Vintage Cars: cost to detail a car, interior choices, little old lady

Question
I am opening my own detail business and i wanted to know about the different prices for each service.Thank you

Answer
First and most importantly, you need to research what your competition is currently charging in your area.  You may be the best detail person in the state, but if you start out by charging twice what everyone else does, then you'll never get the business off the ground.  You don't need to charge EXACTLY what they do, or charge in exactly the same way, but you need to be competitive.  You may want to offer different services to different customers- the little old lady with the Grand Marquis will most likely be looking for a simple wash/ wax/ vacuum, as where the doctor with the Porsche will be checking to see if you cleaned the bugs and wax residue from around the base of the windshield.

You could offer complete packages (detail everything inside and out), or give them a choice of a major or minor exterior detail, along with different interior choices.  You may also want to consider having an initial "top-to-bottom" detail package that includes periodic touch-ups.  For instance, offer to keep the car a day or two and make it look like new, then have them return the vehicle every 3, 4 or 6 months for a minor cleaning while it's still in good shape. Sell them on the fact that this will be cheaper in the long run, versus having to do a complete, heavy-duty detail once a year.  It will also be easier on you (and in case you're wondering, yes- I was in the detail business for a while).

Also, will you have your own location for doing this, or will you go to them to perform the service?  If they come to you, will you provide a ride back to their home or business, or will you offer to pick up the vehicle and return it when done?  If you'll pickup and deliver, will your insurance cover you if you're in an accident?  These are all things you need to consider.  I can tell you from experience it's a lot of work for not much money, but if you can get the business off the ground and establish a great reputation, THEN you'll be able to raise the rates a little bit and start making a little more money.  But unless you're in a place like New York, L.A. or Vegas catering only to Rolls-Royce owners, then I can just about guarantee you'll never get wealthy doing it.  Do it because you love to detail cars, and for no other reason.  Good luck!