How much to charge for a P-car?

**tamadrumr88** · 04-20-2008 02:13 PM

I've done complete interior/exterior treatments to hundreds of cars already but never a complete detail on a porsche. Lately I've been getting about $150 for the following:

Interior Detail
- Scrub and Clean Carpet
- Wipe Down Seats and Interior Plastics, Scrub Stubborn Dirt
- Vacuum Interior and Trunk
- Clean Windows and Mirrors Both Interior and Exterior
- Clean and Condition Leather (if applicable)

Exterior Detail
- Clean Wheels and Tires
- Degrease and Clean Engine Bay
- Clean and Wipe Door Jambs
- Hand Wash and Dry Vehicle
- Dress Tires, Wheel Wells, and Engine Bay
- Clay Bar Entire Vehicle to Remove Surface Contaminants
- Multi-Step Compounding/Polishing to Remove Severe Paint Imperfections
- Hand Wax
- Clean and Polish Chrome

I know I should be getting more but I feel like I'd be losing a lot of my customer base (which, if you think what I'm currently asking is too much then you probably shouldn't be getting your car detailed). I believe its a mid-80s 911 (the style prior to the 993 which started in the late 80s). I know the guy is anal about the car and who he has do the work so I'm kind of flattered that he presented the car for me to detail for an upcoming show (I know him through work, he is the general manager of sales so I know he's got $$$$). Because of the nature of this type of car I'm obviously going to spend more time than the 4-6 hours I usually spend on a detail. What should I be asking??

Also, as far as cleaning the engines on these older exotic-ish cars... anything I should be worried about? I'm used to doing newer cars that are more or less water tight and don't have to worry about screwing anything up

Here's an example of what I've done in the past:
http://promotiveconcepts.com/detailing.html

**Poopie** · 04-21-2008 11:17 AM

I'd say charge him your usual and make sure you let him know hes getting a very good deal and tell him to pass the word to his fellow porsche owners.

**2PUTT** · 04-21-2008 02:48 PM

calculate your hourly rate and apply to the amount of time you think it will take. please keep in mind that your rate should also include the material you are using. at the current rate you are charging, you may be giving the product away. you will have to charge more especially if you are using top notch products.

**Euro_Addict** · 04-21-2008 05:57 PM

Seems to me that you do alot for what you charge. And charge for what you do, not for who the customer is.

**Mike @ einszett** · 04-21-2008 06:16 PM

I will reitterate what was said... charge based on hours worked, your skills, and demand. Those that charge based on on the emblem on the car end up losing later on.

We tend to see between $150-200/detail around here for higher end details. Of course there are additional options (a la carte) a customer can request (ie. leather cleaning, engine cleaning, underbody cleaning). As far as using top notch product, consider how much you're charging per use. Don't just charge because you're using a more quality product.

For example, some people scoff at the fact that we sell Glanz Wax for $20. Yet, you can get 5-6 applications per vehicle with a duration of 4-6 months per application.

In comparison, another brand can be $15 and you get 3-4 applications and you have to reapply every 1-2 months. When you look at it that way, it doesn't seem as much.

Now, if you're not going to see the client as often because you applied a more durable wax, then you can charge more - I would offer that as an additional charge (Regular wax standard, Longer lasting more durable wax - additional charge).

I'll also highly suggest that you explain why you're charging what you're charging, using what you're using. Don't just see yourself as someone who cleans cars but also as someone who educates their customers. You are a specialist in their eyes. They'll appreciate the work and effort you put into their car.