So today I had an email from a potential customer. Says I would like an estimate for your services. I am looking to have my 97 Ford F150 detailed. I am interested in a full detail including the engine. I told the customer I do not set prices in stone via email or phone. Customer asked if I could give him a round about I asked for more info on the truck 97 F150 Crew cab, 6.5 foot bed, stock 15" wheels, white... I told customer it would be atleast XXX for wash, clay, 2 step polish, wax, wheels cleaned, tire shined, engine detailed, interior detailed. Customer said sorry but your prices are double what the Craigs List detailers quoted. I was curious what you guys would estimate for this service?
That says it all for me. These "craigslist detailers" I'm sure are no where near your level of experience. I would suggest sending him some before/after shots of some of your work as a sort of reference point. As for the price, I know of a high end car place around here "Park Place Auto Salon" (you can google it and find their website if you wanna email them), I'm not sure of the specifics of what they do but their "Full Detail" which I know includes a claying, is I believe $225. However, I am not sure how thorough they are, and as mentioned before, I do not know the specifics of what they do. Hope that was helpful.
I would have charged him $350 WITHOUT the polishing. On a pickup a wash, clay, LSP, vac, wipe, windows and leather will kill 7-8 hours. A two step polish? will add another $3-400 depending on its condition.
I dont think your prices are too high, but of course its hard to know because you X'ed it out, understandably so though. You arent going to be able to compete with 65 dollar "full" detail. People looking for the lowest price need look elsewhere than someone with your skill set. Cheap work is cheap, good work isnt....
Why ask what everyone else would charge and not state what you were going to charge? You should also post your email messages for constructive criticism. If you dont have a website, that would be next on the list so as to sell the detail without you talking. Maybe the customer would pass now and continue to visit your site see that the other "craigslist detailers" dont have sites and come back to you etc.
your prices arent too high, the guy is just too cheap. my initial impression is that a guy with a 97 F150 probably isnt looking to pay top dollar for a top notch detail. try adjusting your targeted client base to those who are more likely and willing to spend money on a quality detail. if you think your services are worth x amount, then they are, IMO. im recently raised my hourly rate and have more people contacting me about details than ever.
Your prices are not too high. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Like stated above, a guy with that vintage of truck is probably not your target market anyway. I had a co-worker talk to me about doing her Jag and then she tells me "I had it done cheaper" I almost got mad and then I thought..who cares? She will have received the appropriate services for what she paid. I know she's tight on cash anyway so I don't feel bad..she can use the extra $$ for something else I'm sure. Like stated above, concentrate on people who drive the cars that are valuable enough to justify it. Also, I don't know if you saw any of my S & S's on the funeral cars. That is a big, untapped market..don't be afraid to chase after that. Never apologize for quality. Value is perceived...people will GLADLY pay when you find the right ones. Good luck.
I think he was trying to see what we charge first. If your prices are too high for the potential customer,your probally safer not having him as a customer in the first place.:angel: Customers like that tend not to ever be happy with what they get anyway. Don't sweat it.
I have to agree here Sal don't lower your prices to compete with "craigslist" detailers because they are not doing the job you are nor are they using the quality products you are. If you come down you will only hate doing the detail and that's no good to you or the client. What my Dad always told me is so true, "Good work isn't cheap and Cheap work isn't good!"
fricken true that! I always mention that it depends on how good of a job they want, if they want craigslist price, they will get craigslist quality, and as level of quality goes up - price go up, because detailing is very time consuming. I think you also have to look at what kind of vehicle customer has. Someone with a '97 white F150 will not ask for extra jeweling, and extra coat of Crystal Rock, something like that can set with a coat of Megs NXT.
It was man I appreciate it. I quoted in that ballpark with the polishing I need to get some P203 oke: I X'd only bc I was looking to get a round about idea from others to compare, I quoted $400 for the 2 step polish, full interior and engine I did not post the exact email bc I am not looking to broadcast that. I was just looking to see what others might have estimated and see where my prices stand. I have had others tell me my higher then CL detailer prices are why they chose me. As well as looking at my ads and site can see I am different then the $65 full detailers Thanks man this is what I was thinking. I have been thinkin of raising my prices but I really need to build more clientel and this is a weekend job for me. Maybe please Lord, it will be a full time business Thank you Richy, some great encouragement there Very true Thanks JL, your Dad is spot on.
I guess i agree with what everyone is saying that his caliber of vehicle doesnt require a two step. If you really want or need the business that bad, why not do something like a wash, clay and aio. i cant imagine that it would take more than 3 hours for interior and exterior and charge him 200 which will still get you about 67/hr which isnt too shabby imo
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^My thoughts exactly,Someone with a 97 F-150 is not expecting a $750 Detail.....I bet the guy fell out of his chair when you quoted $400 :giggle: Set something up, go over and do your thing and try and get $150-$200 out of him.....Cive him a wash/clay, 1 step polish & Interior special @ the 3-4hr mark you need to be rapping it up.(You really need to get a Rotary, to speed things up) You never know who this guy may know, I got a very good customer off a guy that works at Kinko's that has a Honda Accord I detailed, he passes my name around to all the Mercedes/Bmw Orners who stroll thru.:mounty: I also have a Quote my Father use to use :worship2:"Alittle bit of something is Better then a Whole lot of Nothing":headbang:
When I was establishing my cost structure I did a little reconnaissance work. I borrowed a friends swirled up car and went to various shops getting quotes for a detail. I asked for a tour of their shop and I asked a bunch of questions regarding price, products and process. After doing the above I realized I could structure my business one of two ways. #1) I could focus on price undercut the competition #2) I could focus on the quality of my work and set my prices to what I felt I was worth. The problem with #1 option is that I cannot control what others charge. If I were to undercut them than what is to stop them from undercutting me? Like I said I cannot control what the competition does. Instead, I decided to focus on what I could control and that is the finished product I roll out the door. As such, I charge more than any other local shop around…Thus far, my approach has worked very well for me as I am booked solid - I even raised my hourly prices this season. When a prospective customer mentions that they can “get a detail for ½ my price” I will only explain to them one time the difference between me and the other guys… Seriously, only once will I explain that to them. If they even bring up price again after my explanation I respectfully decline their business.
for this minus the polishing i quote 300 and up for a full detail as listed above. I tell my customer all my methods and materials are professional and my services aren't like the ones at your local car wash. My girlfriend being an amazing girl posted an ad on craigslist for me even though i much rather receive business through my friends, family and existing customers. i looked up other ads on craiglist while i was reviewing mine and i found this ad "Why wait in long lines when we can come to you? Hand Car Washes at your home, office or other location - packages starting as low as $10. Complete interior and exterior detailing $160. Mention Craigslist ad and get it for $150." ^ this is a joke. i charge almost that for a full exterior detail alone. people like this are the ones who kill our business and the name of every real professional detailer out there.
I quoted what I did because he said he wanted a full detail and have the truck look new. So I went with a 2 step polish set up price. I explained each step and I think that is why he emailed me back. Well I have it set up to go to his house and look at the truck in person becuase I stated I do not set prices over email or phone. I think I will do a wash, clay, DG 501 for the paint, this combo may not do much for swirls but I used this on my 94 white Mark VIII and the difference was very noticeable. Flash you are very right I need a rotary. Maybe if business keeps pickin up I can afford one. Right now I need a couch, washer and dryer lol. Thanks everyone for your insight. I do not intend to price cut just do my best at all I do and charge what I know it is worth.
