How much should I charge?

An often asked question on detailing groups, how much should I charge?

How to calculate hourly costs.

[MyGuyKirby]

I cannot compete with a local detailer that charges $25 for exterior wash with a two man crew. I lose no sleep over this and charge almost triple that amount and plan to stay in the business. Quality over price will keep customers in the long term.

[odysseasv]

"Which Half of the car you'd like me to do?" This phrase summarize the whole video and answers the question :)

Thank you Yvan!

[cebasmb]

This video is so on I've seen detailers competing with each other and charged $60 in and out just to get work 🙄 detailing is not just a job. It's an art.... like you said never compete with the car wash 💯👌🏽

[tojieb]

Met you at the MTE one of the highlights of my trip.

[neilwalker]

All great advice and as always spot on. One trick I have done is to add up all the fixed costs and then divide 180 hours to get an estimate of your hourly rate just to cover fixed costs. Then guesstimate your supply cost and labor cost to figure out your break even cost per hour. Finally remember a clean customer lounge and premier customer service will keep the doors open.

[ryanl]

Getting to a place where you are completely OK with telling a customer NO (reasonably), is the best thing you can do for yourself and your business. Not every customer, is going to be YOUR customer, nor should you want them to be.

[olds]

Yvan I wanted say I’ve been using a rinseless wash in the gilmour hose end sprayer. I don’t wash the car with it typically, but as a tool it’s indispensable. I guess I use it as deionized water in between full washes, such as after surprise rainfall.
Recommended!

[slot]

I detail cars on the weekend as a side hustel, but this was very helpful.

[antwinehowell]

Thank you… standing on what you say mean say a lot in front of a customer.

[pshores]

Thank you for these videos. I got into detailing the past few months because I've started a Black Car service and need to keep the car detailed in and out at all times for my customers. I'm learning so much I may even begin selling detailing services to the 50+ cars in my condo garage on the side. I've already paint corrected and ceramic coated my car + a topper for easy maintenance and constant gloss as i will be lightly washing the car several times per week. It's been a challenge but also a great opportunity to learn and enjoy it.

Thanks for discussing prices, it's generic enough that I can also apply it to my car service. Love what you do, keep em coming

[TripleGAutoDetailing]

SO MUCH truth in this video. Thanks Yvan. 🙏🏻

[maacodale]

Great points Yvan. I always wonder what a detailer would have done in pre social media days to figure out prices. It's so easy (and lazy) to get online and ask. And you're spot on about what customers will pay. A new F150 costs the same in Hampton, Virginia as it doesn't in Dallas, Texas. Coatings and corrections should too. WE put limits on ourselves. Here's the deal, if we give them a price and they jump on it immediately, we left money on the table. If they hem and haw about the price, well, that gives us the perfect opportunity to put our salesmanship hat on and go to work. We have to convince them of the value we are providing.

Thanks as always!

[thesamsquatch]

Thank you for this video Mr. Lacroix! It really puts things in perspective. Yes we love to detail and we love seeing a happy customer. But we need to take care of ourselves first or we won't be around for the customer. It is a luxury what we do absolutely, and like you said there are customers who will appreciate the value and quality you give them.
I really enjoyed it, I hope for safe and happy traveling for yourself and Mrs sylvie and happy training!

[luketuttle]

Sound advice for just about any service oriented business!

[moisesperez]

The master speaks, and we listen.... good stuff sir

[adamsdetails]

Hi Yvan, If you have the chance, I'd be interested in a video on matte/satin paint. Others might as well. It's showing up on more and more vehicles. Washing, prepping, and coating. Facts, myths, tips, tricks, etc. I looked through your videos, but didn't find anything on the subject. Maybe I missed it. Thanks for everything you do!

[donjohnson]

I should copy and paste this link for the AG and Autopia forums lol. This question gets asked like weekly.

[sakhsdragunof]

Good and informative video. To be honest, detailing bussiness was my dream, but i'm just too chicken to chase up my dreams so... I just stay at weekend warrior stage .

[aaronderrick]

Jus subbed...great advice and extremely wise. Hey I'll take advice from Yvan Lacroix all day. It's unbelievable who customers will hire simply to NOT have to clean their own car. You have to know what level ur skills an work are at...if you know you can deliver, I believe customers will see this..and be willing to pay. I believe that there are areas of the country where auto detailing is more prosperous financially. For example..I believe a business would thrive and survive year round in FL compared to PA. I also believe that major city locations with a higher earnings average..can be even more prosperous. Or am I entirely wrong?

[richardseem]

Awesome video .like every video you do extremely informative.