Pricing and Packages...

[dsms]

Sometime in February I would like to send out a mailer advertising my detail service. I need some advice on pricing and different packages though. My initial thought was to offer strictly a complete interior/exterior detail as my one and only option, charging a flat rate for cars and a slightly higher flat rate for SUV's(any extensive paint correction or carpet cleaning etc. would be subject to an additional fee). I figured with the one "full complete" detail option I could keep things simple and maximize profit by charging a more costly price for the extensive and time consuming detail compared to a lower price for a mini detail or quick wash. In starting a small buisness on the side I want to charge a fair price but still be able to make the detailing worth my time and turn a profit. Im looking for some feedback on pricing for a complete int/ext detail for both cars and SUVs(no sub categories between the two) The spec. sheet below...$$$ ?

EXTERIOR
Paint using the Flex
Z7 foam gun wash
Clay
Re-Wash
SIP
106ff
Z-AIO
Z2pro
Z-CS
Z8 final wipedown

Wheels
Rinse
P21s gel wheel cleaner
2 coats stoners tire shine
Z-CS
Wheel well wash/dress

Glass/Trim
Stoners invisible glass
Z-AIO exhaust tips etc.

INTERIOR
Carpet
303 spot remove
Shampoo
Vaccum
Leather
Z9 clean
Z10 conditioner
dash wipedown
Misc.
Clean vents
cupholders/ misc platics
Wood polish and Z8 wipedown

I think I covered everything, my estimate for a charge price for this full detail for a car would be somewhere in the $170-$190 range and an additional $20 for SUV's. I dont know if the only one "complete detail" package is the most effective thing to do, looking for feedback on packages and pricing opinions. Thanks-

[TH0001]

A couple things... You are going to have to rewash the car after 106ff or use a prep-sol wipedown, even before Z-AIO.

Location and skill level are going to play a big role in how much you charge, but I would say that for that service you should charge a minium of 325.00 (and, IMO, thats very low).

[TH0001]

Let me even expand on this further... If you are just starting off, take my advice (and the advice I recieved from those more experienced then me when I was starting off) and charge like you have been doing this your whole life. If you charge low, you are going to set off alarms. Worse than that, you are going to back yourself into a corner when you become more experienced and want to charge your repeat customers your value.

Pricing is very much a marketing technique, price yourself to the clients you wish to draw.

[baseballlover1]

....hes right about the pricing theory. I do think however that some different markets allow for a higher markets. Like in Florida i think you can charge more due to the cost of living being more there. Like in Roanoke the Cost of living is low so i think i can only charge so much. We will probably have a few good conversations in person about this todd. Or at least i hope we do.

O i have an idea, how about you think up two different names. And with the worse of the two you name yourself that and then when you get to be a pro at detailing you swicth to the other name and charge a higher price. Good idea?

,Daniel

BTW, todd are you getting my PM's?

[baseballlover1]

I think that, that idea would be great for anyone in my position. I am planning on buying a property and building a building up front (for detailing) and then a car storage garage in the back. I charge a very small amount right now (or did this past year). I think that when i get my building up, i will change my name so i can charge a more reasonable amount for my work.

,Daniel

[mixxer]

yes i agree with THOOO1 if i were to do thats same process is would be $300+ depending on condition.

[Cleaning Fool]

So, you are going to only offer a client 1 option, being a full complete detail? From a marketing perspective, I don't think that would be wise. People like options. If you went to 7-eleven for a Big Gulp and all they had available was 128oz size, would you be so inclined to buy it? One reason the Big Gulp became famous, you have a variety of sizes to suit your thirst. As far as the mailer is concerned, two things come to mind. If you plan on getting any response from your mailer, plan on sending out atleast 1,000 copies. If and this is a big if, the mailer is marketing savy, rate of return on 1,000 would be 4-6 jobs. Also where you send these mailers is critical. You need to target the wealthiest neigborhoods you can find. If you send them to the local trailer park, the phone will not ring. Nothing wrong with charging $325 or whatever, HOWEVER, you had better be in the top tier of what you do. Your work best be A+, because people will refer you to friends and family IF your work is top notch, if not you will lose the easiest way to get new clientel, which is from referalls.

[Grouse]

Originally Posted by dsms

Sometime in February I would like to send out a mailer advertising my detail service. I need some advice on pricing and different packages though. My initial thought was to offer strictly a complete interior/exterior detail as my one and only option, charging a flat rate for cars and a slightly higher flat rate for SUV's(any extensive paint correction or carpet cleaning etc. would be subject to an additional fee). I figured with the one "full complete" detail option I could keep things simple and maximize profit by charging a more costly price for the extensive and time consuming detail compared to a lower price for a mini detail or quick wash. In starting a small buisness on the side I want to charge a fair price but still be able to make the detailing worth my time and turn a profit. Im looking for some feedback on pricing for a complete int/ext detail for both cars and SUVs(no sub categories between the two) The spec. sheet below...$$$ ?

EXTERIOR
Paint using the Flex
Z7 foam gun wash
Clay
Re-Wash
SIP
106ff
Z-AIO
Z2pro
Z-CS
Z8 final wipedown

Wheels
Rinse
P21s gel wheel cleaner
2 coats stoners tire shine
Z-CS
Wheel well wash/dress

Glass/Trim
Stoners invisible glass
Z-AIO exhaust tips etc.

INTERIOR
Carpet
303 spot remove
Shampoo
Vaccum
Leather
Z9 clean
Z10 conditioner
dash wipedown
Misc.
Clean vents
cupholders/ misc platics
Wood polish and Z8 wipedown

I think I covered everything, my estimate for a charge price for this full detail for a car would be somewhere in the $170-$190 range and an additional $20 for SUV's. I dont know if the only one "complete detail" package is the most effective thing to do, looking for feedback on packages and pricing opinions. Thanks-

your not going to like this.

Go find an owner op that has been in business for 15-20 years. walk in and tell the owner you want to learn the business for 6 years and buy it from him on the 7th.

[mirrorfinishman]

Originally Posted by Cleaning Fool

So, you are going to only offer a client 1 option, being a full complete detail? From a marketing perspective, I don't think that would be wise. People like options.

People who say it cannot be done are usually interupted by someone else already doing it. In this case for 22 years.

From a marketing perspective, professional detailing is something that should never be compared to examples of mass marketing.

[mhadden]

I don't want to hijack dsms's thread, but I didn't want to start another thread with the same question. I, too, was wondering if I am charging the right amount for detail services. The wife and I are trying to get a mobile detailing thing going on evenings and the weekends. Right now with it being winter, I'm not too motivated yet, but I want to get my stuff together for spring. I've been detailing since I was 16, but I've mostly done it as a hobby since I can't stand a dirty vehicle. So I don't consider myself as a "professional detailer", especially since I have mostly beginner's tools for the time being, until I can get the money to buy the "professional grade" stuff. But for now, I make it work and show results The following is what I do for a full detail. Forgive me, but I am going to spare the specifics were I can. I do offer smaller detailing options when appropriate.

I thoroughly wash (and hand dry) the vehicle, including wheels with the proper chemicals. I make sure the door jambs are degreased and wiped down. I apply tire shine to the tires and remove any tar that is on the vehicle. I clay, then apply either Zymol Titanium or the client's wax/glaze of choice. I try not to polish if its not necessary, mostly because of time contraints, but I will do it if they request it, or I suggest it. Interior is fully vacuumed (including trunk) and "shampooed" with a Bissel Heat Treat machine that I have. I wipe the dash and door panels down with 303 and clean and condition the leather as well. Window's are cleaned with Stoner's, and I use a boar hair brush to get all the tight places I couldn't get before. The engine is pressure washed and degreased and 303 applied.

I charge $130 for this service, for cars and trucks/SUVs alike, which usually takes me 4-7 hours to do. I was talking with the wife and primarily the SUVs have been the business so far. I don't mind spending time, but I feel as if I'm not charging enough to compensate for my time and cost associated with chemicals, etc. At the same time, I worry about charging too much and hindering any future business. I live in a high-income area, but no-one seems to want to spend money to keep their rides clean Thanks in advance for any replies!

-Matt'

[Labster]

Originally Posted by TH0001

A couple things... You are going to have to rewash the car after 106ff or use a prep-sol wipedown, even before Z-AIO.

Location and skill level are going to play a big role in how much you charge, but I would say that for that service you should charge a minium of 325.00 (and, IMO, thats very low).

I offer a package similar to this and it begins at $275 for small cars and goes up from there depending on condition and size of vehicle. I definitely agree with others though who have said that it depends on the area where you are living however I do believe that those who would fully appreciate a package such as this would be willing to pay the price no matter the cost of living in the area.

[dsms]

My area has a well off client base. Lots of people with expensive cars so a high end detail service would have potential to do well. I keep thinking about the amount of work a full detail will need and the time that goes into it. I bought a lot of high end products and mapped out a pretty lengthy process, especially for the paint, so for the time I put in I want to make it worth my while. I want to send out a professionally printed mailer in my area advertising it. I see now that the process I will be using is worth more than $170-$190 and that something like $300 is more apropriate, I do apreciate the professional opinions and advice btw. In starting off I think I should advertise a price in the area of $350 and on the first mailer say "Recieve 20% off with this mailer" or something like that so clients get the idea that this type of detail should run in the mid $300 range but for the first time they get 20% off, so bascially they will pay $280. What do you think about this?