People charging $55 for an Interior Detail

[bullitt21]

A gentleman e-mailed me and wanted a quote on an Complete Interior Detail on his Jeep Grand Cherokee, so I told him it would be $125, but I wouldn't be able to give a hard quote until I looked at the vehicle. He e-mails me back today and says thank you for the quote, but your substantially higher than the other guy and he was quoted $55. This doesn't bother me from a business stand point because since then I've already booked another appointment with someone who takes pride in there vehicle. It just bothers me that there are hacks out there that are actually hurting the detailing industry by charging these very low prices, and it's hurting the detailing business's that are on the up and up. If there were just one of these so called company's out there it probably wouldn't make a difference, but there are plenty here in Houston. Just wanted to put in my two cents and if there are any of these undercutting guys roaming these sites maybe they'll see this, not that it would help probably. These guys are either using very inferior products, seriously diluting to nothing but water, or they'll be out of business in a month, because if you break down the cost to get to the site, products, and time; there's not a whole lot of $ left. Didn't mean to ramble, but it's the principal of this situation along with giving true Detailers a bad name.

[TH0001]

lots of hacks charge a lot less

[LoiG37]

yea I heard ya. Around my area there's ppl detailing a basic interior and exterior detail for $20-$30 but the results are no where near perfect, they use cheap products and unskilled workers, must of them look like hobos. I'm only one of the few that charges realistic professional prices which is 3 or 4 times that amount and my clients understand my work justifies the price difference.

[jdoria]

I had this happen to me this week.
I let it go, I'm not here operating a charity. People that pay for quality and reliability are people I consider customers.

[Brandon1]

Hell in my area i'd love to get $55 for an interior only detail.

[MotorCity]

I dont deal with price shoppers... I will simply explain what I do and how this differs from what they can get for less... If they even mention price again I respectfully decline their business..

Funny thing is when I decline their business that makes them want it but I then insist they follow their instinct and go with the el cheapo guy...

If they are not satisfied I welcome them to come to me only after that, if they are happy with el cheapo I just saved myself a head ache

[calhoun1]

This sounds like the same argument of those that "can get a car wash and wax for $20 from that other guy"

If someone is looking for a deal, is that really the type of customer you want? Will they even appreciate what you did for them?

[MotorCity]

Originally Posted by calhoun1

If someone is looking for a deal, is that really the type of customer you want? Will they even appreciate what you did for them?

Nope & nope, which is why I do what I do when I encounter this type of prospect

[t-bird]

Originally Posted by Brandon1

Hell in my area i'd love to get $55 for an interior only detail.

I'm with you on that one to Brandon . I would love to get $55 for a wash & interior job.

[Greg Nichols]

Did you explain all the steps you take in your interior, that way he can see how that stacks up for the 55$. If he does the same exact thing for 55$ then................. that might be the market your in.

I find that I give the client a highly detailed list of things I do, I break the whole detail down to individual parts. Cheap detailers can't remember the steps so you will look like the better deal.

Cheers,
GREG

[Holden_C04]

It's all about selling yourself and your work. If you do that and they still insist on a rock-bottom price, cut them loose.

[ss-truck]

I get a similar response sometimes from customers wanting an all over paint job . The blue light special shops will do the whole job for less than just the materials cost me .