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Old 06-05-06, 10:45   #1 (permalink)
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How much to charge...

I have searched, and read through pretty much all of the threads reguarding the issue. Alot of good info on buisness facts, however I need help figuring out what I should charge.

For most customers (what they ask for) is...


Complete interior detailing and conditioning of seats and plastic
Wash
Clay
Polish
seal
Pinacle Sov wax
Dressing of the tires
Polishing/sealing wheels
Gunk Engine degreaser with CD2

All this takes me about 6-7 hours...

Im not a PRO per say...like most of you. I still have lots to learn. But I do my best for flawless results and a customer thats all smiles.

I have been charging anywhere from $150-$180...It feels like Im undercharging but I could easily be wrong. Btw this price does not include swirl removal, thats extra.


Im really good with my customers in finding out what they most desire, and anything else I can do for them. But some good tips and pricing pointers would be fantastic.

Thanks a bunch

-Andrew
 
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Old 06-05-06, 11:12   #2 (permalink)
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I go on a flat rate of 30 an hour. What you listed above takes me about the same time you mentioned. 6 hours = 180 7 hours = 210 etc. This system is pretty good for me at least. You just have to make sure the market you are in will support that kinds of price range. I know some people here charge 40-50 an hour but those are usually the ones that seems to detail in less time.
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Old 06-05-06, 11:53   #3 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VaSuperShine
um dont you remove swirls while youre polishing? what polish do you use? would you substitute the use of your polish for the use of say a leveler so that the swirls would be removed? just my ?'s. i mean if you used a compound like 3m pi3 like i did today it destroys swirls so after that since youre sealing it anyhow why not use a product like aio as somewhat a final polish? theres just a bunch of stuff you can try out to find the quickest most effective format for you.

AIO is my polish, it is my final polish...unless I use 3M for light swirl removal.
 
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Old 06-05-06, 01:16   #4 (permalink)
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That process would take me about 7 hrs. with a couple short breaks, excluding the engine bay.

My prices would be:

Pricing-Compacts-$200
Pricing-Mid-Large Cars-$215
Pricing Small SUV's-Pickups-$240
Pricing Mid SUV's-Minivans-$265
Pricing-Large SUV's-Minivans-$290

I also give % discounts to family, friends, or those who want to go on a maintenance plan.
If paint is in terrible condition, I reserve the right to add $$$ for additional steps needed.
East coast prices.

You're maybe a little too low.....check around your local area.
 
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Old 06-05-06, 04:55   #5 (permalink)
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Its all area, I usually get 150ish for a detail like that up here in Maine. 200 is not out of the question if you live in a wealthy/urban area.
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Old 06-05-06, 07:03   #6 (permalink)
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I give discounts to friends/family. $120 for them...

My problem seems to be the customer who says "$1XX!!!". I go into explaining how my detailing is much much different than local places but they seem not to understand. Every1 is always looking for a deal I dunno I feel bad for charging 200 bucks an hour...prolly because its my first "buisness" ...Before this it was 7.50 an hour before tax's...so this is big bank for myself.

Any tips people?

How should I explain my prices with out seeming like im screwing them
 
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Old 06-05-06, 09:10   #7 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cosmom3
I dunno I feel bad for charging 200 bucks an hour...prolly because its my first "buisness"

Hopefully that's a typo, otherwise there's your problem...
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Old 06-05-06, 11:10   #8 (permalink)
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Mention its paint correction and you are correcting the optics of the car, i.e. you are repolishing a lens that has been damaged by everyday use and cleaning. They also need to know that when it rains there money isn't wasted, that shiny base is still there and will be for over six months as long as they maintain it. I did a charity auction for our owners club recently putting my services up for auction and so explaining what concurs actually is before bidding started. The winning bid was £170, that's around $320.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Cosmom3
I give discounts to friends/family. $120 for them...

My problem seems to be the customer who says "$1XX!!!". I go into explaining how my detailing is much much different than local places but they seem not to understand. Every1 is always looking for a deal I dunno I feel bad for charging 200 bucks an hour...prolly because its my first "buisness" ...Before this it was 7.50 an hour before tax's...so this is big bank for myself.

Any tips people?

How should I explain my prices with out seeming like im screwing them
 
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Old 06-05-06, 11:26   #9 (permalink)
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When people ask me "how long will it last?" I tell them that it's like having new paint, except it looks better and is much better protected. Beyond that it's entirely up to them. Make sure you're getting that paint better than new if you tell them this though.

I charge $40/h and up. I started at around $30/h, and moved it up within a month of going in to business. I hope to move to around $50/h by next year. Averge car takes 7-8 hours, SUV takes 10-12.
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Old 06-06-06, 07:12   #10 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by natebood
Hopefully that's a typo, otherwise there's your problem...
heh, it most deffinetly is. Thanks
 
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Old 06-06-06, 08:32   #11 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cosmom3
My problem seems to be the customer who says "$1XX!!!". I go into explaining how my detailing is much much different than local places but they seem not to understand. Every1 is always looking for a deal
How should I explain my prices with out seeming like im screwing them
Do you have professional business cards and brochures with pricing and services printed?
Do you look and act like a professional detailer?

There are customers that are not in the know, when it comes to true auto detailing and because of your age, experience, appearance, etc., will try and negotiate with you. Once you find out their needs, let your brochure do the talking for you. Then say, "Now then Mr./Mrs. Customer would you like service A) Just washed & waxed look, B) Off the show room floor look, or C) Show car look?" Of course these are just examples, but a well thought out price list will avoid the customer thinking you're making things up as you go.

At this point if they want a deal, you could offer them a first time %/$ off your list price for trying your services. Once you get your repeat customers, you may not need to deal with the deal makers.

Good Luck, let us know what worked for you with the knowledge you learned here on Autopia.
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Old 06-06-06, 11:53   #12 (permalink)
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Im thinking of making some what of a pricing list, I like this check the box thing.
 
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