Suggested Exterior ONLY Price to charge?

**Cruzscarwash** · 09-13-2016, 10:08 AM

so im on the low price end but its mostly due to my area, I would charge $35 and that's because for something that basic I just wash, with uber or megs d115 and then clean rims. for a BASIC client they are more then happy with this as you have said "they don't understand what a swirl is" so they are mind blown by the results and it takes me an hr or less so im still at my $30 mark, I do these for the simple fact that so far each one ive done for $30 has spread the word to others that have spent over $200. if they wanted the decon and a wax then id upsell to keep my rate at no less then $30 an hr.

**zmcgovern45** · 09-13-2016, 10:44 AM

Here's the thing that starts to bother me about all of these "how much should I charge" threads... the answer is simple... you can literally charge anything you want.

Logically you want to at least charge more than your expenses (product cost, shop space if you have one, utilities, etc), but anything after that (ie your personal labor) is completely subjective. It depends on so many things that there is no right answer. For basic work as you describe, there will likely be plenty of competition, so that will have to factor into your pricing strategy in order to be successful. For higher end services, such as paint correction, paint coatings, wheels off detailing, etc there is more tolerance for high prices, but keep in mind that is an entirely different market than basic detailing as it falls more into the skilled labor area.

In the end, cover your expenses, then determine how you would like to value your time and charge accordingly. As long as you feel you are being compensated enough to make it worth your time, then you're fine. If you feel you're working too hard for not enough pay, then you're either not charging enough or you're in the wrong line of work. Charge enough to keep yourself happy and be within reason of those offering similar services nearby.

**NotoriouswithaG** · 09-13-2016, 11:44 AM

I would say $120 tops for wash, clay decon(maybe throw some iron remover if your nice enough, upto you), and wax/AIO

**willowcat11** · 09-13-2016, 06:01 PM

Man guys, thanks tremendously for you're very detailed and thorough replies!!! This helps out big time!

**willowcat11** · 09-13-2016, 09:51 PM

A few of u have mentioned iron removers. Is this something new? I have never heard of these before.

**NotoriouswithaG** · 09-13-2016, 10:01 PM

heres a quick helpful read/review by Mike about Iron removers and their purpose which may help explain things better

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...n-remover.html

**Eldorado2k** · 09-13-2016, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by NotoriouswithaG

heres a quick helpful read/review by Mike about Iron removers and their purpose which may help explain things better

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...n-remover.html

Speaking of iron removers... Can you give us an update on how the DUB worked for you on that detail you were set to do?

**willowcat11** · 09-14-2016, 12:59 AM

Thank You very much for that link notorious. Answered my questions!

**willowcat11** · 09-14-2016, 01:00 AM

E2K, was that question for me about the dub?

**Real Riders** · 09-14-2016, 01:19 AM

I would charge $30 and here is what I would do

*ONRww in a Home Depot gallon pump sprayer used as Waterless Wash (one microfiber to wash and one to dry)
*While the panel is still wet I would use Meguiars D156 as a drying aid and it waxes the vehicle as you dry
*Clean wheels and tires with a soft brush and Optimum Power Clean and dry with a black microfiber
*** and your done. --- total time 1hr 30 min