How to raise prices

[Abram86]

As some of y'all know I charge a low price for my services due to my area I live in. I've been doing this for about 2 months so far. I plan on raising my prices in the future so im wondering how long should I wait before raising them and how would I go about it? I really dont want to lose my first customers because I feel loyal to them for helping me get my start. Also I dont want to charge too much to where I dont get any business at all. Im stuck in a hard place.

Xtreme Auto

[crober53]

I detail primarily from March to October. When I start back up I rearrange my prices to fit. Honestly I wouldn't tell then you're raising them, but when your return customers come back do it for the same price, if not too far off, for them. I have a loyal customer discount.

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[Flash Gordon]

You can't raise prices on existing customers. You may be able to charge an extra $10-$20 w/out them raising an eyebrow, but for such a small amount, what's the point!

What is the average time spent on a car and what are you currently charging?
You need to be working on an hourly basis

[Abram86]

You can't raise prices on existing customers. You may be able to charge an extra $10-$20 w/out them raising an eyebrow, but for such a small amount, what's the point!

What is the average time spent on a car and what are you currently charging?
You need to be working on an hourly basis

On a lightly soiled car I spend about 3 hours minimum.
Trucks about 4 hours and if its really bad upwards of 4.5 hours.
Full sized vehicles average about 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
So i average a minimum of $14 per hour up to $20 per hour.

Xtreme Auto

[master detailer]

with the money you are getting you would be better off working for a detailer then working for your self.

[dcjredline]

In general I wouldnt raise my prices until I am so swamped with work I cant keep up. Then when you raise prices and some leave you arent hurt as bad.

[Flash Gordon]

On a lightly soiled car I spend about 3 hours minimum.
Trucks about 4 hours and if its really bad upwards of 4.5 hours.
Full sized vehicles average about 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
So i average a minimum of $14 per hour up to $20 per hour.

Xtreme Auto

On your existing customers charge $20 an hour and don't budge from that (and don't work fast). Tell them you won't be around (out of business) if you charge less

New customers charge $30 per hour. When they ask how much the total will be; ask what their expectations are then guestimate from previous expeirence


In general I wouldnt raise my prices until I am so swamped with work I cant keep up. Then when you raise prices and some leave you arent hurt as bad.

Good advice

Nothing like raising your prices then no one calls



:autowash:

[Abram86]

with the money you are getting you would be better off working for a detailer then working for your self.

As I've said before I am making profit because I work out of my garage and my expenses are low. If I was to work for someone else they would pay 35.00 per vehicle or 8.50 per hour.

Xtreme Auto

[master detailer]

well abram you asked for the help.

[VP Mark]

I adjust prices yearly but grandfather in current clients at last years rate. Sounds much better when you say since you are a returning client I am going to give you last years prices.

You will quickly realize who is using you because you are cheap, and who loves your services when you raise prices.

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[Abram86]

well abram you asked for the help.

Yes I asked for help. That's why im asking how to raise prices. Its that your response made it sound a little negative

Xtreme Auto

[215Detailing]

On my website I have a listed price,but always charged less, then I came to the thought of a coupon with x amount off listed price, coupon/ad states if no coupon full rate from $35.00 or more due at time of service. so when I used to charge $15.00 for my basic SILVER DETAIL which is listed from $35.00 I now offer a coupon/ad for $15.00 OFF which makes the TOTAL NOW $20.00,Next coupon/ad may be save $10.00, which means now my lowest fee would be $25.00 and coupon/ads ARE NOT AWAYS AVAILABLE

[Abram86]

I actually raised my prices on Denali's and full sized vans and Escalades to $135 instead of $100.
Should I raise Suburbans?

I posted that im having a sale for $108 then reg price is $135

Xtreme Auto

[rustytruck]

I raise my prices every year. The cost of doing business keeps raising so do my rates.

[Pureshine]

I raised my prices slowly every year and as other have said for my repeat customers I do not charge them the new price. I've raised my complete detail price in the last year by $60 and no one has complained at all.