The Pricing Thread

[MotorCity]

As I wander through the multiple thread asking "how does my pricing look" I realize that there are so many of these threads that are never concluded. No finality to them regarding cost structure.

What I think would be valuable considering this is an on-line communitty that seems to be all about helping fellow autopians would to have one thread with peoples pricing structure.

Keeping in mind that geography plays a big part in pricing please include your general geography

I know a lot of those on this board stray away from "packages" and opt for hourly rates. For those that fall into this category please try to give your general guidelines

This will help all detailers if utilized not just seasoned ones by making sure noob's are not selling services for too cheap.

Hope this works!!!???

[PTRon]

I agree with you that it would be great to have such a guide but I believe that there are too many variables (besides geography) for it to be successful. Just some examples -
Mobile VS Fixed Location.
Part Time VS Full Time.
Licensed and Insured VS Fly-By-Night
I bring my own water and power sources VS The other guy doesn't.
I don't want to be "undersold" by the next guy.
Daily Driver detailers VS Custom/Show Car/High End Only detailers.
Proficiency using a rotary/orbital machine.
The list is endless. Please note, the "I" is used in the generic sense, it does not mean "me", and with all due respect to those that are not licensed and insured -although you may be an experienced detailer that really knows his stuff and does a great job - to me you're just a hobbyist looking to make a quick buck and not a "professional".

[Jakerooni]

Well mine is listed on my website. I go the route of packages and add ons. Makes it easier for the customer to understand what are reasonable expectations. My full details start from $80 and go up to $150 with full paint correction. (still trying to figure out how people on here can actually charge $400+ for a detail and have people pay it) I operate out of a poor economy (Flint, Mi.) so that really has alot to do with my pricing. And my details usually take anywhere from 4-8 hours depending on how bad it is.

[cj99si]

Mines on my website as well att2detail dot com. Im not sure how people get what they get either. It's all geographical, so theres no way to have a standard. Maine just puts a lower value on a perfect paint job.. I made more money working 2 days on a weeks vacation in Va beach than I do in week here

[MotorCity]

Originally Posted by cj99si

Mines on my website as well att2detail dot com. Im not sure how people get what they get either. It's all geographical, so theres no way to have a standard. Maine just puts a lower value on a perfect paint job.. I made more money working 2 days on a weeks vacation in Va beach than I do in week here

Which is why I thought this thread would be of true value to the noobs (helps set pricing) and the vet's (make sure other detailers are not undercutting the industry which could affect us all)

Thanks for those that are playing along!

[awahl63]

Originally Posted by MotorCity

Which is why I thought this thread would be of true value to the noobs (helps set pricing) and the vet's (make sure other detailers are not undercutting the industry which could affect us all)

Thanks for those that are playing along!

But then if Jake or CJ up their price so much they will be out of business right away.

Also, what about the noob that just polished his car for the first time and wants to detail on the side? Should he ask 300$ for a full detail even though his skill level is much much lower than the majority of the others pro's? Detailing is so market dependent that it really is way way too hard to set a bar for pricing.

Just my two cents and of course it is all only my opinion

[ADHD]

Originally Posted by cj99si

Im not sure how people get what they get either. It's all geographical, so theres no way to have a standard.

Completely agree with this statement! Ive made a couple packages tailoring to my clients needs over time and found these main packages are the "bread&butter" of your business. You can always throw add ons later. I like to keep an extra price sheet in my binder of all the "alacarte" services i can offer if the customer would like me to go into more detail than i already have. I also offer Monthly Plans for the customers who want there car washed every week so that they dont have to do it themselves nor do they have to pay me every time they see me.
Know from what im hearing im not too much more than the others in town but Im worth every penny of it and everyone has reffered me to someone else. All my prices and services are listed on my website.

[MotorCity]

Originally Posted by awahl63

But then if Jake or CJ up their price so much they will be out of business right away.

Also, what about the noob that just polished his car for the first time and wants to detail on the side? Should he ask 300$ for a full detail even though his skill level is much much lower than the majority of the others pro's? Detailing is so market dependent that it really is way way too hard to set a bar for pricing.

Just my two cents and of course it is all only my opinion

As with ANY tpoic on this forum a bit of common sense and solid rationale is needed to understand these are general guidelines and not the "gospel".

Pads/polishes/waxes etc suggestions that people ask for every day will depend on sooo many factors (temp/paint confition/skill set) yet people still ask and people still answer. No reason this topic should be any different

Base lines are useful, gives a starting point and then can be tailored for each individuals situation.

[Brandon1]

Yeah, my highest detail is only $200. I also cant see how people can get that.

My pricing is as follows

Normal wash $30-$50

Wash/wax/vac $60-80

Wash/polish/wax/vac $100-130

Full on detail $150+

[mose]

You guys are right.....it is geographical. My full details start at $175 for cars and $275 for tucks and SUV's. I couldn't charge those prices in Michigan or NC but would be WAY under the price range in Florida or Southern California. It all depends on where you live....well of course.....and the level of service you offer!! LOL!!

I feel that my customers get every pennies worth on my details. I have "extras" that I offer but rarely ever charge for them.....it always seems to work out that I just do the work and am hapy to have the practice so I give it to them for free.

When I first started out (not that long ago) I was doing every car or truck for between $100-$150. I need practice and was very willing to put in the work for less money to learn how to detail. Now that I am more skilled I charge more and I think the customer appreciate the effort I put into their vehicles.

[MotorCity]

Originally Posted by mose

You guys are right.....it is geographical. My full details start at $175 for cars and $275 for tucks and SUV's. I couldn't charge those prices in Michigan or NC but would be WAY under the price range in Florida or Southern California. It all depends on where you live....well of course.....and the level of service you offer!! LOL!!

You'd be surprised what we can get in Michigan. At the current moment Michigan is in a one state recesion while the rest of the country seems to be thriving but even so, there are some affluent areas. I happen to live very close to a few of them Bloomfield Hills / Rochester / Grosse Point to name a few.

[stiffdogg06]

I;d like to know what everyone charges for a full detail regardless of geography.

My FULL CAR detail would consist of:
Hand Wash
Hand Dry
Door jambs
cleaning/dressing trim
cleaning/dressing wheels/wheel wells
Glass cleaning inside and out
Shampoo/steam carpets
Leather treated
Dash, and all vinyl and such dressed and protected
De greasing and detailing engine
Clay bar
2 step polishing
Glaze
Sealant and/or glaze

I'd like to know how you much guys normally charge for that sort of thing.