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**Mike Phillips** · Sep 23, 2005, 03:05 PM

Hi Kyle,

I have a car I'm working on right now but I'll add my 2 cents later tonight...

**showtime** · Sep 23, 2005, 04:00 PM

Charge what you're worth. I'm in the same type of area you're in. I charge decent and am never out of work, I'm actually overworked. Next year I'm redoing my prices starting at $150 and up for completes. As long as you produce quality work, you can charge pretty much what you want.

**kbkid** · Sep 23, 2005, 04:30 PM

I appriciate it Mike. I'm kind of limited to what I can do but in the very near future I plan on picking up a PC. I should be able to improve on things. Also does anyone have any sort of list or something with what they include in a full detail?

Anyone feel free to chime in.

**Mike Phillips** · Sep 23, 2005, 05:29 PM

Here's a time-proven combo which is fast, effective, simple to use and will take care of 90% of your customers and make them happy.

Wash
Clay
M80/W-8006/G100
Wax

You can start as low $60.00, (I wouldn't but I've seen these kind of prices), or shoot for $95.00, (not bad for a 2-step paint polishing process and if you're just starting out), try to get $125.00 and throw in a quick interior vacuum, window clean and dressing.

These are just ball park figures, definitely get some business cards made up, make sure your ride is detailed to the max!

Always do your best work, under promise and over deliver.

Another take-off of this would be,

Wash
Clay
M66

for a one step process, this will satisfy a majority of Joe Consumer types that aren't looking for a show car finish, want something done, but don't want to do it themselves.

You need to find a balance for what you think your time is worth and what you think your market will support. I remember a detail shop I had in Seaside, Oregon where I charged $150.0 to $250.00 to do just the paint as I don't really like cleaning interiors or trunks...

Across the street was a place that started at $99.99 for a complete interior and exterior for a car, down the same road was shop that charged $69.99 for a complete interior and exterior and behind my shop a couple of block over was an old gas station that offered complete detailing that started at $49.99

I stayed busy all of the time and attracted only high-end cars or new cars and all my work came through word of mouth.

Hopefully a couple of local Pros like Joe aka Superior Shine and Brian, aka DETLMAN, will chime in with their years of experience doing this full-time...

**kbkid** · Sep 23, 2005, 05:33 PM

Would you keep the price the same for any size car? I mean alot more work goes into an SUV opposed to a small sedan.

Also, how much would you expect for an entire detail... Interior and Exterior?

**Five Star** · Sep 23, 2005, 06:39 PM

I break mine up into Exterior pricing and Interior Pricing, because i dont like to do interior work, and alot of people do keep their interiors pretty clean.

This past week I did all exteriors, for instance I did a Black Jeep Cherokee today, wash, clay, spot scratch removal (their dog scratched the door), M-80 and a coat of NXT wax for $115, took 3 hours.

The lady could fix her hair in the reflection, she was extremely pleased and I got 2 more jobs next week from her coworkers, I'm mobile so i go to their workplace (with proper permission)

Figure how much u want to make an hour and how long it will take you.

Mike is right, the average person doesnt want show car quality. but

With a wash, clay, m80 and wax.. It is show quality to them.

PS. I started out charging more for fullsize/ SUV's/Minivans however i think I'm gonna do away with it and go to a one price deal

**kbkid** · Sep 24, 2005, 01:40 AM

I'm trying to break it up into Exterior and Interior pricing but it is much harder. Also, some people may not want me to clay and polish it, they just may want a wash and wax, thats why I am trying to break everything up into specific prices. Maybe Superior Shine or DETLMAN will chime in.

**Ranger72** · Sep 24, 2005, 03:19 AM

I charge more for larger vehicles like pick ups, vans, and suvs. I also have a slightly different pricing for compact cars (I.E a focus, Jetta...) and full size sedans. I have also learned that when doing a full cut, polish, and wax, that I will NOT do the interior the same day! I have tried this and personally thick its a bad idea!

And Mr. Mike! No picture of the camaro in the show-off or makeover forums?

**SeabreezeDetailing** · Sep 24, 2005, 04:09 AM

kbkid,

First I want to say congratulations on trying to get this thing together. I cant think of a more rewarding career Ive ever had, than to be a small successful business owner, where your services show results.

I think your off to a good start here by only doing family and friends vehicles for right now. This is the time where you need to be learning things like: How long does it take me to detail a sedan? a suv? a pickup truck? How dirty or clean are most of the vehicles in my area? What are the weather patterns like? Lots of rain? Snow? Harsh winter months? Who are my target clients?

At first, youll start doing whatever you can get, but you should have an idea of the client your going after. Also, is this going to be your only source of income? Are you a student? With some more information, I could help you out a little better.

If this is going to be a legal, legit business, I suggest you speak with someone about making a business plan. If you have a Barnes and Nobles or a Books A Million, you can find alot of books about writing a business plan. I would not suggest you start without one. If you would like some help with writing one up, Id be more than happy to guide you in the right direction. In any small business, you have to be a good business man before all else.

Lastly, we come to your main questions on pricing. After you have written up your business plan, you wont have any questions on pricing at all. For this, you need to ask yourself the following : Is this going to be my only source of income? What non business bills am I accountable for? What business expeses do I have? Supplies, chemicals, gas, vehicles, maintenance? Do I have anyone else I help support? How much do I want to make? What are my business' financial goals? What do I have to pay for insurance?

It all is a little overwhelming, and I know many of the other guys that detail on the boards just do this as a side job, or a hobby, but if your looking to start a business, all the mentioned above applies to you. Most small detailing business' fail because they didnt have a plan to begin with. Pricing is extremely important, but only YOU can decide what it is you will charge. Dont under charge yourself, it will more difficult to raise your prices on your existing customers once you realize your not making enough.

Im not claiming to know everything, as we all learn new things about this industry and managing a business everday. I will say that I went from where you are today, to being booked 7 days a week with my target clients by doing the above. If you would like any more information, Im available to help. Best of luck!!!

Joe Godbee
Seabreeze Mobile Detailing

Seabreezedetailing

https://www.seabreezedetailing.com

(850) 376 - 0007
info@seabreezedetailing.com

**kbkid** · Sep 24, 2005, 07:13 AM

Wow! Thanks alot!

To answer most of your questions:

I am only 16 and I already have a part time job. It pays next to nothing so I this is going to be another source of income. The only things I have to pay for is my gas and anything else I want.

I didn't think I needed to go full blown and get a business plan and all of that. I'm just trying to have another nice income coming in doing something I ENJOY doing. I really do appriciate all of the inputs so far. I am going to try to make some business cards up.

Thanks again. Keep the post coming.
Kyle

**kbkid** · Sep 24, 2005, 02:30 PM

Anyone else? Can anyone give me a basic broken up price list with which an average I should charge for different things. I have not even the slightest clue. I was expecting DETLMAN and Superior Shine to pipe in, Are you guys around?

**Five Star** · Sep 24, 2005, 04:05 PM

Originally posted by kbkid
Anyone else? Can anyone give me a basic broken up price list with which an average I should charge for different things. I have not even the slightest clue. I was expecting DETLMAN and Superior Shine to pipe in, Are you guys around?

Call up some detail shops.. see what they charge.. then u get the feel for what the market area average is.

As far as business cards. just go to Staples and by some business card stock for your printer $7 - $14. the clean edge stock works nice.

then go to Avery.com u can download free software to design and print them out.

That should get u started

**Shiny Lil Detlr** · Sep 24, 2005, 04:28 PM

Originally posted by Five Star
Call up some detail shops.. see what they charge.. then u get the feel for what the market area average is.

Agreed -- the best way to judge your area is to find out what established shops and/or dealers are charging. Since you don't have any machines though, I'd recommend charging less at first since there is no way you'll get the same kind of results.

There was a thread not to long ago that I posted this in, but here's my website -- you'll find my price list and etc. on there. Since I use both a PC and a rotary, though, I am actually undercharging by a little bit. http://hahn-on-the.net/autocare/

As for business cards and such, I use the avery clean edge stock that Five Star mentioned. I print them off with my color laser printer; they work fine.

My business is also a weekend venture; but I have a very large stock/selection of products to choose from. You'll want to probably build up something much the same, so you're readily equipped to handle any problem that may arise and need a specialty product.

**kbkid** · Sep 24, 2005, 05:18 PM

Shiny Lil Detlr- Your price list is pretty much what I was looking for. I think I'm going to call a few shops and get a feel for what they are charging, but I think I'm going to base my price list off of yours if you don't mind.

Also, I'll give those business cards a try. They shouldn't be too hard to do. I appriciate everyone's input. Please keep the comments coming. Any tips or advice about starting out..

Kyle

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