showing prices vs. NOT showing prices on your website

M

mbs431

New member
Hey Guys,

I have been showing my prices for each package I offer on my website for a couple years now. But after looking up some competitors of mine and other detailing websites, I noticed some do not list their prices. Which do you prefer and why? Thanks.
 
I prefer to have a range or starting price for each service. No use in having potential clients contact me if they are not looking to spend what I charge.
 
gmblack3 said:
I prefer to have a range or starting price for each service. No use in having potential clients contact me if they are not looking to spend what I charge.
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Im with Bryan on this one. A range is best.
 
I give a starting price. Right now I have one starting price for each package, but will soon change it to a starting price for different size vehicles. The way I look at it is when I look at web sites trying to price/get info for a service, I want to see at least some indication of what I can expect to spend or I'm going to move on to the next website. If I wanted to call for a price I'd just call.
 
A range for some of the basic packages is fine. I don't like having only a starting price because it becomes more difficult to explain why you are having to charge a customer more. Some customers feel the things being charged extra for should be included in the base price. Prices on website should only cover a few basic packages and not a full menu of prices. Customers just need to know a ballpark of what to expect.
 
I would suggest that one visits various established automotive service sites, those who offer brake specials, exhaust, etc and read how they promote their business and "specials"on their sites.

One thing that must be done, in my opinion, is the disclaimer that the vehicle is subject to a written inspection before work may begin.

These very profitable and successful auto service companies know the value of "inspections" and "up sell" to the customer once they have the vehicle on their premises.

A "thought", drive down the street where such business are and take a look at their "sandwich signs" out front, read the "fine print".

I know many here will say all sorts of things about how wrong that is, etc, etc.

However, you are not a customer, you are a professional in the automotive services industry, what you like doesn't not mean the potential customers see things you way.

They are just wanting something done that either needs to be done, or they feel the need to get it done.

Be a businessman first, then learn to take the time to "sell" the customer and your daily gross profits will increase dramatically.

Grumpy
 
Nth Degree said:
A range for some of the basic packages is fine. I don't like having only a starting price because it becomes more difficult to explain why you are having to charge a customer more. Some customers feel the things being charged extra for should be included in the base price. Prices on website should only cover a few basic packages and not a full menu of prices. Customers just need to know a ballpark of what to expect.
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That's why I state what's included at that price and I also state depending on size of vehicle and distance traveled. I also list options for wheel sealant and glass treatment.



Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2
 
Show them. Its great when people call you after getting your info online because they aren't going to try to haggle you on price. They already know what to expect :)
 
I think it's kind of like looking on Craigslist. If someone is selling something without a picture I don't even bother looking at the ad. People want to know what ballpark of pricing they are going to expect before committing, and don't usually want to spend the time to call each and every shop that details cars.
 
gmblack3 said:
I prefer to have a range or starting price for each service. No use in having potential clients contact me if they are not looking to spend what I charge.
Click to expand...



I also put a range on my website.
 
I've tried both ways - no prices and prices shown. There are 2 schools of thought:



1. if you don't post prices people will call and this gives you a chance to gauge what they want done and more accurately price what they need/are interested in and gives you a chance to "sell" your service instead of them just getting a price and moving on. Some people are also worried about competitors getting their prices.

2. if you do post prices people will just look at the prices and try and buy on what they want to spend as opposed to what they need



I do post my prices. Competitors will get the prices one way or another anyway - guy that opened down the street from us literally copied our services almost word for word and just adjusted the prices. I have tried both ways and despite having the prices (with "STARTING FROM" clearly posted on each service) people constantly still call and say they are on the website and wanted to check the price anyway.
 
I post the price of my basic and most popular service my Express detail $100. It's a starting point from there I put together a detail for the individual customers needs. Everything beyond what's listed in my express detail is extra and those prices are not listed so it gives me some freedom to up sell my service. Want your leather seats cleaned in addition to the express detail maybe its $25 extra maybe it's $40 extra. A customer is not even going to call me if they weren't looking at spending $100 plus. so a starting price point weeds out the customers you don't want and by not listing specif prices it gives you room to make some money.
 
Rusty, we are on the same page of the choir book.

It's this sort of approach that has made the large automotive service companies successful.

Good show, hope to see you on the Thursday night chat.

Grumpy
 
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