What should I say....

[dcswd]

....when people say "oh, what do you charge?"?



Should I say "What do you want done?"

or "I charge based on what you want done, and the condition and size of the vechicle."

or maybe "$X for a full interior/exterior detail."

or should I carry price guides around with me and just give them that?



Any ideas, I can`t think of what would be the best option.

[Scottwax]

I tell them it depends on the vehicle, condition and what they specifically want done, then ask them what they have in mind.

[eecc]

charge by the hour...ask them what they want done and go from tehre

[imported_Intel486]

I always tell them it depends and try to find out what they have in mind. Sometimes if they`re close to where I`m currently at or on my way home from a job I even stop by to take a look at a vehicle. I only do this if I don`t have to go out of my way though.



In my mind I have an idea of what I want to make in an hour and as I hear the condition of the vehicle and what they want done I can estimate how long it`ll take me to do and tell them the price. Also, don`t agree on a price over the phone. You need to see the vehicle with your own eyes. There are a lot of people that will say their vehicle is in the opposite condition of what it really is.

[AutoNova]

Coming up with standard packages is fairly simple, visit websites and find out what local detailers charge, try to get yourself an idea of how you can make 30-35/hr detailing.

[ALAN81]

NEVER COMMIT UNTIL you have all your questions answered.

Know you vehicle condition and what the people are requesting.

TAKE NOTHING for GRANTED this way there will be no suprises and you wont get screwed.