Discussions

I'm starting an auto detailing business with a fixed location in town, but still working on the pricing. I've done research on other local detailing places & their pricing, but different places offer slightly different packages. So I've gathered a bunch of info but would still like some first hand opinions from real people about what you would want for your auto detailing experience. Do you prefer interior only? Or both an exterior wash and interior? Is an engine clean important to you? When getting your interior cleaned, do you prefer shampooing of the carpets, mats and seats? Or maybe just a very thorough vacuum? Finally, what would you consider reasonably priced for: 1) just interior detail with thorough vacuum. 2) just interior detail with shampooing. 3) interior detail with shampooing plus exterior? Any other info would be awesome! Thanks in advance!

Level 1- outside wash 20.00  
Level 2- outside wash, vacuum, wipe interior, clean windows 40.00  
Level 3- outside wash, vacuum, wipe interior, clean windows, shampoo 100.00  
Level 4- outside wash, vacuum, wipe interior, clean windows, shampoo, remove seats, clean seats 140.00  
People can choose to add options  
20.00 to clean engine  
10.00 for air freshener of choice  
 
I've been detailing cars for over 15 years and these are the guidelines that I've used for years. Pricing is just my opinion.

Are you talking cleaning or detailing? Generally, the correct definition for the term car detailing is to meticulously clean, polish and protect all parts of a vehicle from top to bottom, inside and out, using specialist tools and products that would not normally be used by your typical car cleaning.  
The main area and aim of car detailing is to fully enhance and restore the vehicles paintwork by eliminating light scratches and swirl marks that have formed on the surface of the paint or clear coat. Before this is undertaken though, the exterior has to be thouroughly washed and cleaned in order to remove as much dirt and as many contaminants as possible. Inside and out soft bristled detailing brushes and special products may be used on areas like the window rubbers, plastic grills, vent ducts, vinyl and leather. Before detailing the paintwork, wheels and wheel wells/arches are usually cleaned as these tend to be the dirtiest and most contaminated parts of a vehicle. Specialist brushes and wheel cleaning products are used to remove grime and baked on brake dust from all areas of the wheels and wells/arches including suspension components, brake calipers, around lug nuts and even from the wheel rears.  
 
 
 
 
 
Edited by bigmoe, 2015-12-14 06:24:53

Sent you a pm.

im not sure on prices but i would think you would be best to have a tired service from general cleaning to proper detailing like suggested above that way you can service more customers with different budgets and needs

Was so amazed when visiting in Arizona this spring. I got MrD's level two service for $25US and that included $5 in tips for the guys. They vacuumed first, touchless car wash second, chamois dry and windows/interior wipe down third. All in about 20 minutes. Was fantastic.

MrD said "Level 1- outside wash 20.00   Level 2- outside wash, vacuum, wipe interior, clean windows 40.00   Level 3- outside wash, vacuum, wipe interior, clean windows, shampoo 100.00   Level 4- outside wash, vacuum, wipe interior, clean windows, shampoo, remove seats, clean seats 140.00   People can choose to add options   20.00 to clean engine   10.00 for air freshener of choice     I've been detailing cars for over 15 years and these are the guidelines that I've used for years. Pricing is just my opinion. "

I worked for a place 15 years ago detailing cars back then and the price for your level4 we were getting 200.00 plus at that time so not sure about now a days...also offered seniors discount...level2 was $60.00....level one 20.00 and senior 15.00.....also we never pulled seats because at always gets you into trouble....rust bolt breaking wires ect....just my two cents....but on average we would do up to 15 a week between two people...so there is money to be made