I feel like I scare possible customers away

[NiSyam]

Hello everyone!

For some reason I feel like I scare people away when I start telling them how much I charge for a detail. I actually exchanged text ( which i hate btw, why dont people just call?)with a possible client today:

client: hey can i get a quote for a 3 step polish? car is a honda s200
me: sure! what year and color is the car?
client: 2007, red.
me:I could do it for 260! let me know if you are interested thanks!

This happened in a spam of 2 mins, once i gave him a price i never heard from him again.
I mean come on! I charge +$300 for a 3 step but i've never done a s200 so i was like ok ill give him a good price.

Same thing happened last week with another guy, sent me a couple of emails and guess what? hes driving a 2006 BMW Z4M Coupe, Black sapphire metallic( he requested a swirl free finish with a nice gloss and wet look). Im thinking well im sure he want la creme de la creme for his car so i told him $360 for a 3 step with a sealant+ wax. He replys back telling me thats wayyy over his budget and he goes like " ive paid 200-250 in the past and i was happy with the result" so i go ok i could do a 2 step+sealant for 250, he replys back saying he wants sealant + wax so i tell him that will be an extra $20.... never heard back from him again

What am i doing wrong?

Thanks

[jdscooby]

Don't know what to say but after doing my cars I would gladly pay your price for a 3 step.

[NiSyam]

haha thanks!

I actually did a gt500 with 900hp and it took me 14hrs! with the prices i charge for correction i end up making less money than doing small jobs but it just feels better doing a correction since you need "skills" to do a nice job

Thanks for the input tho!

[RoadRageDetail]

Sometimes those people can be competitors shopping your rates.

Other times they can be cheap @$$es that think you're nuts.

But there are those that need to be informed on why you're worth it and what you do that others may not (i.e. products involved, a brief overview of your processes, your unique experiences, the time involved, etc.). A little sales and some pushing in the right direction are not outside your job title.

Some negotiating on price to me is acceptable. I will often throw in a quick engine detail for free if they agree on a certain price just to make them feel like its worth it. Going the extra mile to make someone happy will have them coming back and telling their friends about the awesome experience they had with you.

But when people want me to give them my time and experience and knowledge for cut rate prices, I forward them to Mr. Carwash and let them know to call me when they're not satisfied.

Don't know what to say but after doing my cars I would gladly pay your price for a 3 step.

No kidding lol. My three step w/orbital finishing STARTS at $400.

[A.P.A.D.]

wonder if these texts are local detailers seeing what u would charge so they can set their prices.

or maybe u live in an area like me that people hardly want to pay for a regular full detail(no polishing)

try charging by the hr. determine what "wage" u want to work for and let the customer know u will work per hr. for X amount. things come up that require more time. and it makes quotes easier. "this car should take me between 8-9 hours".

also, let the guy with the honda know u are cutting him a break.

try following up with the people. CALL them! you have their number if they texted u.

[FUNX650]

haha thanks!

I actually did a gt500 with 900hp and it took me 14hrs! with the prices i charge for correction i end up making less money than doing small jobs but it just feels better doing a correction since you need "skills" to do a nice job

Thanks for the input tho!

Charge 'em by the hour...I say!

I've never had a "skills-sandwich" before...and that ain't no bologna.



Bob

[jdscooby]

No kidding lol. My three step w/orbital finishing STARTS at $400.

My GT500 has only taken me 3 weeks and a
pony keg in the Kegarator

[jdscooby]

Charge 'em by the hour...I say!

I've never had a "skills-sandwich" before...and that ain't no bologna.



Bob

Pedro has skills

[New Image]

I say dont settle for less...dont devalue yourself to meet someones budget. I say stay firm and business will come.

Just my .02

[NiSyam]

thanks for the comments guys!

now im way to tired to type a response but ill definitely do it tomorro.

thanks again!