People charging $55 for an Interior Detail - Page 3

Greg Nichols · 02-17-09, 11:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by AeroCleanse

I never say how long its going to take until I see it. Then based on experience I can quote them average time. I do the same for the outside of the car as well, fixed hourly rate.

That approach might work, since only the ones seeking quality will come see you anyway.

G

themightytimmah · 02-17-09, 11:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Fermani

Examples: scrubbing all hard surfaces with a toothbrush

Dave you've been at this 20 years and you *still* haven't gotten a bigger brush

But to the OP, I'd probably let this guy go. Most of the price shoppers I've found on interior only jobs have big dogs, toddlers, or worse. Usually if I quote them 150 on the phone I wish it was 450 by the time I see the car.

bullitt21 · 02-17-09, 12:29

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm not mad or irritated that there are people charging $55 and getting the business, I know that when somebody turns down my quote I'll get another email or phone call within hours. The question I'm trying to get across is do you all think these prices are hurting the Detailing Industry as a whole. There are all types of operations out there, from corner car washes to expert detail pro's, and if your making a good profit that's only good business sense( as long as your reputable and honest). The reason I posted is because when I received the email it made me think of an article in Detailer's Digest about pricing and how some business's are starting to hurt the reputation detailers get. I'll look for that article and post a link or what it contains if I can find it. Thanks again for all the input, I learn something new everyday on here.

BestShineDetail · 02-17-09, 12:43

People that charge that little for their services are overly desperate for business. Most of the time the customer is not getting their monies worth as the "hack" detailer will skip steps such as carpet and upholstery shampooing in order to finish the job quickly and move on to the next. I have based my company's pricing for services on three things:

Prices of other competing "professional" companies in the local area.
Size and type of vehicle (Compact, Mid-Size, Full-Size, and Over-Size Car, Truck or Utility Vehicle)
Condition level of vehicle (I ask the customer to give me their honest assessment of the car's condition on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the best. I then give my opinion and elaborate on why I gave it that score. I factor the two scores together to come up with a middle ground and then see which of 4 categories the car fits into. The categories are Light (no up-charge), Medium ($20 up-charge), Heavy($30 up-charge), and Extreme($40 up-charge).

Being up-front and honest with the customer by thoroughly explaining the charges presents you as a true professional that is ready to go the extra-mile to insure the job is done right the first time.

smprince1 · 02-17-09, 03:08

Here's a local Craigslist.com listing in my area:

Too busy to maintain your car they way you'd like? Wish your car could look new again? A mobile car wash & car detail service can help. Charlie's Auto Care strives to provide the best car wash options with the added convenience of mobile auto detailing at home or at the office.

Basic Service inlcudes: hand wash and chamois dry, vacum/clean interior, clean windows, tire shine.
Price for basice service:
cars/small SUV's............$20.00 exterior only...$15.00
trucks/large SUV's......... $25.00 exterior only...$20.00

he's mobile, so he has to spend the time and gas to drive to/from you, his chemicals and time performing the work.

.... small SUV's ..... $20! exterior only $15!

Talk about working for nothing.

ramtough · 02-17-09, 03:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajnavo61490

you get what you pay for...

plain and simple

So because I live in an area that i can only get 50 or60 bucks. That means my work is not as good as somebody that lives in a nicer place.It's what the economy in your area will pay. I do good work I use the same products as everyone else the eastern shore of Maryland suxx.

Altered-Image · 02-17-09, 04:54

I charge less than any other detailer in my area, but i do better work, a customer of mine (dealer) works with 3 different detailers because of the volume of cars he needs to move. I beat the other 2 detailers prices by at least 20 bucks per car, and i've looked at the quality of work on the others, mine are 10x better.

I'm sorry guys but if someone charges less than you do, its no reason to assume they are a hack. He's undercutting you because hes a businessman, not a hack. Smart businessmen operate on volume, not huge profits.

ShineShop · 02-17-09, 05:10

This kind of thing is why we include "how to choose a professional detailer" in our literature. There used to be a guy around the corner from me charging $50 for a wash, engine and shampoo. We charged $125 to start at the time. Anyone want to bet who is still in business?

ShineShop · 02-17-09, 05:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altered-Image

I charge less than any other detailer in my area, but i do better work, a customer of mine (dealer) works with 3 different detailers because of the volume of cars he needs to move. I beat the other 2 detailers prices by at least 20 bucks per car, and i've looked at the quality of work on the others, mine are 10x better.

I'm sorry guys but if someone charges less than you do, its no reason to assume they are a hack. He's undercutting you because hes a businessman, not a hack. Smart businessmen operate on volume, not huge profits.

If that's working for you and you are making good money have at it. However, after being nothing more than a slave for the dealers (did as much as $40000 a month in details for them) I wised up and raised my prices. I do far less work and make far more money. Smart businessmen work smarter, not harder.

BlueAngel · 02-17-09, 05:51

I had a guy 2 years ago (before I started detailing my own interior) charge me $45 for an interior detail. He promised he would clean everything out (promised kept), but stole my ipod, phone charger and worst of all he stole my condoms. I didn't even know until my date that night. The next day I went back and confronted him

. He denied everything and asked me to leave his shop before he called the cops. I will NEVER go for the cheap jobs ever again!

ShineShop · 02-17-09, 07:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueAngel

I had a guy 2 years ago (before I started detailing my own interior) charge me $45 for an interior detail. He promised he would clean everything out (promised kept), but stole my ipod, phone charger and worst of all he stole my condoms. I didn't even know until my date that night. The next day I went back and confronted him

. He denied everything and asked me to leave his shop before he called the cops. I will NEVER go for the cheap jobs ever again!

I have a special someone just for situations like that. I had a customer rip me off for $50 once and politely asked the guy to pay me. He refused so I basically told this special someone that the $50 was his if he could collect it. Not the kind of person you want showing up at your door looking for money owed.

Boston Man · 02-17-09, 07:31

You should show them your before/after pictures of your previous work. Let them know why you charge "high" prices. Dont turn away business, try to get them in for the price you charge. Sometimes you just gotta edjumacate them