars for money, if they're all happy and word-of-mouth gets around and you start getting more customers... AND, you want to keep going, then you can start getting a little more complicated. but you'll also have more experience. You'll buy in bulk, so each job will cost less. You'll get more done quicker. You'll get better at estimating time. You'll get better and want to make more per hour. Etc Etc Etc... But for now just keep it simple...
LeMarque
New member
OK, Guys. I admit to being an armchair detailer and have not yet taken the training I'm signed up for; but ...
Forgetting the economy for now. If a guy was to get hired on at one of the big box stores @ $14.00 per hr. in 3 months he gets medical, sick leave and vacation pay. All he needs is a couple of changes of jeans and shirts. That's his investment. I'm guessing those benefits add up to $20.00 ph.
So now a guy who loves this work invests 3-5K in training and 10K minimum in tools and equipment; plus rent or mobile setup, etc.
He starts doing DD's and works his reputation to where he's now doing paint correction on $70K and up cars. For $20-30 per hour?
In one regard I feel I'm lucky because I live in a tourist town and EVERYTHING is more expensive. So I plan on charging more and performing only Concours work after I establish my reputation. On the other hand, so are rents; which is the reason I haven't committed to signing a lease just yet.
But I still don't understand how you can - and please don't take offense - do an interior with
I realize that there are environments, say a restaurant, be it fast food or high class, where the kitchen looks like a Chinese fire drill. All things being equal, you, the customer, wolf down the fries or sip your wine and are contented.
I just not willing to work that way when I'm putting a buffer on a 7 series BMW or the like.
My .02
Forgetting the economy for now. If a guy was to get hired on at one of the big box stores @ $14.00 per hr. in 3 months he gets medical, sick leave and vacation pay. All he needs is a couple of changes of jeans and shirts. That's his investment. I'm guessing those benefits add up to $20.00 ph.
So now a guy who loves this work invests 3-5K in training and 10K minimum in tools and equipment; plus rent or mobile setup, etc.
He starts doing DD's and works his reputation to where he's now doing paint correction on $70K and up cars. For $20-30 per hour?
In one regard I feel I'm lucky because I live in a tourist town and EVERYTHING is more expensive. So I plan on charging more and performing only Concours work after I establish my reputation. On the other hand, so are rents; which is the reason I haven't committed to signing a lease just yet.
But I still don't understand how you can - and please don't take offense - do an interior with
or ...
for $50 or in 45 minutes without working at Indy Car pit stop speeds. Which to me not only takes the fun/enjoyment out of the work but would burn me out after two cars.
I realize that there are environments, say a restaurant, be it fast food or high class, where the kitchen looks like a Chinese fire drill. All things being equal, you, the customer, wolf down the fries or sip your wine and are contented.
I just not willing to work that way when I'm putting a buffer on a 7 series BMW or the like.
My .02
Concours.John
Auto Detail & Restoration
You have some good points.
The biggest problem with Concours work for a living is that is not always readily available. To break into it many times takes a proven winning track record. I'm not saying it isn't possible just it takes dedication. To win many times you are going up against the best; not all the time but your niche is owners who want their vehicle one step better.
Many Concours vehicles are restored and have been sanded and buffed many times. There is alot of risk. For example take a $500k original paint vehicle which at some point been polished. Paint gauges help but in many cases and other variables only give you a guestimate of how much color is on the vehicle.
If buffed through it is a minimum 20% depreciation plus the cost of repair
500k -20% plus repair= Big Loss. Be prepared. I carry 2mil plus 1mil umbrella on this aspect of my business alone.
I'm not trying to discourage you at all just cover your bases. I know of one heck of a nice guy who lost everything buffing through the edge of an all original 625k Ferrari. 275 GTB.
Best of luck do your research!
