How do I keep up?

[Jomodeere]

Hey everyone!

Long time lurker, first time poster!

I have just recently started detailing on the side during the week to bring in some extra money.

My basic package includes:
Hand Wash and Dry
Tires Dressed
Light Interior Vacuum
Light Interior Wipedown
Door Jambs Cleaned

Now this package starts at $35 for a car and is $45 for larger vehicles.
I use quality chemicals and not just the OTC stuff from Wally World.

There is another group of guys in town that do a basic for $20.

How do I begin to compete with these prices?

All the advice is greatly appreciated!

[mrclean81]

You don`t. If you want to make some decent money on the side, step up your game and offer what the others aren`t. Not saying you have to start doing 30 hour details, but shoot for the $100 work for instance. Good thorough interior work, wash/clay/wax, wheels and tires done correctly, trim dressed, etc. Yes you may loose some people who are looking for $20 work, but you`ll gain more that are looking for something better.

[groebuck]

You get what you pay for and people will realize that in the quality you do.

[Jomodeere]

Okay that sounds like a plan then. I will just stick to my pricing! I have done my research around town and one shop charges $50 for a basic. I figure they charge that much because they have a good amount of overhead.

I`m looking to make some money on the side while I`m in college. And I also enjoy the satisfaction of taking something bad and turning it around.

[wallyStang]

Never ever undersell your self! Do not care what the guy down the street is charging! Let the work and the customer service speak for it self!!!

[Evan.J]

Price what you feel your worth.

Also make sure you are covering your costs and know what each cleaning will cost you in products as well.

[groebuck]

customer service customer service customer service...I cannot emphasize that enough. People will pay a little more for great customer service.

[Mr. Gloss]

Operating a business is all about profit margin. Be sure you`re earning fair profits on every job.

Let the loss leader guy have the low fee details.