Car detailing services are about so much more than a simple car wash. To become an experienced professional detailer requires hours of work, high-quality products, and specialized techniques.
Most car detailing businesses will offer packages ranging from basic, to premium, to the works. Normally, each package has a set price. This type of pricing strategy is effective because it provides both businesses and car owners with a guide, upfront, of how much a job will cost.
However, you shouldn’t stop at package pricing. You can also use variable-based pricing in addition to your packages to make more money for your business. This helps you charge more based on the condition of the car and the time it will take to complete additional work.
For businesses starting out, coming up with packages and add-on services means first knowing the car detailing services available.
Restoring a car to like-new condition is no easy task. Car detailing services include everything from hand washing to paint correction to many intricate jobs in between. Below, we outline the car detailing services every detailer should know, along with suggestions on how to package them.
Basic Car Detailing Services
Even the most basic car detailing services include precision work done by hand.
Exterior wash and dry
The detailer hand washes and dries the exterior body of the car with specialized products. This service may also include cleaning of the rims, door handles, and glass.
Vacuuming
Seats, carpets, and mats are vacuumed. More expensive packages will also include a vacuum of the headliner, rear cargo area, and trunk.
Premium Car Detailing Services
A premium package involves a more thorough car detailing than a basic service.
Interior Scrubbing and Brushing
Spot cleaning is done to remove any stains on floor carpets and mats.
Polishing
The detailer buffs the car’s exterior with an abrasive compound, which removes any small scratches or swirls in the paint.
Sealing or Waxing
A protective layer of sealant or wax is added to the car’s exterior giving it a glossy finish.
Glass Cleaning
The detailer cleans the windshield and windows, inside and out.
The Works Detailing Package
This can be considered the ultimate in car detailing! It involves an intricate and thorough service that leaves the vehicle showroom-ready.
Paint Claying
A clay bar is used to remove any embedded debris, contaminants, or residue left after the car has been washed. The surface is then left smooth, improving the effectiveness of polish and wax.
Steam Cleaning
A steamer is used to remove any tough stains in carpets and seats.
Leather Trimming
A special soap is used to clean and condition any leather parts in the vehicle.
Perfuming
A deodorant is sprayed into the interior of a car to leave it smelling clean and new.
Specialized Add-Ons
Other specialized services can be assessed on a case-by-case basis. They can include trim repainting, engine detailing, headlight polishing, engine pressure cleaning, bumper repair, glass chip repair, paint touch-up, and any of the following services:
Paint correction
This is a process that takes away any flaws on the top layer of a car’s paintwork via machine buffing.
Ceramic coating
Ceramic Coating is a liquid polymer applied to the exterior of a vehicle to add a protective layer to the car’s paint. It is often used as a premium wax alternative.
Paint Protection Film (PPF)
PPF is a thin polyurethane film that helps to protect car paint from rock chips, small scratches, UV light, mineral deposits, acid rain, and more. This product and service offers more comprehensive protection than ceramic coating.
Window Tint
A film is applied to windows to help protect the interior surfaces of the vehicle. This specialized window tint will not only prevent the car’s interior from discoloring and deteriorating from the sun’s rays, but it will also keep the car cool on a hot day.
How to Set Fair Prices for Your Car Detailing Services
While mastering the basics is crucial, knowing the more specialized services allows the opportunity to leverage sales and maximize profits.
Packages are a good place to start, but variable-based pricing can prove to be more lucrative for you and your business. If you rely only on menu or package pricing, your customers will always expect a service at a certain price. And many times regardless of the condition of the car and the time it will take to complete.
It’s important for you to control your pricing, not your customer, so you don’t leave any money on the table. To start, you should think about each service that goes into a detailing job. Then try to set prices by each service or by additional time. This way, you can charge more for detailing jobs that take longer or if a customer chooses additional services.
To learn more about how to set up variable-based pricing and make more money with every job, try the country’s #1 Business Management Software for Detailers now for free.