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.
This video is so on point..... 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 💯👌🏽
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
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!
@@Detailers-Business-Academy mr Lacroix may I ask if you have any tricks to help reduce dust. My dad just bought a black car washed it and its collecting dust. I'm hoping after the full works and coating it may help. I'm thinking graphene may help plus we get water spot prevention
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!
Thank you for the Info mr. Legend! What are your thoughts on refunds? As if they arent satisfied about the quality of the job? Mistakes from our part happen, as in we miss a spot etc, rare but we are only human :) Should i offer to come back and correct the mistake-for free ofcourse..? my thought is to always make sure mistakes are to be admited and corrected asap, but no refunds (aside from ruining their car haha) thank you as always mr. Legend
Nice video! My question would be if I already have a full time job and I want to do this part time you know on basically my weekends is it worth it? Is it possible? This are the questions that are preventing me to just start it up
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?
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 .
@@Detailers-Business-Academy it isn't. Its my happy hour when I'm detailing my vehicle. Its just that sometimes, I wish I could do this professionally. Thats all.
Be concerned about your profitability first, a customer that buys a used Escort may not be a good fit for your business, aim for customers who can afford you.
@@Detailers-Business-Academy hey, thank you! Just recently find your channels, do you have online detail training? I like to add detail business next to my tinting business.
Thank you for the great advice you give to detailers, but one thing that many people like yourself don’t talk about is the economy, inflation, C-19 restrictions and the future of small businesses with all this happening. I have notice less calls and emails coming in from customers do to inflation, people are tightening up and I don’t blame them, what we do as detailers is not a need is a want and with less money to go around small businesses like ourself will take a hit. Not trying to sound like a downer, but as a businessman you need to be able to see what the future holds for your business. You can see the effect that we our having already do to what’s happening in China, less products coming in and at a higher price now. Would like to hear your take on these subjects, thank you for your time.
In the 2008 economic downturn, the same questions were voiced. We raised our prices to cater to a customer base not affected by the economy. We also offered a few different services that allowed lower budget customers to be able to enjoy our services. The lower priced businesses tend to suffer.
@@Detailers-Business-Academy thank you for your reply. Do you see this being like 2008 or worst? And should a detailer be more focus on saving money at this time than spending on a new shop or getting employees or buying a new van. Young detailers don’t charge enough and spend more that they can’t afford and by the time they realize they are not running a business it’s to late, now they have a car payment, insurance and credit card debt.
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.
Well said
Amen!
Brilliant video! So much wisdom
Glad you enjoyed it
This video is so on point..... 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 💯👌🏽
Thank you.
"Which Half of the car you'd like me to do?" This phrase summarize the whole video and answers the question :)
Thank you Yvan!
Thank you
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.
Great tip!
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.
Exactly!
Met you at the MTE one of the highlights of my trip.
Thank you
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
Thank you.
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!
Excellent
SO MUCH truth in this video. Thanks Yvan. 🙏🏻
Thank you for watching
great advice as always..thanks Yvan
Thank you
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!
Thank you Dale
I detail cars on the weekend as a side hustel, but this was very helpful.
Thank you
Excellent info as always Yvan!
Thank you!
Best solid business advice!! 👊🇨🇦
Thank you
Excellent advice!
Thank you
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!
Thank you
@@Detailers-Business-Academy mr Lacroix may I ask if you have any tricks to help reduce dust. My dad just bought a black car washed it and its collecting dust. I'm hoping after the full works and coating it may help. I'm thinking graphene may help plus we get water spot prevention
@@thesamsquatch5224 unfortunately dust isn’t easy to repel.
@@Detailers-Business-Academy it was worth a try. Happy Detailing and safe travels
@@thesamsquatch5224 thank you
The master speaks, and we listen.... good stuff sir
Thank you
Thank you… standing on what you say mean say a lot in front of a customer.
Thank you
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!
Good idea.
Big thanks from Québec Canada 🇨🇦
Bienvenue!
Sound advice for just about any service oriented business!
Thank you
Awesome video .like every video you do extremely informative.
Thank you
Tellement bien dit👌
Merci
I should copy and paste this link for the AG and Autopia forums lol. This question gets asked like weekly.
Feel free to share it as often as you wish.
Thank you for the Info mr. Legend!
What are your thoughts on refunds? As if they arent satisfied about the quality of the job?
Mistakes from our part happen, as in we miss a spot etc, rare but we are only human :)
Should i offer to come back and correct the mistake-for free ofcourse..?
my thought is to always make sure mistakes are to be admited and corrected asap, but no refunds (aside from ruining their car haha)
thank you as always mr. Legend
My thoughts exactly
Nice video! My question would be if I already have a full time job and I want to do this part time you know on basically my weekends is it worth it? Is it possible? This are the questions that are preventing me to just start it up
If you and your family are ok with you working more than living, yes.
This helped so much, thank you!
Do you have a video on types of detail packages that should be offered?
Not yet
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?
You’re not wrong, but it’s not really that way either. You make your own market.
👍
Thank you
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 .
Nothing wrong with that
@@Detailers-Business-Academy it isn't. Its my happy hour when I'm detailing my vehicle. Its just that sometimes, I wish I could do this professionally. Thats all.
If you’re enjoying yourself, you’re well ahead of the game
@@sakhsdragunof you could start doing it as a side gig, meaning taking jobs whenever you can and getting paid for your service on top of that.
What is a reasonable price for just vacuuming inside and exterior wash?
How long will it take you?
@@Detailers-Business-Academy about 2 hours depending on how bad is the carpet.
Then around $250
@@Detailers-Business-Academy thank you so much Yvan 🙏
@@albertodavila9617 my pleasure
People don’t even know what’s being built here. Auto Detailing in this generation is going to be a multi billion dollar industry.
Exactly.
Even if I’m just starting out I should still never charge under 100$/hr?
Or should I go a little lower since I’m just starting.
Charge what the market will bare
Well said! Great content. Are you doing starting package for customers with different price range?
Be concerned about your profitability first, a customer that buys a used Escort may not be a good fit for your business, aim for customers who can afford you.
@@Detailers-Business-Academy hey, thank you! Just recently find your channels, do you have online detail training? I like to add detail business next to my tinting business.
Yes, I offer one on one coaching, and in person hands on training.
@@Detailers-Business-Academy can you please share your email address? I would like to have more info about this.
In Croatia we have a saying, it is better to lie in bed for free than to work for free ... In translation, don't do the job if it isn't worth it ...
That’s a great expression
@@Detailers-Business-Academy thanks, I would love it if you would use it sometimes in your videos 😁
I’ll definitely do that
Love that saying!
3rd from the office
Thank you for the continued support.
Point On For Any Business , must make a profit to Survive . Hey , Do You Sell Any Self Confidence ?? 😳😳
I do offer one on one coaching.
Thank you for the great advice you give to detailers, but one thing that many people like yourself don’t talk about is the economy, inflation, C-19 restrictions and the future of small businesses with all this happening.
I have notice less calls and emails coming in from customers do to inflation, people are tightening up and I don’t blame them, what we do as detailers is not a need is a want and with less money to go around small businesses like ourself will take a hit.
Not trying to sound like a downer, but as a businessman you need to be able to see what the future holds for your business. You can see the effect that we our having already do to what’s happening in China, less products coming in and at a higher price now.
Would like to hear your take on these subjects, thank you for your time.
In the 2008 economic downturn, the same questions were voiced. We raised our prices to cater to a customer base not affected by the economy. We also offered a few different services that allowed lower budget customers to be able to enjoy our services.
The lower priced businesses tend to suffer.
@@Detailers-Business-Academy thank you for your reply. Do you see this being like 2008 or worst? And should a detailer be more focus on saving money at this time than spending on a new shop or getting employees or buying a new van.
Young detailers don’t charge enough and spend more that they can’t afford and by the time they realize they are not running a business it’s to late, now they have a car payment, insurance and credit card debt.
Definitely not as bad as 2008, entrepreneurs should always be concentrating on making their business better.
@@Detailers-Business-Academy thank you for your time.
A respirator that won’t break the bank?
For what application?
@@Detailers-Business-Academy ceramic coatings, and things like Fusso Coat. VOC stuff I shouldn’t be breathing.
@@olds3945 3M makes several models under $100.
@@Detailers-Business-Academy thanks, need to do something. I thought being outside would be enough and it isn’t. I’m listening now! Lol
What coating are you using that is giving off such fumes? Most newer technology coating formulas have very little VOC’s and minimal if any odour
☕☕💚🇵🇷🇺🇸
Thank you
WEPA otro BORICUA 👋👍🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷
In UK in my area people dont want to even pay £150 for 2stage polish 🤦🏽♂️
You would be surprised, charging more will bring you a whole new clientele.
1st? Guess so
You beat Humberto!
Didn't know it was possible!
There is a first for everything.
@@rheijne95 😄😄😄it is possible like getting better at your business and experience besides education 👌👍😄
Right on the money 🤌🏽
Thank you