How Do You Charge?

**imported_DetailDan** · 03-12-2009, 10:42 AM

What have you found to be the best method of charging for paint correction details?

**D!Tailed** · 03-12-2009, 10:46 AM

I generally charge money.

Although sometimes I will take free food

**imported_DetailDan** · 03-12-2009, 10:48 AM

No beer????

**SSTG** · 03-12-2009, 10:48 AM

By the hour. For paint correction.
Package price on full Details.

**D!Tailed** · 03-12-2009, 10:52 AM

ok, really. I have just put together a standard price list. I have tried to base it on the general amount of time it takes for me to complete the task. I am trying to get it priced so that I am making anywhere from $20-$50 an hour. I let my clients know in advance that this is generally an 8-12 hour process so that they can plan for it (depending on what they are needing)

Then I will give discounts for bundled services. ex. I charge less for a full detail than I do for an interior plus and exterior plus engine separately.

And finally, I let my customers know that if they come back for service on the same car within 6 months, I will give them a discount. I generally do this because I know that the car has been well taken care of and should not have declines in condition that much over the 6 months.

I am also not shy about letting people know that I charge extra for out of the ordinary things. Like excessive dirt, or tar, or bugs, or pet hair, etc.

Hope that helps!

D!

**SSTG** · 03-12-2009, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by D!Tailed

ok, really. I have just put together a standard price list. I have tried to base it on the general amount of time it takes for me to complete the task. I am trying to get it priced so that I am making anywhere from $20-$50 an hour. I let my clients know in advance that this is generally an 8-12 hour process so that they can plan for it (depending on what they are needing)

Then I will give discounts for bundled services. ex. I charge less for a full detail than I do for an interior plus and exterior plus engine separately.

And finally, I let my customers know that if they come back for service on the same car within 6 months, I will give them a discount. I generally do this because I know that the car has been well taken care of and should not have declines in condition that much over the 6 months.

I am also not shy about letting people know that I charge extra for out of the ordinary things. Like excessive dirt, or tar, or bugs, or pet hair, etc.

Hope that helps!

D!

That`s pretty close to what I do. But some people aren`t interested in there paint looking perfect,they just want it to shine you know. So for them a package price works. But for other perfectionists like my self. They want perfection... that can take alot of time to achieve, so hourly is the only fair proposition for me and them.

**D!Tailed** · 03-12-2009, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by DetailDan

No beer????

That`s considered part of the meal!

**David Fermani** · 03-12-2009, 11:32 AM

I generally give a price range. Too difficult for me to go by the hour. I usually have a good understanding of how many hours it *should* take and price accordingly.

**imported_DetailDan** · 03-12-2009, 11:45 AM

When I say by the hour I mean giving a time estimate and the price is based on a certain amount per hour.

So you meet the customer, inspect the car, and estimate it will take 13- 17 hours to complete. Say your prices are based on an hourly rate of $40/ hour. Therefore, price quote would be $520- $680.

So maybe you aren`t charging by the hour necessarily, but the price is based on an hourly rate.

**Premium** · 03-13-2009, 08:16 PM

I charge hourly.

**imported_Asphalt Rocket** · 03-13-2009, 08:23 PM

Charge by the hour.

**Old Pirate** · 03-13-2009, 08:24 PM

Well in the old days, I use to charge someone a 12 pack of PBR, but these days it`s cash.

**imported_glfahlc** · 03-18-2009, 05:29 PM

thanks guys, now i know how much to tell the wife i saved her.... that should work.

**mvjon** · 03-18-2009, 06:33 PM

when you say "package price" what is in your package and what is the price? i am in the same boat, to where the majority of the people want their car " cleaned up ".