DetailnByDustn
New member
How big is your target market? Other Detailers in the Area?
Thoughts on packages/prices for my detailing buisness!
- Thread starter CumminsCrazed
- Start date
WAS
Driven
CumminsCrazed said:
I personally have had luck with using the word "polish". People equate the word "polish" with shiny and reflective. Other than that, I'm not sure what other terms to use... even saying "wax" is tough, because people get an unrealistic expectation of what a wax will do to their paint finish. In fact, I got in an argument today with a customer who believed that the "hand wax" that he paid for as part of his package should have gotten all the scratches, RIDS and swirls out of his black finish. I explained what waxing does.... and the conversation got even more interesting when I started to explain what clear coat failure is and how it's affecting his roof....
It's hard to put into a few short words what paint correction is. In my shop, where the customer area is, I have pictures on the wall showing a hood with tape down the middle, one side "before" and one side "after". So far, that has been by far the most effective method of explaining what paint correction is in a nutshell.
WAS said:
Visual aids can only help those who don't understand identify the differences and benefits of wax vs polish. None of my packages, except paint correction, make any mention of polishing, and this was done with the intention of preventing any confusion as to what is or is not included. The key to selling someone on an extended service is to gear your pitch toward their needs. Don't over explain to the uninterested, keep it simple for the inexperienced, and know when to break out the big boy words when the issue is pressed.
I haven't had anyone that expected full correction for a wash/clay/wax price make a complaint yet. I have had people assume that a vehicle was buffed after the work was complete, even if it were just waxed and I didn't correct the customer when handed the opportunity. The terminology outside of the online community, even amongst other 'detailers', is so often misused that it perpetuates the confusion of a full detail vs paint correction.
WAS
Driven
EcoAutoCT said:
None of my packages mention anything about polishing either, as none of my packages include paint correction. Paint correction, for me, is a per-vehicle quote, not that I get very many as it is (no shop in my small city does it, so no one around here is aware that it can be done).
Agreed, the terminology even between detailers and body shops can differ quite a bit.
LeadingEdgeDetail
New member
Yep. Full-Detail in my mind means you polished the paint before waxing. Thats a FULL Detail.
Now, that is NOT the same as a 2-step compound then finishing polish! Don't even let them know you do that and you'll never have to... Unless they're able to fork over more cash, then of course!
Trick is *KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS*! Offer them what they can afford. If they can afford it, sell them on it.
If you think they can only afford $100 for a detail, give them a $120 detail for $100, and they'll be over the moon happy.
If you think they can afford $200 for a detail, give them your best shot at a full detail without multi-step paint correction. Polishing is included!
If you think they want paint correction, let them know that you charge hourly at $40 per hour, and most cars range from 8-12 hours to correct. That way you are sure to be making $300 minimum, up to $500+ for a large black vehicle.
And believe me!!! SOME PEOPLE CAN AFFORD IT!!
Don't try to sell a full detail to someone that can only afford $100. And don't try to sell a full correction to someone that just wants a full detail. Keep them separate!
And business will be swell.
Now, that is NOT the same as a 2-step compound then finishing polish! Don't even let them know you do that and you'll never have to... Unless they're able to fork over more cash, then of course!
Trick is *KNOW YOUR CUSTOMERS*! Offer them what they can afford. If they can afford it, sell them on it.
If you think they can only afford $100 for a detail, give them a $120 detail for $100, and they'll be over the moon happy.
If you think they can afford $200 for a detail, give them your best shot at a full detail without multi-step paint correction. Polishing is included!
If you think they want paint correction, let them know that you charge hourly at $40 per hour, and most cars range from 8-12 hours to correct. That way you are sure to be making $300 minimum, up to $500+ for a large black vehicle.
And believe me!!! SOME PEOPLE CAN AFFORD IT!!
Don't try to sell a full detail to someone that can only afford $100. And don't try to sell a full correction to someone that just wants a full detail. Keep them separate!
And business will be swell.
detailingnmore
New member
That could be sound advice for customers of which you "know" their financial situation. Many times I have been "fooled" by what I thought were lower income customers. When I attempted to offer lower priced services, they look at me funny and want my best services and whip out the cash to do it! Also, when I let them know that I take all major credit cards so that they can spread out the cost over a few months, they get a little insulted and say they always pay in cash. So, I no longer assume what they can afford, but ask what they are looking to spend. That way I can offer a suitable package.
Dirt-B-Gone
New member
Great thread - Awesome info
I too Thank You for all the great info posted.:hifive: I'm getting everything together to start my mobile business. The cost of insurance is the big hurdle right now. :buffing:
I too Thank You for all the great info posted.:hifive: I'm getting everything together to start my mobile business. The cost of insurance is the big hurdle right now. :buffing:
detailingnmore
New member
Hey guys, not to be a downer, but I have closed my business due to a pretty darn good job offer. Yes, I'm going to work for someone else, but it's a good situation with lots of potential for me and my family. So, if any one is interested, I have a fully outfitted 6x12 Wells Cargo trailer with everything you need to offer full reconditioning services as well as detailing. PM me if you would like more info.
I hate to leave the business, but sometimes you have to take advantage of opportunities that come your way.
Scott
I hate to leave the business, but sometimes you have to take advantage of opportunities that come your way.
Scott
imported_paintxpert
New member
In terms of pricing during these DEPRESSING times. You can have all the formulas you want....if the customer only has limited cash you hate to walk away from any job. I only did a few 275.00 jobs on the gold coast this year. That was from folks that you know could afford it. I have been doing PIG STYES for 250.00 bucks. I feel guilty taking any more than that. Usually it takes me 3.5 to 4 hours. I figure about 65.00 per hour in this economy makes people happy. My exterior buff is usually 165.00 BLACK is 175.00. Exteriors are 2 hours TOPS for me. Dont get to hung up on pricing because there are way TOO MANY VARIABLES! I charge EXTRA for scratch removal if I can. If you veiw the vehicle you can give the customer aFREE PAINT EVALUATION! I have been offering that over 38 years. Be Well and thanks for reading. BenLeoneDetailer
imported_paintxpert
New member
I also want to point out that every car I have done the last 38 years has been the best I can make that paint look. I correct the paint included in the 165.00 for the exterior. It takes me TWO hours usually. for 82.50 per hour I give it all I got. They in turn bring it to show their friends and family and I GET MORE BUSINESS! I dont do any advertising in my business besides my license plates and a small logo on my back window....I NEVER DRIVE A DIRTY CAR. Good Luck to you all! Dont put out any BAD work and dont UNDERPRICE that hurts us all! BenLeoneDetailer
imported_paintxpert
New member
Scott-Taking a job that has bennies is a GREAT thing! the only thing I hated about working for someone is it TOOK TOO LONG! I lost my freedom for 30 years while I did detailing part-time on the weekends. It was not that bad. I may do it again soon. People and business here in the North east is NOT GOOD! Folks are crying the unemployment rate is over 10 percent! Working for someone in this economy is a GOOD thing. BenLeoneDetailer I wont work full time for anyone again! I will die happy with a polisher in my hand! NOONE is making MONEY on my back ever again! I vowed that when I turned 50....you will probably do the same someday! Be Well!
Maybe I'm just stupid and like working on cars, but your prices compared to what I charge are extremely high. $150 for a "wash n wax" sounds ridiculous to most people. I charge $60 for cars and $75 for trucks. For an interior/exterior detail plus a one step polishing I only charge $130 for cars and $160 for trucks. I work with a partner and get the job done in a timely manner and don't overlook anything. I am a college student, living at home with basically no overhead. Call me crazy I guess.
unleashedfury
New member
iRace559 said:
well you have No Overhead as you stated. SO its almost all profit for you minus the chemicals.
You have a Partner so Doing a 5 to 6 hour job in 3 hours. Is possible. You split the profit. Your done. When you get into having overhead, Insurance, and alot are just a one man show. Its all about making a profit and paying the bills
unleashedfury said:
Im glad im in this boat with someone else(aside from being a college student) I am married and have a mortgage and all that good stuff, and have a child.If I quoted someone even 150-200.00 for a full detail around here i would get laughed at! I dont think i am as advanced as many of you, being i dont have a clue what the "2 step, and paint correction and all that is".. i mean i do. i just dont know how to do it so i dont try..
My full details consist of washing, drying, hand waxing, cleaning and dressing exterior trim, fully cleaning interior, spot cleaning carpets and upholstery, dressing interior, windows inside and out, engine compartment, and wheels and tires...
My pricing for this is: compact cars = 45.00
mid size/full size cars = 55.00
fullsize trucks and suv's = 75-85.00
But... I am in a small town in Southeast Ga.. And there are probably 10 - 12 people in this town alone running around with tanks in the back of their trucks doing mobile washing..
IDK... just trying to survive out here... any sugestions...?