Going into business soon... How do these prices sound?

M

MikeWLS1

New member
I've been detailing cars off and on for awhile but now I want to go into business. How do these prices sound for just starting off?



Wash / Dry - $35.00

- Exterior

Wash / Rinse and Dry.

Wash / Rinse door jams.

Degrease Wheels / Clean Tires.

Dress Tires.



- Interior

Vacuum Carpet / Floor mats.

Wipe / Remove dust from all surfaces.

Clean all windows and mirrors.



Gold Wash / Dry - $45.00

Includes standard services and adds…

- Exterior

Light coat of spray-on polish or wax.

Wash Engine bay / Degrease engine.

Wash Trunk Jam.



- Interior

Wash Carpet / Floor Mats.

Detail Interior Surfaces.

Vacuum Trunk.

Add fragrance of owners choice.



Polish / Wax - $70.00

Includes Standard Wash Dry

- Exterior

Wash Trunk jam.

Apply coat of Meguiars Polish.

Apply coat of Meguiars Gold Class Wax.

Apply coat of Spray on Polish or Wax.



- Interior

Detail Interior Surfaces.



Gold Polish / Wax - $85.00

Includes Standard Polish / Wax

- Exterior

Apply coat of Meguiars Cleaner Wax.

Apply coat of Meguiars Paint Cleaner.



- Interior

Wash Carpet / Floor Mats.

Vacuum Trunk.

Add fragrance of owners choice.



Clay Bar - $100.00

Includes Gold Polish / Wax

- Exterior

Meguiars Clay Bar used on vehicle.



Wheel / Tire Package - $100.00

Includes Gold Polish / Wax

- Exterior

Meguiars Cleaner Wax applied to wheels.

Meguiars Polish applied to wheels.

Higher Grade Tire Dressing Applied.



Wheels can now be easily cleaned with a sponge without degreaser applied.



Platinum Package - $150

Includes EVERYTHING!



- Exterior

Meguiars scratch and swirl mark remover applied.

Meguiars Gold Class Wax replaced with Meguairs synthetic wax, 4 to 6 month protection.
 
The "Spray on polish or wax" sort of bugs me. Just call it a "spray on wax", as "spray on polish" will just furthur confuse customers on what a polish is. Also, you don't really need to mention what brand of product you use unless the customer asks, which isn't very often. What to do if you change brands from say, Meguairs to Optimum? Just mention "sealant" or "wax", not "Meguiar's Gold Class Wax". Back on topic...



Prices seem a little low, but then again, I have never seen your work so I don't really know how much you should be charging.
 
Prices do seem a little low, but it's hard to say cause we don't know what the market value of details are in you rlocation and how your work is...
 
DieselMDX said:
where are you located? How are your competitors priced?
Click to expand...



Located in Atlanta GA... I know for the Ultimate Package my compititors are asking for twice the amount... A local detailer did the same thing for around $380... Unfortunately at the moment I havn't any way to show anyone my work. I do feel confident that I could charge more for my work however I chose to stay low to be on the safe side and attract business... I do intend on raising them as I gain more confidence in business however.



Thanks for the link Carl Johnson... great reference...



I haven't beenable to find many websites that list their actual prices in my area so at the moment I'm in the grey of what I'm really up against however I still think I'm cheaper (or atleast offer more services for the same price...)



Another thing I should mention is that I'm not mobile... This will all be done at my home with a permit...



Thanks for the advice... I'm going to edit and repost the price list...
 
With the prices you're listing, you'll be working for minimum wage and still having to absorb the cost of supplies.



Don't be afraid to charge more. Most people will be impressed with your work- especially if you try to do it to Autopian standards.
 
Wash a car and degrease engine for $45?? Wow thats CHEAP!! I wouldnt pop the hood.. too many liabilties..If one of my customers insist, I do it, but its at least $200 which includes the detail. And I think you have way too many options. But adjust those prices!
 
Personally, I think your a little cheap. I can't justify those prices at that level specifically considering the fact that your competition is also way higher.
 
I see, thanks for the input... What would you recommend offering my services at considering I'm just starting off? Should I price my services by the services I offer or the amount of time it takes to perform my services? I wanted to promote business and get my name around at first however is this still too cheap?



I was also going to be detailing cars for a local car club and I'm not sure how to price them. For instance some just want their car to look nice, and others want their cars to participate in a car show. It would take me atleast a full day to prepare a car for a car show so charging them $140 would leave me empty handed. Perhaps I should make a "Package Price" for those who just want their cars cleaned and waxxed, and an "Hourly Wage" for those who want me to detail their cars for car shows and contests since it's obviously going to take longer?
 
Try and get $50/hr for starts. If one of your packages takes 2 hours, charge at least $100. Gaining experience, and word of mouth, will allow you to increase your prices.



Are you doing this FT or PT?







-Nick

5-Star Auto Detailing
 
David703 said:
Wash a car and degrease engine for $45?? Wow thats CHEAP!! I wouldnt pop the hood.. too many liabilties..If one of my customers insist, I do it, but its at least $200 which includes the detail. And I think you have way too many options. But adjust those prices!
Click to expand...



If you happen to get someones distributer cap or electronics wet... could create a lot of probs... i would definatly charge more... i would under cut the competition by no more than 10-15%. I would call most of them ad recon their prices... then tighten up your prices accordingly. Make your money... give the first couple of customers a "good deal" and they might pass your name around! Good Luck!
 
Before setting your prices you should really consider identifying your actual operating expenses. Among other costs, your actual operating expenses will include: 1) your salary & payroll taxes, 2) marketing, advertising & promotional costs, 3) administration, legal and accounting fees, 4) supplies & products, 5) utilities, insurance, taxes, licenses & interest on loans, 6) equipment repairs and maintenance.



Once you know your total operating expenses, you will be better prepared to figure out how much money you need to make per hour in order to pay your bills and make a reasonable profit. What you need to make per hour will then become your hourly rate. And your hourly rate will be the figure that you will need to aim for when you set your prices.



Simply multiply your hourly rate times how many hours you estimate a job will take. That will give you an idea of how much you should charge. Once you know your hourly rate, the rest is rather easy.
 
Okay, I know realistically that a full detail job would cost around $380... Problem is, I don't know of anyone who's going to pay that much to have their car detailed when they believe they can wash and wax it themselves for $15. I'm trying to attract business but at the same time, I don't want to go broke while trying. I'm making up a new pricelist right now and we'll see how it goes from there...
 
Need4Camaro said:
Okay, I know realistically that a full detail job would cost around $380... Problem is, I don't know of anyone who's going to pay that much to have their car detailed when they believe they can wash and wax it themselves for $15. I'm trying to attract business but at the same time, I don't want to go broke while trying. I'm making up a new pricelist right now and we'll see how it goes from there...
Click to expand...





Typically a $400 dollar detail will include scratch and swirl removal, a simple wash and wax job will not.



Are you just planning on being a mobile car wash/wax, or are you going to be claybaring and buffing out defects??
 
JoshVette said:
Typically a $400 dollar detail will include scratch and swirl removal, a simple wash and wax job will not.



Are you just planning on being a mobile car wash/wax, or are you going to be claybaring and buffing out defects??
Click to expand...



Both really, although I will be stationed at home. I like the massive client effects of lower prices, but I also desire to detail club member cars at my local car club...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top