Detailing Prices

[DodgeStratusR/T]

For those that detail on the side for some extra money I was wondering what options you give the customers and what are some of your costs...etc?

[rusty bumper]

Me not being as good as someone like Superior Shine, I usually get about $100 to $125 to detail the outside of a car or truck, unless the vehicle is in really bad shape, or is extra big.

I usually tack on about $35.00 to $50.00 for interior work.

Never done the a-la-cart type of detailing yet.

[imacarnut]

what would be a good price for just an exterior wash? i've been noticing some of the nicer cars (there are two brand new 350z's) around the neighborhood that could use a good washing, as they probably take it to one of those car wash's that do a billion other cars with the same mitts, towels, rags, etc.. i'm thinking around $10, does that seem to high? i'm thinking about approaching them the next time or so when i go jogging.

[rusty bumper]

Originally posted by rcknit
what would be a good price for just an exterior wash? i've been noticing some of the nicer cars (there are two brand new 350z's) around the neighborhood that could use a good washing, as they probably take it to one of those car wash's that do a billion other cars with the same mitts, towels, rags, etc.. i'm thinking around $10, does that seem to high? i'm thinking about approaching them the next time or so when i go jogging.

$10.00 is too cheap for a quality hand wash & dry.

According to the car size, I would charge at least $15.00 to $25.00.

At least that's what a detail shop charges around here.

[imacarnut]

Originally posted by Rusty Bumper
$10.00 is too cheap for a quality hand wash & dry

that's what i was thinking too. but if i want to get their business, i need to get my foot in the door if you know what i mean. they will probably think that $15 - $25 is too much and would rather get it done at a car wash for the "car wash special $5.99", since most people don't have good detailers doing it....

[rusty bumper]

Originally posted by rcknit
that's what i was thinking too. but if i want to get their business, i need to get my foot in the door if you know what i mean. they will probably think that $15 - $25 is too much and would rather get it done at a car wash for the "car wash special $5.99", since most people don't have good detailers doing it....

Explain to them how better educated you are about taking care of their finish. (Tell them about the 2 bucket method, etc.)

Offer to wash a car with Gold Class (My favorite), then dry it off, and let them see the difference.......Might not hurt to spritz a little QD on the hood for effect.

If you're efficient at your work, then maybe $10.00 would be ok for starters, but I think a quality hand wash is worth at least $15.00.

[imacarnut]

Originally posted by Rusty Bumper
Explain to them how better educated you are about taking care of their finish. (Tell them about the 2 bucket method, etc.)

Offer to wash a car with Gold Class (My favorite), then dry it off, and let them see the difference.......Might not hurt to spritz a little QD on the hood for effect.

If you're efficient at your work, then maybe $10.00 would be ok for starters, but I think a quality hand wash is worth at least $15.00.

[Jbirk]

I know I would pay $20 to $40 if I could get someone to do a quality wash for me with good products like Meguiar's Soap, clean mitt, 2 bucket method, spot-free dry.

Basically, you get what you pay for and I know that. I usually wash my own cars, but if I actually trusted someone else who would do a good job I would easily pay $25 to $35.

Obviously the people posting in this topic probably do very good car washes. I know most car washes are really terrible in my area.

I.e. I washed and waxed my car. I had it very very clean.

I took it into the dealership to get the Intermediate Service and asked them not to wash it. They washed it anyway.

I asked them why they washed it and they said it is stadard procedures and they never told the guys not to wash it. I asked why they would clean a clean car and they said procedure.

Then I explained I was a bit upset because their wash actually made my car much more dirty than it was before.

Being in California and following the laws, they must recycle their car wash water, obviously don't have the cleanest chamios or wash materials as they regularly wash negected cars that are filthy. They use a pressure washer too... I am guessing they use cheap, bulk detergant.

I got my car back with water spots, and much of the wax removed. When I got home I had to re-wash it, and wax it all over again and do my windows too. Luckily the wax I had on it prevented the water spots from causing real harm and the rain-x made my windows unspot too as they were protected.


I filled out my survey and mailed it off to the Dealership. Guess what I got contacted by mail with an appology. They offered me a free carwash

It has been said that 50% of people are below normal intelligence. I think that dealership hired many of those people.

-Jbirk

[imacarnut]

Originally posted by Rusty Bumper
Might not hurt to spritz a little QD on the hood for effect.

i qd my car after every wash (to get missed water spots and make it glossy/slicker, not to mention.... it makes washing the next time around easier) and it makes it look liked you spent hours waxing it. i'm sure it will impress the average joe seeing it afterwards.

[Jbirk]

Well I have found out that if I want it right, I either have to do it myself or find the right detailer.

The problem is the lack of detailing education is not generally as good as it is on this forum.

I.e. The members here know proper methods of washing a car with 2 buckets, how to dry without spots, claying, polishing with appropriate polish types, how to clay, and how to wax.

My guess would be that for every good detailer there are 5 reputable ones that aren't very good. i.e. use one bucket, dirty mitt, leave small spots before waxing... Don't clay or polish... if polish use the wrong type and leave swirls... then they probably use an okay but not fantastic wax and do a pretty good job there.

I wish I knew of someone who lived in either Temecula CA or Fallbrook CA and was a good detailer. Knows the proper methods as most on these forums.


I don't claim to know or use the proper methods, but I do better than the average joe, am constantly learning, work on only my own vehicles, and cause no harm by not doing anything without all the proper info first. I.e. I looked up the 2 bucket method and obtained clean supplise before washing.... then I skip about 3 steps and wax because I am not confident enough to use any abrasives.

However, I know that there are experts who have the knowlege, education, and skills to do a perfect detail polish and all... and they are on this forum too!

[rusty bumper]

It's amazing what a person can do by using the proper techniques learned on this forum.

I've learned a lot here at MOL, and SCG (Show Car Garage).

[JG_Detailing]

I usually charge about $40.00 for car's and $50.00 for truck's. And for steam cleaning about #25.00.

[SeabreezeDetailing]

Comming from a pro detailers stand point....

I wouldnt even get out of my truck for anything less than $40. The time it would take to setup, wash and dry the vehicle, clean up..just wouldnt be worth it. Dont set your prices on what you "think" someone will pay. Be proud of your work and your knowledge. Inform the customer about the methods you use, the trusted products you use, and the time youll spend going over their vehicle. This alone, is worth far more than any drive through "detail" shop. Best of luck!

[JG_Detailing]

Well I been detailing my own car for awhile and I know what it take's to set up and clean up to. I only charge that much because I now them. So I give them a cheaper price then anyone else. That's my way of getting started in the detailing business. Here is one of my customer's car.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Jbirk
I took it into the dealership to get the Intermediate Service and asked them not to wash it. They washed it anyway.

I asked them why they washed it and they said it is standard procedures and they never told the guys not to wash it. I asked why they would clean a clean car and they said procedure.

Then I explained I was a bit upset because their wash actually made my car much more dirty than it was before.


~~~~~~~~


I filled out my survey and mailed it off to the Dealership. Guess what I got contacted by mail with an apology. They offered me a free car wash

It has been said that 50% of people are below normal intelligence. I think that dealership hired many of those people.

-Jbirk

This is truly sad.... but kind of funny too....

(Sorry for laughing, I feel your pain.)

If they gave you an e-mail address, you should e-mail them this thread...