You have to set a price that works well in your area. Call around and see what others are charging. Just to get an idea. Then charge accordingly.
Also, just because some of the detailers on here are getting 150,250,500 on up for a detail, doesn't mean you can as well. And now with the economy, I know several people with high end cars that are now balking and dickering with their detailers on pricing when before they didn't.
They must of lost quite a bit of money in stocks and their 401k's. lol
You don't want your prices too low, where it's not worth your time, but then again you don't want to price yourself out of the market either. JMO. I've never had a detail business, but I've owned a mortgage company, and when I was younger helped my dad run a few 18 wheeler dealerships.
I was lucky enough to retire at a young age, and now I'm looking for something to do (as a hobby). I'm going to start detailing some friends and family members cars, and while I don't want to charge too much (they would never go for a $200 detail) I don't want to waste my time, or energy either. And I don't need the practice.
Question for others. How do you go about charging family or friends on a wash, paint cleaner, LSP and maybe carpet cleaning. Something that would take you maybe 2-3hrs? Do you charge less than you would on a regular detail, or do you charge regular prices?