Potomac, Maryland

R

ragtopgolfer

New member
74.2% of of the residents earn over $75,000/year. Median earnings $167,000.



That is according the Census information 2002. I am now looking to decide how much to charge. I am able to do a complete detail from swirl removing to pre-wax to waxing. And the same for the interior of the cars. I am considering charging $150.00 car ($75.00 interior, $75.00 exterior) but am wondering if I Could charge more for an impeccable job (assuming my work backs up the price I charge). Thanks for the time !
 
Hey, I grew up in Potomac! Once you get the word out, you can probably have a nice clientel of cool cars. I would say $75 for a complete exterior detail is pretty low. If it took you 3 hours, that would only be $25 an hour. Subtract the cost of the products, and that isn't much. I would think at least $100 and maybe more like $150 for a complete exterior detail. I'd think $75 would be more appropriate for just a wash and wax. $75 might be more appropriate for an interior job, though, depending on what you do and if the car is in nice shape.
 
Awesome ! Potomac, is a nicely affulent place so hopefully I'll get away charging a ridulous amount ! What happens with my exsisting clients (8 to 9) do I lock their rates or inform them of why its going up from $85-100 to $200 or so ?



thanks.
 
i would suggest you check the prices of a few of the local detailers with whom you will be competeing. I think people in my office in Rockville paid $200 right around the corner for a inside and out detail including a rotary buffing.
 
THESANTINI said:
Awesome ! Potomac, is a nicely affulent place so hopefully I'll get away charging a ridulous amount ! What happens with my exsisting clients (8 to 9) do I lock their rates or inform them of why its going up from $85-100 to $200 or so ?



thanks.
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Hmm... That's a toughie... You don't want to lose them, but you don't want to do the job for substantially less either. Will you be changing anything about your service when you change the prices? Maybe you can give them like 6-12 coupons for like 10-20% off. Or maybe 6 20% and 6 10%. That way they ease into the new prices over a year or so. You should also probably explain to them what's going on and that you value their business. Make them feel special for being your first customers.
 
What I am going to be changing is obviously the services offered.



Initially I only detailed the rims, washed the car, bug & tar removal, do some spot removal, apply protectant to the leather seats or cloth, UV protectant for the dash.

Now I am planning on doing swirl removal, polish, then wax.
 
Aurora40 said:
If it took you 3 hours, that would only be $25 an hour. Subtract the cost of the products, and that isn't much.
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i'm not sure about that. i probably use like a dollar's worth of products on any given car's exterior if that. there's nothing wrong with making $25/hr at his/my age. if you can make more, then i'm all for that too:xyxthumbs . i'm sure you'll eventually settle into a price range that both attracts clients and doesn't look too good to be true. good luck.
 
I am definately planning on using high end products, the ones that were in the Autopia guide I plan on purchasing after doing research, however I do plan on using the best and doing the best. Again what is a fair price assuming my work reflects such work.
 
I am in MD, still in HS, but detail alot of cars. If you do a good job, people will come. Just be sure the price isn't too high. I charge 130-180 usually inside and out. Cost me little in products to do the job.



I use a PC7336, s100 shine enhancing lotion, 3m Rubbing compund, 3m SMR, Meg. #83, Meg #9, and s100 for normal wax jobs. On Shwo cars I'll show them blackfire, Zaino, and combo's of both. Show cars obviously cost more due to the waxes. Steps don't change becasue standards are the same.



windows and tires are with Meg's APC+ and Meg's glass cleaner concentrate.



Interior

APC+ for carpets, Blue corral spray carpet cleaner for headliner, dash dressing based on clients likeness, and lexol for leather.



Costs for vehicles are minimal for me. I have done near 20 waxes no half a tin of s100, and I can get bout 10-16 polishes out of the s100 shine lotion. All other products are at minimal cost.



I make between 20-30 an hour usually.



P.S. Not all products are used on the same car. I obviously don't use Meg #9 and SMR at the same time. Just a little list for ya. And I can't type.
 
stanger99 said:
i probably use like a dollar's worth of products on any given car's exterior if that. there's nothing wrong with making $25/hr at his/my age.
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He had mentioned filing a business plan to compete for a grant, and incorporating his company. I guess I assumed he might have (or will have) some fixed costs like a facility or employees. Also, if you really tallied up the costs of things like a PC, pads, toweling, water, and all the products used it would come out to be a bit more than a dollar a car. :nixweiss



Also, how do you know how old he is? (just curious)
 
Aurora40 said:
He had mentioned filing a business plan to compete for a grant, and incorporating his company. I guess I assumed he might have (or will have) some fixed costs like a facility or employees. Also, if you really tallied up the costs of things like a PC, pads, toweling, water, and all the products used it would come out to be a bit more than a dollar a car. :nixweiss



Also, how do you know how old he is? (just curious)
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sorry for the $1 confusion. i was leaving out things like pc, pads, towels, etc. i figured since i already had them anyway and nothing has worn out yet, ... anyway, about his age, when he first started posting he expressed his interest in detailing for cash and he mentioned he was 19(i think).



edit: damn, i also left out expenses like business cards, flyers, etc
 
Aurora40 said:
He had mentioned filing a business plan to compete for a grant, and incorporating his company. I guess I assumed he might have (or will have) some fixed costs like a facility or employees. Also, if you really tallied up the costs of things like a PC, pads, toweling, water, and all the products used it would come out to be a bit more than a dollar a car. :nixweiss



Also, how do you know how old he is? (just curious)
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I'm 19 and enjoy starting up businesses, and am working very diligently to make this one work, well.
 
just do good work and they will come back you will see i've been full time for 6 months now and still going by the grace of god
 
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