Prices vs. median income?

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imported_hockeyplaya13

New member
Do you take the median income of your area into consideration when determining pricing? This spring I will be looking into detailing on weekends and such and in the summer do it several times a week. The median income in my city is about $65,000 and I would say that there is a large spread. What would you recommend for this full detail in my area?



Exterior:

Foam gun wash

Clay

Menz IP

106ff

Danase Wet Glaze

Pinnacle Souveran

Wheels/tires:

P21s wheel gel cleaner

Tires/wheel wells scrubbed w/Simple Green

Wheels get Poorboy's Wheel sealant

Tires get Bold'n'Bright, possibly 2 coats.

Trim w/303.



Interior

Aerospace spot remover

Vacuum

Shampoo, then vacuum again, and blot dry

Leatherique cleaner/conditioner

Dress all plastic/vinyl/rubber/leather with 303





I know a lot of you say not to start too low because I can't go back on that price, but I don't want to start too high for my area.
 
We can't give you a set price on what you should charge. Normally, most people don't even have packages for people to choose from. It all depends on how bad the car is! You could be charging $150 for that full detail above...and it will take you 10 hours cause the car is in a sh*tty condition!



Ask friends and family, co-workers anyone around you that you trust...ask them if they would pay a set price. That's a good way to judge! Or whatever advertising or verbal communication with clients, make sure you end it with "price may change due to vehicle condition"...or soemthing like that! It covers you just in case you get that crappy car!!



You have all the right materials, but if you can do a basic detail...that is GOOD...within say 3-4 hours...you will have better luck. I'm fighting with the time issue myself...im at about 5.5 hours on a minor correction detail...i don't think i can get any quicker without loosing quality!

Just my .02!
 
Rather than what the median area income is, you probably need to look at what the market is. In other words, look at what other COMPETENT detailers are charging(emphasis on competent since there are numerous hacks out there that call themselves detailers).
 
Depending on condition of vehicle and your experience that could take 6-12 hours. So its up to you to determine your skill level to see how long it will take, and then charge based on what you can do. For me with that process you have, that would start over $300
 
Median means half of the people are less than x amount and the other half are above x amount. You can also look at per capita income and mean (average) income to help in setting your prices. The advice given by the other posters is solid, and you should take their recommendations into consideration. I would offer two or three packages to keep it simple. Set a starting price for each package and make it clear that the prices can change depending on size and condition. Like most aspiring detailers, your process looks a bit redundant and you are using some expensive products. Try and simplify your process and find products that are equal in quality, but more economical. This way you can keep your prices down a bit to attract more potential customers. It is difficult to find a niche market with people willing to pay $300 and up for details. It is definitely possible as some have proved, but it is not easy.
 
While I think Souveran is a fine wax, I just don't think for daily drivers It would be the best product of choice. Your recovery of the vehicle will come from the polishing stage and I think I would be prone to use a wax/sealant that will provide your clientel more durability, especially if they are going to fork out $150-300 for a detail. Just a thought
 
I think having a set price per package is very limiting, and in some cases not fair to your customer.



That type of mind set makes 90 percent of the people happy, but the other 10 percent edgey. Its the other 10 percent that will make your business grow and will respect your clients.



The reason its not fair to your clients, is because you are running a business. If your package consists of IP x 1, 106ff x1, good luck making a difference (esp by if you are using a PC) on a C5/C6 Corvette. Now you are charging a flat fee for the work done, but the guy with the Vette can't tell a difference, because his car requires different (and more time consuming) techniques. So now do you put more time into his Vette (to get it up to your standard) and eat the cost? Do you send him on his way with a less then stellar job because the work was completed? IP/106ff doesn't work on every paint, so you are going to need flexiablity in that approach.



I have packages that have a starting price, but I focus on quality over quanity. I'm very selective of my clients, and would rather have one client who understands what is put in vs. 5 who don't.
 
Honestly, you need to set your prices at what you feel your work is worth. Packages with "starting at" are fine for probably 80% of the customers you will get but you also need to be able to meet the needs of your customers who want more than a standard detail, or have vehicles that need extra attention. Pretty much impossible to have packages for those customers. With them you want to do a walk through inspection of the car with them, letting them know what it will take to correct the finish to their high standards and what you will charge for that work.
 
hockeyplaya13 said:
Do you take the median income of your area into consideration when determining pricing?



What would you recommend for this full detail in my area?
Click to expand...



The median income of your area in most cases will have very little to do with determining detailing prices. It is all about meeting your own business expenses, making a profit and how you position your business in the marketplace. You need to aim at a target market who truely needs and can afford to pay for what it is you have to offer. Always try to stay focused on the customer and why that customer wants to buy into your service. Find a need and fill it. It is really pretty simple stuff.
 
Frank, as usual, is right on.



Be aware that only a small percentage of the general population EVER has their vehicle detailed. Perhaps only 2-3% at the retail level. These folks have more discretionary/disposable income than most. They can buy their flat screens, take their exotic vacations, pay the landscaper and plenty cash left to get their vehicles properly cared for. And even within that small group, many just don't see it as a priority.



Be proud of what you do, and charge accordingly.



Good Luck.



Jim
 
Alright thanks guys! And that package up there was a basic outline, so I understand what you're saying, Scottwax/TH0001. I will most likely offer other services also, like washes, interior only, wash/wax... I'm not going to be doing this until it gets warmer here, so I've got until about April. Thanks for the advice!
 
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