Pricing averages ???

[SunnyD]

I'm just starting a detail business so far I've done 2 free cars as show cars but I need some help with pricing I'll be doing wash clay removing defects polish waxing just exterior for now I have a interior guy who can handle any interior work I get but what do detailers charge for doing everything mentioned just need a average price

[Shawn T.]

Re: Pricing averages ???

It really depends on your client base and what people around you are willing to pay and how much you want to make.

Hard to give a real number as every area is different.

[Tuck91]

Re: Pricing averages ???

The price can greatly vary depending upon what type of detailing you are doing, your location, skill level, etc.

I charge by the hour but can quote a price on a vehicle as I know how long it will probably take to complete.

For a wash, clay, 1 step polish & sealant, and interior cleaning on a small car in good conditiion I start at about $120 -175 for 4-6 hrs of work. The longer it takes the more I have to charge. Truck and SUVs are usually in the $200-$400 range, again depending on the size/condition of the vehicle.

A quality correction usually starts at the 300 - $400 range and can get much more expensive depending on how extensive the detail is. A good correction rate is usually in the $60-$80 per hr range. You have to be able to do quality work to command these type of rates though.

Any specific services you had in mind that you could not figure out a price on?

[3Fitty]

Re: Pricing averages ???

Sunny,

You'll get what the market can bear and what your work is worth. Living as close to Toronto as you do, you can see what other pro's charge for their services.

I think Nick (Tuck91) is on the mark, but he understand's that NO two cars are alike and I don't think you should get into "flat rate" billing.

For example... I once worked on a Audo A8, the paint was Diamond hard. I hit it with multiple passes of M105 (can't remember the pad combo) but I recall I could only get it to about 85 - 90% corrected within a reasonable time frame (it was a free job). Now, if that car was a pay job, it would have taken me two days to get it 100%. I would have certainly charged more than $400. Given it would have probably taken me about 16 hours + the cost of the products I was using... $400 would have been way too low.

On the other hand, my wifey mobile has "on the soft side" honda paint, which I can correct really quickly. Usually I need nothing more than M205 and a light cutting pad to knock out most light swirls. I can get through her car with a good full detail in about 8 hours, so I would charge less for hers.

So, what I would tell every potential client is that your prices are caculated ONLY after evaluating the paint, seeing what the client wanted and/or expected from the detail.

[SunnyD]

Re: Pricing averages ???

ok i get it now look at te paint and come up with a estimate for the job hey fitty you say honda paint is easy to work with i just did a mdx for free it was scratchedup to the max but light scratches i used a 7inch cutting pad and uc and it barley did anything just made them a little lighter i was using speed 5 with slow to medium passes

[wifpd4]

Re: Pricing averages ???

The other things to consider: wear and tear on your tools, cost of insurance, water, electricity and supplies. Supplies tends to be minor per car.

The thing I've found is the amount of time time I spend cleaning pads and microfibers. A minor amount on soap, vinegar, oxy-clean for spots and APC+ for pre-soak. Not to mention wear and tear on the washer and dryer (more electricity and water).

I regret having several colors of microfibers. I'm separating lights from darks. Ends up an extra load. A boat load of Meguiar's yellow and whites would have been better. Plus a load of cotton "junk" towels is another load of wash.

(SunnyD, as many have said no two cars are alike. Perhaps you're trying to fix the Honda with a sledge hammer and only a tack hammer is required. Good luck with your endeavors. Keep us posted.)

[3Fitty]

Re: Pricing averages ???

Hey Sunny, when I said "on the soft side" Honda paint, I didn't mean to imply I thought all Honda paint was soft.

I think it varies with every car. Where was it painted, what was the altitude, temp, humidity etc... I'm not smart enough to know all of the variables but I would imagine some have found hard Honda paint, soft Honda paint and somehwere in between Honda paint!!!

[SunnyD]

Re: Pricing averages ???

Ok I was just saying because I've read on these forums that alot of people say Honda paint is soft but then again the car I was working on was a Acura lol