The cost of having a professional perform a detailing job on your vehicle will vary by geographical region, the experience and reputation of the detailer, and the condition of your vehicle, and your expectations of the finished detail, among other factors. Most detailers will offer a specified package of services that are included in their standard prices, and generally will provide additional services on request for an additional fee.



As with most other things, the price of automotive detailing varies by quite a wide margin. Many more people are concerned with perceived value (a cheap price) as opposed to quality; the secret is to sell quality over price, while keeping in mind client needs.



Keep in mind; Value is in the eye of the beholder



“How much would a ‘full detail of my vehicle cost?”



Detailer’s advertise full details anywhere from $125 -450 that’s a huge difference. So to make a fair comparison we must define what constitutes a ‘full detail’



1. Generally this implies that the vehicle’ exterior is washed, the wheel surfaces, tyres and wheel wells are cleaned and a protection product or dressing is applied. The windows, trim (rubber seals, vinyl, and etc) are cleaned and protected.



2. The interior and seating surfaces are vacuumed; interior surfaces (dash, door sills, and etc) are cleaned and protected. Windows are cleaned as well as the door jambs and door and window seals protected



3. It will usually include a single-step polish that will remove minor surface scratches and the application of a wax or sealant o protect the paint



4. The engine is usually considered a specialized service and is mostly excluded.



This should provide a basic understanding of what is covered in a ‘full detail.



The price charged is ‘a sum of its parts’



What washing method is used? Some volume-based places and many dealerships will use an automated tunnel wash (using brushes or “soft cloths” that do the cleaning). These will typically be the least expensive (first cost anyway) as these methods impart scratches to the paint surface that will eventually require ‘paint renovation / correction’, but more of this later.



The least expensive (because it takes the most time) the two-bucket wash method that uses Grit Guards; this method is the most gentle on the paint (and thorough) but doesn’t cause surface scratches. This method takes upwards of an hour to complete and is usually combined with a thorough but again gentle drying method that minimizes surface scratches as opposed to drying the surface with a towel.



So find out what exactly is included in a `full detail` before you decide if it constitutes ‘real value’ or just a `low first cost` [The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten] – Benjamin Franklin



How long does a full detail take?



Exterior (8 hours)

• Wash and dry exterior paint – 1.5

• Detailer’s clay – 1.0

• Tyres and Wheel surfaces – 0.5

• Clean exterior glass – 0.5

• Clean and lightly polish paint – 1.5

• Wax or seal paint -1.0

• Clean and protect rubber seals – 0.5

• Exhaust, tyres and trim etc 1.5 hours





Interior (4.5 hours)

• Brush and Vacuum carpets – 0.5

• Shampoo mats – 0.5

• Shampoo / extract carpet – 1.0

• Clean upholstery – 1.0

• Apply protection to vinyl and leather – 0.5

• Clean interior glass -0.5

• Deodorize interior - 10 min

• Protect carpet and upholstery – 0.5

These times are indicative and are provided as an approximation only



This level of detail on an average sized and condition vehicle would take approx 13 hours, a larger vehicle will obviously take more time, most professional detailers will charge between $400 and $550 to do this level of work.



Depending on location / skill level / /reputation, to transform a vehicle back to ‘like-new condition; so expect to pay a fair price for the amount of work and materials involved.



Paint Renovation



Be cognizant that paint correction is for most vehicle owners, a luxury as opposed to a ‘need’ type service; to up l this type of service you’ll need to clearly explain its benefits. I would also add that paint renovation (the removal of serious paint surface scratches is normally charged on an hourly rate, an experienced paint renovation detailer will have a good idea of how long this should take, so do ask for an estimated time and cost before giving the go-ahead as this could cost between $450 - 1000.



Relevant Articles



1. “How to make your car worth more when you sell it” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/autopia...-you-sell.html



2. "Selecting a Professional Detailer" -http://www.autopia.org/forum/autopia...ional-detailer[.html



3. "Detailing Defined" - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...ml#post1457441