Pricing question for jobs....

[Buffalohonker]

So today is the day I have my first detailing job. The lady who's vehicle I am doing usually went to a chain car wash in the area and was paying $249 for a full detail. I myself am only charging $100. My way is thinking is charge less do more vehicles.Am I underselling myself? Already just by talk around the shop I have 3 other vehicles and a boat slated for spring. Should I keep my price where it is or should I increase? And by how much if so?

[Buffalohonker]

So today is the day I have my first detailing job. The lady who's vehicle I am doing usually went to a chain car wash in the area and was paying $249 for a full detail. I myself am only charging $100. My way is thinking is charge less do more vehicles.Am I underselling myself? Already just by talk around the shop I have 3 other vehicles and a boat slated for spring. Should I keep my price where it is or should I increase? And by how much if so?

[Dereksdtail]

What do your full details consist of?

[cartman1]

I'm not a detailer but I do have experience running businesses and detailing is a business.

If you are starting out in the business, it's ok to charge lower prices in the beginning. This is assuming you are not an expert already. If you are, you can charge whatever you want. People perceive higher prices as better product or service and if they have the disposable income, they will pay.

Running a business is fun and can be rewarding if you make the right decisions.

And.....if you want to absolutely monopolize your area, I also have tips for that.

[cartman1]

Oh and by the way, charging less and doing more vehicles is very limiting, you only have so many hours in a day.

If you find you have too many vehicles you either raise your prices or hire people and also raise your prices slightly.

[Buffalohonker]

As of right now this is just 100% putting new rifle money in my pocket haha I would maybe do 2 cars a month if I'm lucky

[cartman1]

Do you have your own shop/space?

[Buffalohonker]

Actually my full time job lets me use the warehouse on the weekends :-)

[cartman1]

I guess not much room for expansion, just do what others have said, under promise and over deliver.

[VP Mark]

That really depends on what you are offering. For $100 that is a wash, spray wax, vacuum, spot clean carpets, wipe down interior, wipe down door jambs type of deal.

$100 is much too little for full interior, engine bay, machine polish with sealant type deal. Even when you are starting out.

[thebamboo23]

Since you're starting off with actual paying customers, I wouldn't worry about charging accordingly

What you should focus on (which will determine how much you can charge) is the TIME it takes you to finish it

I would track every phase of the detail

- 8 to 8:10= got all the tools and area set up
- 8:10 to 8:30= cleaned all 4 wheels
- 8:30 to 9:15= washed vehicle
- 9:15 to 9:25= dried vehicle
- and so forth

This will help you in a lot of ways:
1) It's a good overview of what you did
2) See where you're wasting time and where you can save time
3) Figure out a hourly rate you can charge

[Ebg18t]

You need to tell us what your actually doing for a $100.

[Pureshine]

That really depends on what you are offering. For $100 that is a wash, spray wax, vacuum, spot clean carpets, wipe down interior, wipe down door jambs type of deal.

$100 is much too little for full interior, engine bay, machine polish with sealant type deal. Even when you are starting out.

:iagree: You need to decide what kind of detailing you want todo. I only do one car and make $300+ a day on average.

[Buffalohonker]

I did wash, applied hand wax, wheels tires. Vac spot cleaned carpets wiped down dash. Rain x windshield and dressed all outside trim also321623216332164

Outside pic is before obviously

[allenk4]

How long does your $100 detail take you?

What is your goal for dollars per hour?