Thoughts on my detailing packages

[HiMyNameIsSean]

I've been doing engines for a couple years, Just stay away from the intake/maf sensor, alternator, cops/igntion wires, and on 4 cylinders the front 02 sensor is right on the manifold, you can't hit that either. Always clean a warm motor, and always keep the water moving. I take compressed air to it right after I'm done cleaning, and than start the motor again. than dress it while its warm, again staying away from previous things mentioned with your dressing. Just my opinion, but I hear where you guys are coming from about previous damage.

- Sean

[paintxpert]

Try doing estimates only after looking at the vehicle! You can end up upside down in a job that you put a price on that you DID NOT look at first. You will find you wont do too many 450 dollar jobs. All my details are complete in ONE day. It is illegal to do motor degreasing in my state. It is a BIG FINE...one I choose NOT to partake in.

[SilverQx4]

I thought about doing estimates, but i feel that i might be better off giving people something to look at. I also think im going to add a charge if there vehicle requires extended time to detail.

[SilverQx4]

ok, tell me what you think. i got it down to 4 packages and i feel pretty happy about them.

Premium Detail (Int. and Ext. cleaning) $125.00
* Hand washed
* Hand dried with premium microfiber drying towels
* Premium wax by hand
* All ext. plastics cleaned and dressed
* Wheels, wells and tires cleaned and dressed
* All glass cleaned inside and out
* Interior vacuumed
* Interior components dusted
* Interior components cleaned and dressed

Ultimate Detail $175.00
* Hand washed
* Hand dried with premium microfiber drying towels
* Paint contaminants removed by claybar
* Premium wax by hand
* All ext. plastics cleaned and dressed
* Wheels, wells and tires cleaned and dressed
* All glass cleaned inside and out
* Interior vacuumed
* Interior components dusted
* Interior components cleaned and dressed
* Trunk/hatch vacuumed
* Trunk/hatch carpets cleaned and de-stained
* All exterior metals cleaned and polished (if applicable to the metal)

Exterior Premium Detail $250.00
* Hand washed
* Hand dried with premium microfiber drying towels
* Premium wax by hand
* Premium machine compounding (removes paint defects)
* Premium machine polishing (removes secondary defects and bring out shine)
* Premium machine waxing (protects paint surface)
* All ext. plastics cleaned and dressed
* Wheels, wells and tires cleaned and dressed
* All glass cleaned inside and out

Interior Premium Cleaning & Detail $85.00 (Discount applied if combined with other package)
* Interior vacuumed
* Interior components dusted
* Interior components cleaned and dressed
* All glass cleaned inside and out
* Interior carpets and upholstery cleaned ,de-stained with machine & deodorizer applied
* All interior carpets and upholstery sprayed with stain resistant

[WaxManRonnie]

I've got one close to that. It looks better with the 4.

[WAS]

Looks good !

Some other things to think about, are you going to charge more for a Ford Expedition vs a Hyundai Accent ? (the theory behind that is, the Expedition is physically much larger and will take more time to do) I don't personally charge more for larger vehicles (unless we're talking some special service vehicle for the City or something), but some people do. I figure that based on my prices, I do enough small vs large vehicles that it evens itself out.

Also, add at the very bottom something along the lines of "Packages are all time-based. Additional time spent due to excessive pet hair, chemical spills, organic contaminents, etc, will be billed at the hourly shop rate". This gives you the "out" when someone brings in an Explorer with a gallon of milk spilled all over the carpet.

[SilverQx4]

very nice tip was. thanks

[Showroom Shine]

What about claying or paint decontamination! I did not see it on any of your packages. But alot of people do not know what it is!

[WhyteWizard]

Originally Posted by toyotaguy

I dont even offer it!!! too much liability! and there will be those detailers doing it claiming they never had an issue, but I dont want to risk someone else's previous damage getting blamed on me! At least with burned paint I can spot it and point it out before I start polishing...cant see a fried ignition before you clean a motor!

I'm with you on this one. I have a pattern and practice response when it comes to engines. I say, "If you want me to do the engine, I'll do it, but I don't charge anything for it and I accept no liability. If the car never runs again - ever - you still have to pay me for the detail. If the water quality guys show up - you get the fine.

I don't think I've done an engine in the last 6 years outside of a dealership.

Robert

[WhyteWizard]

Originally Posted by Showroom Shine

What about claying or paint decontamination! I did not see it on any of your packages. But alot of people do not know what it is!

Not including clay, or charging extra for it is IMHO unprofessional because the vast majority of the time it's required for a good job. I can count on one hand the number of cars in the last three years that didn't need clay and I'm including cars that I've washed once a week and were kept in a garage. It's like charging extra for washing the car before polishing, it's that basic.

There are things that should just be included because they're part of any decent process.

Robert

[Leadfootluke]

I do think the reduced number of packages is better, and yours do look good.

I also like the idea of having a few exterior options with the interior only option that can be done by itself or packaged into the other ones at a discount. That will make it easier for the customer.

Also, I know you have the packages pretty dummy proof explaining what each step entails, but maybe highlight at the top why your $250 package looks smaller than the $175. Such as Exterior Premium Detail with Paint Correction $250.00 where the customer will immediately think "Oh, the Ultimate does not say that, so I should assume if I want the markings out I need this package." Not suggesting that would happen, but basically, the packages do look good

[Renew Detailing]

Here are mine

I'm wondering if my prices are too high for my area
Is there anyone from western PA on here?

Any feedback is much appreciated!

Package 1 – Full Detail
• Our full detail includes:
o Exterior wash
o Remove bugs, tar and road debris
o Machine buff to remove light scratches and oxidation
o Machine polish and wax all painted surfaces
o Clean and dress tires
o Vacuum interior and trunk
o Clean and dress vinyl and leather surfaces
o Clean, sun visor and mirrors
o Clean all windows
o Shampoo upholstery and carpet
o Clean and dress dashboard and console
o Clean all door panels, kick panels and pedals
o Clean door jambs and trunk lid
o Clean fender wells, wheels and wheel covers
o Clean and dress all exterior rubber and vinyl
o Clean and dress engine compartment
Car, small truck $149.95
Full size truck SUV and Mini Van $159.95
Oversized Vehicle $184.95

Package 2 – Buff & Wax
• Exterior cleaning with a buff and wax
o Exterior wash
o Remove bugs, tar and road debris
o Clean fender wells, wheels and wheel covers
o Machine buff to remove light scratches and oxidation
o Machine polish and wax all painted surfaces
Car, small truck $74.95
Full size truck SUV and Mini Van $79.95
Oversized Vehicle $94.95

Package 3 – Winter Prep
• Exterior cleaning and wax
o Exterior wash
o Remove bugs, tar and road debris
o Clean fender wells, wheels and wheel covers
o Wax all painted surfaces
Car, small truck $49.95
Full size truck SUV and Mini Van $59.95
Oversized Vehicle $69.95

Btw, do you guys stay open during winter, if so how much business do you do then???