Well, like I said in the beginning, I have no business experience, this is just a summer small business b/c of no heating in the garage. Also, in the past 2.5 yrs I have been doing this so to speak under the table!! SHHHHHHHH I know, so this is why I am turning it into a legit business. The first summer I started I did about 10, now I am up to 52 cars. So in 2.5 yrs I have grown. I started charging 65 for a car and 85 for an suv. This is everything, shampoo, leather seat treatment, engine detail, everything. I now charge 90 for cars and 125 for suv's vans and what not.
I know what you mean for scaring customers away by charging to little, but all of my business so far has been word of mouth, and people comment and give me props on how nice of a job I have done in front of other people and that is how I have grown. I tell them what I charge and they are amazed. They ask why I don't charge more, and I tell them. That I am just starting out, this is a side thing I do under the table and they understand. Everyone has been very happy w/ my work and its b/c I take 3-5 hrs for a car and the Escalade EX I did took me 9 hrs. I am not the auto. detailing that is get your car cleaned in 30 minutes, have a wating room or anything like that.
I enjoy turning a filthy car into one that looks like it did brand new or almost new!!
I use high quality chemicals, which in my mind and experience rival mothers and meguires. The only thing meguires I use is the tire shine gel and that stuff is amazing by the way!!!
I will keep my eye out on quickbooks pro!! I have been for a couple weeks now and it has been running 100 bucks. The premium, which I do not need is 200 bucks. I think software prices are outrageous, but I guess if they keep your business in a good running order it is worth it.
Thanks for the comments, I appreciate them!! I am still learning!!
