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Rising Star
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Nope. I get my car washed at an automated touchless car wash at a Shell gas station for $20. It takes less than 10 minutes and no risk of someone or a brush accidentally scratching my paint. Does it look super good 100% of the time? No, there are some missed spots and water drops. But that’s the compromise I take.
So if I had to consider a mobile detailer it would have to be just as convenient. I’d be willing to pay $50 if it were a thing I’d do regularly (monthly). For more than $50, I’m not going to use the service much, maybe twice a year. And when I say $50 I mean all-in cost including tip and any taxes.
I’ve never known anyone who detailed their car at the frequency most people get a car wash (other than MD1 below). I think that’s irrelevant.
These services are quite different, and no decent detailing would be $50 including tax and tip. It takes hours, using special tools and supplies.
Yes and a lot of my neighbors do too. Based in SoCal. There’s a one-man show who does 2 bucket hand wash and light interior for $40 (he literally spends entire days here and does one car after another.) And several companies that charge $60-80 for the same service. For “details,” they usually start $100+
Rising Star
Lol turns out the only thing that’s cheaper in CA is the car washes. I have a very similar experience.
From what I know some people do, but idk about pricing. Your price would definitely have to be based off what you would want in labor and the rest would just be a the mark up on your consumable supplies. I have heard a lot of guys sharing some vague knowledge of start up for mobile detailing on YouTube and they usually say your labor and supplies cost will depend on the type of car with minivans and trucks being more expensive. I feel like for a good exterior and interior detail on a truck including clay bar, waxing and carpet cleaning should be at least $100 to $150. It would be a good idea to check prices of other mobile detailers in your area so you aren't undermining someone elses business and at least staying competitive.
I would also try setting a base amount of hours you will spend on each kind of vehicle while still getting the best result just to keep prices at a stable rate.
A family friend gifted a mobile car detailing on my mom’s car. Apparently cost $100. The guy spent 5 hours on the car and it was pretty thorough. As someone who makes over $100/hr to sit behind a laptop, I can’t imagine doing that type of work for less than $20/hr but it was apparently worth it to this person.
I’ve seen a 2 car minimum for that service here in Nashville. They have a brick and mortar location that is $125 at minimum for a hand wash exterior job. They’re pretty good but ooooffff. That’s steep.
Yes. He comes twice a month. $99
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Geez here in the Northern VA DC area mobile detailing is around $100+
With tip $274
Anyone have a good recommendation in the NYC/NNJ area?
Rising Star
Depends on where you live. In Austin I had a guy who did Joe Rogan’s cars and he charged $120. Honestly wasn’t impressed. In CA I have a Mexican that does it for $50 and honestly does a better job. He even brings his own water whereas the Joe Rogan guy used house hose. With mobile service it’s really about getting lucky and finding a good worker with good prices. I wouldn’t pay $120 again tbh. But very convienent to have them come to you. Now that I know I can get a very good job for $50, I’d be hard pressed to want to pay more, but again based on your local economy you’re probably looking at $100-50 for an inside/outside wash. More for waxing and polishing and carpet steaming.