Services and pricing question

[mirrorfinishman]

Originally posted by scrub
2. What do you do about ups (potential customers) that don't want completes? I already know the answer to that. My problem is I'm trying to grow a business not run a well established business like yours. I don't see a problem with offering services and eventually dropping them as my clientèle grows. Is that wrong?

Try to think about the answer to your question this way; 'why would a gourmet restaurant want to promote hamburgers at fast food prices? Wouldn't it be better for a gourmet restaurant to create their own version of an up-scale burger and sell it for a premium price?

Personally, I do not think it is a good idea for even a start-up detailing business to portion out their services. Sure every once in a while I will have a new customer contact me asking about either just doing the interior or the exterior. And of course I have had people ask about weekly washes. The whole point I think a lot of detailing business owners miss is that you only get one chance at creating an image of what your business represents in the marketplace. And at the same time you also only get one reputation too.

The key is to grow your business from the beginning into the vision that you have to make it a successful and profitable enterprise. It is clearly not about being all things to all people.

So, when someone asks me about doing something other than a complete detailing, I simply so no and proceed to explain the benefits of the complete service that I offer. I certainly do not feel guilty when I say no, I am basically just being honest by giving them a clear picture of what my detailing business is all about.

[scrub]

Thanks for taking the time to address each of my questions. I'm learning alot.

[mirrorfinishman]

Originally posted by scrub
3. What about customers wanting choices. They can choose to give me more or less money rather than choose me or someone else. That's why I offer many services. I know your answer to that. "To many services confuses the client". I agree but if I only offer what my market areas not looking for I could spend some lonely days with higher prices.

When it comes to running a profitable business it is not a good idea to try to be all things to all people. That approach makes it very difficult to maintain a clear image of how your business is identified in the marketplace. It is the difference between being thought of as a car wash compared to a detailing business. Hey, I knew from the beginning that I wanted to have no assocation with being thought of as a car wash. That's why even to this day I never list on any of my printed materials that I wash the car prior to detailing. It's just taken for granted.

It is really up to you to find a need and fill it. Personally, I have found that it is much better in the long run to do one thing and do it right.

[scrub]

I see where your coming from. Just this weekend I had a wash only service set up. I still don't like the feeling of deliverying the finished product knowing I hadn't cleaned everything I'm capable of. Even at a reduced cost than a full detail.


Just because the owner doesn't take pride in what they drive doesn't mean I don't!

Thanks mirrorfinishman.

[WHITE HONDA]

I read this post twice and if understand it's about pricing and if what you give as service is it FAIR. As said by FRANK in so many words its about $$$$$$$$ plain and simple but your problem was mine in the begining when I first started I'M I GIVING ENOUGH for the $$$$$$$$/service.

To make it easier for me, I have broken down my packages into 6 groups and one add on.
Full Interior + Handwash $135.00 and up
Full Exterior + Mini detail $150.00 and up
Full Interior + Exterior $175.00 and up
Deluxe,Poly + Engine $225.00 and up
Mini Detail $65.00 and up
Handwash $30.00 and up
Engine Detail $25.00

If you choose you can send me a pm and I will send you a copy of my price sheet

[mirrorfinishman]

Originally posted by scrub
5. What products do you use? (polishes and waxes) I know you do the work by hand without clay.

Here is a basic list of some of the polishes and waxes that I use.


Meguiar's Cleaners and Polishes for polishing out light mild oxidation, minor scratches and mild water spots.

Meguiar's Metal Polish for removing mild oxidation, rust and stains on chrome and other metals.

Meguiar's waxes such as, Cleaner Wax for cleaning, polishing and protecting. Polymer Sealant and NXT for providing maximum protection. Carnauba Wax for providing maximum protection while deepening the gloss.

[scrub]

Frank,

Thanks again for your assistance. I must say since I split up my prices for car XX-XX and trucks/suvs XX-XX like you said, has proved to be a great decision for my business. I can now measure the changes to see the positive affect of a more clear pricing strategy. I am more confident to ask for my listed price and am not pricing from the hip by having to choose one of 4 prices and defending why. Very cut and dry.

I'm starting to lean towards dropping washes.

Thanks again.

[mirrorfinishman]

Originally posted by scrub
I'm starting to lean towards dropping washes.

Hey, if you have already got customers who need your wash services and you know you can take care of them efficiently, then you really should consider doing whatever it takes to keep those customers satisfied.

Remember, you need good customers and you also need to stay close to making a similar hourly rate for both washes and complete details. When you can make that happen, then go for it.

[Superior Shine]

I don't do the "packages" thing; I don't give my clients a choice to pick from.

I am the pro; I know what is best for their vehicle. I estimate the amount of work it will take to service their vehicle and charge appropriately for it.

Imagine the day a super thrashed car comes in and the owner of that vehicle chooses your $85 package.

Also, when applying a sealant on a vehicles finish, I apply two coats because McDonald’s best selling hamburger is the double cheese burger.

[RDVT4ME]

Hey Joe

I assume you give your customers an estimate before you begin. How do you handle things if your estimate was too low?

[m2mazda6]

I have to agree with one service a "FULL DETAIL" I to am just starting and trying to get a cliental going,
If you do just a "lite" detail you client likes ir takes it and shows it to some one that knows about detailing will say thats not a good detail, so my planes are for "Full Detail" only and right now my prices no dought are a little low but I have to start somewhere and I work out of my garage right now

[Superior Shine]

Originally posted by RDVT4ME
Hey Joe

I assume you give your customers an estimate before you begin. How do you handle things if your estimate was too low?

I never lock in a price unless it is a Maintenance detail. I always give a price range of low, average and high. Some clients NEED a price, I tell them the high one. You can always come down on the price if they expect the worst.

[scrub]

Originally posted by m2mazda6
I have to agree with one service a "FULL DETAIL" I to am just starting and trying to get a cliental going,
If you do just a "lite" detail you client likes ir takes it and shows it to some one that knows about detailing will say thats not a good detail, so my planes are for "Full Detail" only and right now my prices no dought are a little low but I have to start somewhere and I work out of my garage right now

My thoughts on this is some vehicles don't need all the services of a full detail. I don't want to turn them away. When I run the checklist and see problems beyond the full that's when I upsell to the premium. This is good for clients with "brand new" cars. I don't see the need to charge them and perform carpet cleaning. So I eliminated that service and gave them a full detail.

Like I said before I don't play poker well so I need to have upfront pricing. No surprises and its easier for me to ask top dollar because I have the price written down, not pricing from the hip. That makes me uncomfortable.

Another thing I found concerning in my area was the lack of service performed in a full detail from my local shops. I like the client to know exactly what I'm going to do to their vehicle. Not for liability but for asking top dollar. If they don't know the services and I charge alot of money it's not a valuable service. I like to be upfront with the services too to help build value so they client can see and understand what their paying for. Agian this is what I found in my local market. I've identified some needs and am trying to fill them on a part time basis.

For the premium I add in a few other services like stain repellant, polish paint, and carpet cleaning. I offer claying with both details.

I was trying to upgrade the services with different types of waxes, but I'm going to use #21 for everything cept wash and wax.

This is a good discussion. I'm really trying to find the services my customers want and build my plans around that rather than locking down just one service. For my business image I want people to recognize me as someone who cares about the appearance of their vehicle all the time not just a few times a year for big $$. I say this now as I have my weekends booked a week in advance. One day I will have to drop washes due to lack of time since I do work a full time job.

AS for the $85 package, that was a stealership price not the regular going rate.

I do have a disclaimer in my price guide that says severe conditions incur additional charge.

Thanks for the replies and help folks.

[c368/2ss]

dealer price$$$$$$$

hello there scrub i think you are a little low on your dealer price ...... idont know where you live but in n.cal sacramento ca. i can get anywhere from 125....to...160 $$$$ the dealer might ***** but he adds that into the final selling price of the car they dont loose a penny but do your best causethey can give you work in the winter good luck !!!!!

[scrub]

Re: dealer price$$$$$$$

Originally posted by c368/2ss
hello there scrub i think you are a little low on your dealer price ...... idont know where you live but in n.cal sacramento ca. i can get anywhere from 125....to...160 $$$$ the dealer might ***** but he adds that into the final selling price of the car they dont loose a penny but do your best causethey can give you work in the winter good luck !!!!!

Thanks... I agree with you. I'll clean a few cars at that price then get a good name with him. Then we'll see what happens. When I met him he was kind of a jerk anyway, but I want the practice to get an idea of what dealers want for their price.

Thanks again.