Starting a detailing business

Well I have bee detailing cars off an on for a few years and the other day a few people asked me why am not doing it more and charging more so a good buddy of mine and I are going to do it as a small business on the side. We both have regular jobs and school so this will just be a summer thing till 2pm every day and the weekends. We have a garage and almost all the stuff to do it and allready have TEN cars lined up and we are a month out from starting it. We have been told we are very good and fast and that we will make good money at it so we hope it will work out.
This is what I am thinking for pricing:

Basic wash and interior cleaning $40 done while you wait

Full interor exterior detail- $100 (NXT), door jams, ect

SUV's and large trucks add $20

Smokers add $30

Engine cleaning add $20

Leather and or chrome add $20 (I may just have the included)

We will split cost of supplies and use NXT for now so the cost will be low then have the option of Zaino and I hear it does not last as long so it would help build the business.

The people I have asked so far said those would be good deals. What do you guys think? Should we charge more for engine, smokers, ect??? $30 more for everything Zaino to cover the increase in supply cost????

The way we are planing it is both of us wash the car, then one of us jump in and start working the inside and the other work the outside, then when the interior is done split the engine compartment and the wheels. On my own I can do a non somoker interior in an hour if its not a complete mess so I think 2 hours with a car that is not a complete mess with two people is do able and since we will be spliting the cost of supplies and now how to use just enough and not to much there will be more profit.

Your thoughts or suggestions????

P.S. I have been doing some searches and found some good stuff. I just wanted to get some additional input.

1 suggestion always know what your doing. cause if you dont have the rights to be a business and something meses up its your A$$
2. Remember its not what you use its how you use it. be reasonable at attacking certian problems with paint or carpet stains or headliner. so as long as you know how everything works you should be ok. there are some situations where claying and nxt'ing will not fix certain paints require certain attention Single/2 stage paints.
3. never work with someone who is going to scam you. ive been detailing cars for about 7 years and the last time i helped someone learn they ran off on me and started their own business
4. never work with someone who doesnt have the same dedication to detailing as you do other wise the vehicle will come out differently on both sides in other words the customer may not tell but if you have any kind of contious you will know
5. never work with someone who doesnt do the work as good as you do then youll have to pick up the slack.
6. consider overhead costs. ive spend thousands on detail products to do everything. my profit is coming along with spring and summer and all.
7. enojoy your self and make sure your not in it for the $ cause if you are youll rush yourself and eventually come across that customer thats a bit more meticulous than you are and thats what you dont want.

other than that enjoy and go make some money

Good Luck

I agree, it looks like I may be doing it on my own all for the same reasons you posted. I did make the mistake or showing someone how to use Zaino a while back and he ran off and is now making killer money :mad: ir so I hear. Thanks for the input :)

Originally posted by YZF/LS1 Freak
Smokers add $30

WOW...is that common practice among detail shops?

If I was a smoker and someone told me that it was going to cost an additional $30 just because of that, I would walk.

Or maybe you just seriously don't want to detail a smokey car and $30 is just anough to make you go through with it?

Just curious.

Originally posted by JasonD
WOW...is that common practice among detail shops?

If I was a smoker and someone told me that it was going to cost an additional $30 just because of that, I would walk.

Or maybe you just seriously don't want to detail a smokey car and $30 is just anough to make you go through with it?

Just curious.

I have to agree; however, I have seen where some smokers just let things go and they have ashes everywhere. I used to smoke and I have let things go and it is a PITA to get things back to an acceptable situation. I have also seen people who live down a dirt road and don't smoke who's interiors leave alot to be desired. Personally, I would not tack on an extra amount because they are a smoker. Tack on extra because they are a slob:D .

Originally posted by RENE95Z
I have to agree; however, I have seen where some smokers just let things go and they have ashes everywhere. I used to smoke and I have let things go and it is a PITA to get things back to an acceptable situation. I have also seen people who live down a dirt road and don't smoke who's interiors leave alot to be desired. Personally, I would not tack on an extra amount because they are a smoker. Tack on extra because they are a slob:D .

Good point! I wouldn't say "Because you are a smoker, I gotta hit yopu up for $30 more."

Perhaps you can do like the drive-thru car washes do and charge extra for "extra dirty cars" or something like that (try to use wording that is a bit more gentle). It doesn't single them out as much.

check out www.bettercarcare.com

go to the left - professional series and read the "detailing for profit"

it is a very good article :D

Well I droped the smokers price down to 20 bucks, I have two smoker jobs lines up and they were happy with 20.
Thanks for the link :)

no prob bob ;)

Ok, after reading that article a few times over I have a few questions.

Its says Vacuum/hand wash 25-40 bucks
Engine detailing 40-55
Full detail 100-150

Now, I assume the full detail would be engine, interior (steam cleaning included), and exterior included (along whith wheels and tires and all) but how far do you go on the paint??? Full clay bar and NXT job??? or just a nice cleaning and basic wax then charge more for NXT or zaino job???

A few people think I should charge $70-$80 for a nice interior job along with a basic engine cleaning (power wash) and good exterior job and wax and they said they would happily pay that for that kind of work then $150 for all that but with a NXT or Zaino job.

Your thoughts???


I have also found a way to be mobile as long as they provide a water spicket and an electrical plug. :)

If you are getting serious, go to a detailer supplier who does not sell to the general public. They will have products that are just as good as the high end stuff sold to the general public, but for a much lower cost.
Also, you need to learn how to buff if you want to get some cars with crappy paint to come back to life, my boss at my detail shop took classes at our community college to learn how to buff. Any car he buffs will look awesome.
As far as pricing, I'd charge a set amount for the serivce and then tack on extra $$$ for larger vechiles or if it is really a mess or charge extra $$$ for buffing. I'd also charge more for a black car too.

Originally posted by AronZ28
If you are getting serious, go to a detailer supplier who does not sell to the general public. They will have products that are just as good as the high end stuff sold to the general public, but for a much lower cost.
Also, you need to learn how to buff if you want to get some cars with crappy paint to come back to life, my boss at my detail shop took classes at our community college to learn how to buff. Any car he buffs will look awesome.
As far as pricing, I'd charge a set amount for the serivce and then tack on extra $$$ for larger vechiles or if it is really a mess or charge extra $$$ for buffing. I'd also charge more for a black car too.

Could you post some links to some dealers???
Thanks :)

P.S. I agree on charging more for black cars :eek:

i wouldnt charge xtra for black... IMHO its the same. If you want to be a detailer you shouldnt take it out on them since its black. does that mean youll charge them less if its white :confused: any way check out this guys site

ultimatereflections.net

this is anthonys business and he IS a bad ass he can do anything so check it out but thats a professional price range. if you arent going to consider your self a professional i dont honestly think you should charge professional rates. but if its a weekend thing you might want to go a bit less but becareful you dont over book yourself. This guy anthony charges 400 something for a detail he did for a dentist he is that much in demand and knows how to work everything even a rotory. man with 15 years experience hes gotten Texas best detailer in some carwash magazine NOW thats professional :bow: :bow: :bow:

Good idea about the extra for smokers. I can't tell you how disgusting some smokers cars get. I've detailed cars that have windows you can barely see out of from all the nicotine. Just a heads up, cloth interiors + animals= a PITA.

I'd change it to dark colors and black... :)

NBM can be rough...

Good point on just black cars. Thanks for that link that price list gave me some ideas.

How does this look and and sound. I copied it into word and changed a few things to make a nice template.


Hand Wash:
• Engine rinsed
• Wheel wells, wheels and tires cleaned
• Bugs and tar removed
• Body wash *$20 (includes bug and tar removal)
• Interior vacuum and dusting *$10
• Windows cleaned inside and out

Price = $40.00
Larger vehicles such as SUV’s would be $45.00-$50.00 depending on vehicle condition.

Full Detail:
• Engine area degreased and detailed
• Wheel wells, wheels and tires cleaned
• Wheels polished, tires dressed
• Bugs, tar, and paint oxidation removed
• Paint is cleansed of any prior waxes or sealants
• 2 to 5 step polishing process
• All exterior chrome is polished and waxed
• All exterior trim is cleaned and dressed
• Trunk area is cleaned, shampooed if needed
• Interior vacuumed and dusted *$25 (includes shampooing)
• Carpets and mats shampooed
• All leather and vinyl is cleaned including kick panels, pedals and running boards
• Leather is cleaned and conditioned
• Headliner cleaned
• All interior trim cleaned and polished
• All interior and exterior plastic is cleaned and polished
• Windows and exterior plastic is cleaned and polished

Price: $100-$150 depending on vehicle size and condition

* Service available separate for that price



Also, is there a special wax you use after polishing chrome or will any quality wax do??

hey man look at this site www.charlottedetailing.com i'm the shop manager at that shop in Charlotte. we have been doing cars and boats for 10 yrs now it's alot of work but alot of fun, also take a look at our site if you have any ? feal free to p.m me. Our full detail on av. size 4 door is $ 155.00 -165.00 deff. need to know how to buff , compound and polish for the cars that look like chaulk :rolleyes: you will find if your good the crappy cars come by the truckloads to get a makeover. well good luck and have fun:D

I'd seperate your pricing for interior and exterior detailing. Also, don't open the hood for your basic job. Also, for your basic job you should dress all that black plastic crap like running boards, trim, mud flaps, etc.

Originally posted by AronZ28
I'd seperate your pricing for interior and exterior detailing. Also, don't open the hood for your basic job. Also, for your basic job you should dress all that black plastic crap like running boards, trim, mud flaps, etc.

Planing on it :). I have re done it completley, I will post it later after school today.

Gobbler, you have a PM

I used to help an old buddy out with HIS detailing/cleaning business...he had these types of plans/prices...


Full Detailing--$110*

Engine bay degreased and polished
Wheels/Tires removed,hand polished and applied back on.
Road film,bug's,tar,conrete or any other harmful materials removed.

All Chrome is polished cleanly and evenly
Windows cleaned with extra care
Carpet and mats shampooed and washed
All exterior trim is dressed
Trunk shampooed and cleaned
Leather and vinyl is cleaned with vinyl polish
Headliner cleaned
All plastic on car is cleaned and polished
Vaccumed and dusted


*=Add $20 for Vans/SUV's and Trucks

Exterior Detailing--$50*

Exterior waxed and polished
Spot free rinsed
Soft cotton towel detailing
All exterior trim is dressed
Windows cleaned with extra care
All Chrome is polished cleanly and evenly
Road film,bug's,tar,conrete or any other harmful materials removed.

Wheels/Tires removed,hand polished and applied back on.


Add $15 for Vans/SUV's and Trucks

Interior Detailing--$25*

Windows cleaned with extra care
Trunk shampooed and cleaned
Vaccumed and dusted
Carpet and mats shampooed and washed
Headliner cleaned
All plastic on car is cleaned and polished
Leather and vinyl is cleaned with vinyl polish


*=Add $10 for Vans/SUV's and Trucks

Basic Wash--$15

Rinse
Soaped
Waxed
Polished
Spot free final rinse


He made damn good profit from it too