How much is to much?

[H.E.D]

There are several issues to consider in commenting on your post some of which have been well addressed by other operators:



1. Giving Prices over the Phone



In my opinion don't do it. Why? You have two customer types, one looking for price and if you aren't the cheapest you won't get the business anyway. As well no matter what price you give them they will keep calling til they find a cheaper price.



Others are not necessarily looking for price and they want quality but don't know what "good" detail work is or how much it is worth so they ask price.



You got to find out which person you got on the line and one way to do it is to say: "I really need to see the vehicle to give you an accurate price."



If they keep pressing for a price you probably have a price buyer.



Another quick comment I have made in a nice way is: "Sir, you looking for price or quality?"



That sets most back. Before they answer say "I am not being smart but we do only quality work not low cost dealer work."



They will ask you to explain and you then explain how detailed who do dealer work short cut to offset the low prices dealers pay.



Then explain your 3 step shampoo process and your 3 step paint finishing process, etc. This is your chance to educate the customer and win their business.



2. Pricing - you must develop an hourly price for your services and charge based on the hours to do the work times your hourly rate. Your accountant or bookkeeper should be able to help you determine what it costs you to operate.



Never price based on competition you do not know their costs of operating their business.



Based on what you said you do for the $150 I would agree with the others who said that is too low. A black vehicle is time consuming all they should get is a wash and 3 step on the paint and final exterior detail for $150.



Hope this helps



Bud Abraham

DETAIL PLUS

[/LIST]



You can tell them you need to see the vehicle

This^. Its funny how I see high end cars like ferrari bentley etc still at the local early bird special car wash. Target your clientele it'll be rough at first little to none business if your starting new, but it will gradually keep expanding as your aiming to the ones who truely value there vehicles and your work.

 

[DetailKnight]

That's pretty sad. Armor All is actually a very good, water based product that looks great on tires and fenderwells.

Very true... but a customer expects to see you using stuff that they can't get... just put it in a regular spray bottle, and rave about how good your new dressing is!!!

 

[Cameron]

Very true... but a customer expects to see you using stuff that they can't get... just put it in a regular spray bottle, and rave about how good your new dressing is!!!

I had a customer watch as I was detailing his car. He said he was really interested in seeing the whole process. At one point I was using an APC that I had gotten from the car wash I work at. I had just poured some in a regular spray bottle. He asked what I was using. I said it was an all-purpose-cleaner.



He said I must have a great product because it does a way better job than the car wash down the street(the one I work at).



Little did he know that it wasn't the product that did the better job, it was the one using the product combined with the right technique.

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

Very true... but a customer expects to see you using stuff that they can't get... just put it in a regular spray bottle, and rave about how good your new dressing is!!!

Sorry, but personally I wouldn't feel right about doing that -- it's deceptive. I'd rather just be transparent and if someone happens to see that I have Armor All in my stash, I'll just explain to them that the product is safe and effective, but that the application technique and pre-cleaning procedures I use make it even better.

 

[DetailKnight]

I had a customer watch as I was detailing his car. He said he was really interested in seeing the whole process. At one point I was using an APC that I had gotten from the car wash I work at. I had just poured some in a regular spray bottle. He asked what I was using. I said it was an all-purpose-cleaner.



He said I must have a great product because it does a way better job than the car wash down the street(the one I work at).



Little did he know that it wasn't the product that did the better job, it was the one using the product combined with the right technique.

That's hilarious... I have customers from time to time that want to see " how it's done", and when I use a magic eraser to get the scuff marks off the bottom of the doors, I always get the exact same response... " I thought you could only use those in the house!"