Your Thoughts on My Detailing Menu & Prices

[Murr1525]

I guess there has to be a bit of a difference between a 'maintenance' wash, and a 'wash and wax'. Not sure what that exact difference needs to be, but it seems like a repeat customer could sign up for a maintenance wash (either spray wax/detailer/coat of fresh wax), whereas a new customer would want a wash and wax (cleaner/wax).

You wouldnt want to give a 'maintenance wash' to a new customer, since the finish might not be prepped properly, and would only make your work look bad.

[mshu7]

Good point Murr. I'm going to do a bit more work on the basic wash and then wash above that. Thanks.

[Murr1525]

Since I am sitting here bored.. here are a few other thoughts:

1. You might also want ot mention if you are mobile, or having people drop off? If you have a canopy to work under, etc. Also, if you have any spefific needs at a location... like a power outlet for instance.

2. You might not have to make the interior ' mandatory' with each detail. Some customers might not feel comfortable unlocking things anyway. Maybe just have your 3-4 levels of exterior detailing, then 'Option 1' - Add interior to any detail for $$.

3. This might be going off in a whole different direction but in your original post, both the $80 and $150 details use paint cleaners, but you only kind of make a big deal out of it in the last one.

Depending what the people in your area are like, you might want to make basic swirl removal as one of you mid level options. Maybe I can summarize like this:

#1.
1. Wash
2. Cleaner/Wax

#2.
1. Wash
2. #83/#80 as needed
3. Wax

#3.
1, Wash
2. Clay
3. #83/#80
4. #7
5. Wax

#4.
1. Wash
2. Maintenance step.

[TH0001]

I really don't offer a basic wash for several reasons... One, its just not worth it to me, I don't find it exciting nor do I see people who would be intrested in dropping a car off for a wash...

However, I did have a contract with a company where I would wash like 6 to 12 cars in a day while they worked. I found this extremely boring and I would rather focus on the "detail" side then the "car wash" side. I am flexiable, however, so if a customer wanted just a basic wash, I might be willing to do something of this nature, but it would be a feel out proces and something that would be very limited...

[mshu7]

Originally posted by Murr1525
Since I am sitting here bored.. here are a few other thoughts:

1. You might also want ot mention if you are mobile, or having people drop off? If you have a canopy to work under, etc. Also, if you have any spefific needs at a location... like a power outlet for instance.

2. You might not have to make the interior ' mandatory' with each detail. Some customers might not feel comfortable unlocking things anyway. Maybe just have your 3-4 levels of exterior detailing, then 'Option 1' - Add interior to any detail for $$.

3. This might be going off in a whole different direction but in your original post, both the $80 and $150 details use paint cleaners, but you only kind of make a big deal out of it in the last one.

Depending what the people in your area are like, you might want to make basic swirl removal as one of you mid level options. Maybe I can summarize like this:

#1.
1. Wash
2. Cleaner/Wax

#2.
1. Wash
2. #83/#80 as needed
3. Wax

#3.
1, Wash
2. Clay
3. #83/#80
4. #7
5. Wax

#4.
1. Wash
2. Maintenance step.

1. I'm hoping to be doing most of the details out of my driveway and/or garage (for now). Both my cars are small enough to fit in my garage so I can wash & detail without them needing to be outside in the sun. However, I already have a couple co-workers wanting details that live on the opposite sides of Indianapolis. For them, I'll probably do a mobile detail at their house. I don't have a canopy yet, but when the time comes to do a mobile detail, I'll be sure to buy one. Any suggestions on a canopy?

I really don't want to be a mobile detailer, but if I have to do it to get a detail job, I will. Ultimately, I'd like to eventually build up enough business to rent a bay somewhere or even better, have my own small facility somewhere. But that will be years down the road.

2. Good idea with the interior.

3. You're right, I didn't emphasize the paint cleaner in the $80 detail. I'll change that.

4. I really like your suggestions for the different packages. I never really thought of having a "maintenance step" package. Good idea.

OK, I'm going to take everything you've said and go re-work everything.

Thanks again for your help. I really appreciate it.

[Murr1525]

Well, I do want to point out that I am not a pro-detailer.. some of the guys like TH0001, Superior Shine, etc, are, so certainly give their busines ideas a good reading.

I am just going by what I would want, if i ever needed to pay for something to be done.

Also, I kind of took the 'mainteneance wash' to be your original 'weekly wash', just putting it at the end, so people realize it may be cheaper, but isnt stand-alone.

[mshu7]

Gotcha. I'll be sure to take ideas from all that have posted. Thanks!

[mshu7]

Originally posted by TH0001
I really don't offer a basic wash for several reasons... One, its just not worth it to me, I don't find it exciting nor do I see people who would be intrested in dropping a car off for a wash...

However, I did have a contract with a company where I would wash like 6 to 12 cars in a day while they worked. I found this extremely boring and I would rather focus on the "detail" side then the "car wash" side. I am flexiable, however, so if a customer wanted just a basic wash, I might be willing to do something of this nature, but it would be a feel out proces and something that would be very limited...

I can understand why you dont' offer the basic wash. Maybe once I get to the level you're at, I'll do the same but I think it's important starting out, that I do whatever I can to create some exposure. Thanks for the input, as always!

[chazilla]

You have the right thinking cap on but you either need to remove a few things like on you 30 deal just make it basic wash clean the wheel area bugs and tar vac dash console windows that service takes about 30 to 35 minutes to perform on a fullsize suv given it hasn't been ages since its had a detail!

But play around you'll figure it out!

[buda]

Are you going to have liability insurance?

What about a containment mat or system to contain the waste water? You know it is against the Federal Clean Water Act to discharge waste water on to the ground or into the storm drains?

If you do it at home your parents will be liable for your violations?

What training have you had to qualify you to do detail work?

Will you have a business license to do business in your town/city?

Regards
Bud Abraham
DETAIL PLUS SYSTEMS

[mshu7]

Originally posted by buda
Are you going to have liability insurance?

What about a containment mat or system to contain the waste water? You know it is against the Federal Clean Water Act to discharge waste water on to the ground or into the storm drains?

If you do it at home your parents will be liable for your violations?

What training have you had to qualify you to do detail work?

Will you have a business license to do business in your town/city?

Regards
Bud Abraham
DETAIL PLUS SYSTEMS

First of all let me say that I'm not a kid. I'm 26 years old, married and own my own house .

I don't have liability insurance. What I had planned on doing is having a legal document that each customer would have to sign before and after I detail a car just basically covering my own butt. But to be honest, the people that will be my customers in the beginning will most likely be people I know. For now I'm not real worried about that aspect.

As far as the "Federal Clean Water Act", I'm not really worried about it. Right now I'm doing this in my own driveway. People that wash their own cars typically wash them in their driveways. I don't see any legal people coming after them.

As far as training is concerned, well I spend countless hours online learning from forums, websites and also dvd's. Plus, I have my own equipment that I use to detail my own cars quite a bit. I think I have a pretty good grasp on what I'm doing.

I don't have a business license but if I did start to get more than just people I know wanting me to detail their cars, then I would look into it.

I'm not looking to open up some huge business right away. This is just going to be a side job while I still work my full-time job. Nothing too fancy right now. Just something to create a little extra income. However, I want to look professional so that's why I've come up with the menu/pricing sheet.

[Detaillab]

Re: Your Thoughts on My Detailing Menu & Prices

your prices are way to low

[buda]

Re: Your Thoughts on My Detailing Menu & Prices

There is nothing I can do to help you if you take the position that you do not have to obey the laws because you cannot afford to do that.

No one will sign a disclaimer to cover you, should you damage their car. Why should they? There are plenty of shops that will do their cars that have garage owners insurance (that is what such a policy is called). As well, anyone in a business needs liability insurance, if you do not understand that you had better talk to an advisor to educate you on this sujbect.

People washing their cars at home is much different than someone washing cars for profit. Do not discount this factor. I can cost you dearly if you get caught.

Then there are the neighbors who will complain when you operate a business in a residential area.

My advise is that you should not go in business if you are not prepared to do it properly and according to the laws.

Bud Abraham

[Superior Shine]

Re: Your Thoughts on My Detailing Menu & Prices

There is nothing I can do to help you if you take the position that you do not have to obey the laws because you cannot afford to do that.

No one will sign a disclaimer to cover you, should you damage their car. Why should they? There are plenty of shops that will do their cars that have garage owners insurance (that is what such a policy is called). As well, anyone in a business needs liability insurance, if you do not understand that you had better talk to an advisor to educate you on this sujbect.

People washing their cars at home is much different than someone washing cars for profit. Do not discount this factor. I can cost you dearly if you get caught.

Then there are the neighbors who will complain when you operate a business in a residential area.

My advise is that you should not go in business if you are not prepared to do it properly and according to the laws.

Bud Abraham

AWESOME ADVICE!


I lost a job to a guy that sounds like this guy. I quoted $450 to detail an older MBZ SL. I saw the car in person, pointed out defects, recommended correction, made readings with my film thickness gauge, etc...

The owner of the car was very impressed. He did say he had already called three other detailers to come over and look at the car when he called me.

A few days later I call the owner of the SL up and ask him if I had the job. He told me he was most impressed with me and my set up but I charged 4X what the other guys did. The other three detailers were all within $20 of each other charging $120-$140 for the detail. The owner said that I can’t be 4 times better than everybody else. I told him we are actually 10 times better but I am only charging you 4 times as much!!

He booked a detail with one of the guys the following day.

I asked if I could call back after the detail to see how things went.

Two days later I called back. The guy was remorseful and angry. The detailer destroyed his car. The paint was now burned through on the edges and deep buffer marks now covered the whole car.

The guy said, "Joe I should have listened to you!!"

He is going to have the car repair at his own cost because the "detailer" didn't have insurance.

When the car comes back I will detail it correctly.

[BlueZero]

Re: Your Thoughts on My Detailing Menu & Prices

First off I'm not a pro detailer. I would love to be, but I don't think I know everything I need to know yet, and also I don't have the money to start a business the right way like the others have said. So for now I detail friends and family cars for free. I figure if they are happy and tell others, then someday I'll be ready to jump into a full business if I want to. I agree with the others, Do it right or don't do it at all. Sorry, not to be mean. Just my 2 cents.

Does anyone have any information on these containment mats? I did a google search and only found one. It didn't have a lot of information about them. How much do they cost? So then you have to **** up the water and take it with you? Then what do you do with the water?

Superior Shine quote... "The owner said that I can’t be 4 times better than everybody else. I told him we are actually 10 times better but I am only charging you 4 times as much!!"

I love that Joe! Good one!