[lux.sh]

For,

Wash / Clay / Polish / Wax / Wheels & Tires dressed.

Assuming the shop doesn't use the highest grade products, something average, what is a good price for the exterior detail with above combination?

Never done professional detailing on my car before. Just plain wash/wax procedure for 6 years. I know, I should never buy a black car.

[AWLE902008]

I had mine cut....meaning wet sand, clay, polished the whole nine yards inside and out. My father works at a Ford dealership and it was there clean up guys that do it. It was 165.00. They did a great job. Completely removed the swirls and scratches.

[lux.sh]

noticed you have bright color car too. does it really show?

I heard detailing a white car is nearly pointless in terms of shine.

[AWLE902008]

Yes...especially at night....barely and swirls....you can't get everything out but it's very sharp and new looking at night and day. Lol

[AWLE902008]

wwith white it will shine, but if done right it will shine with no scratches and mirror like shine. Worth the money if done right.

[TOGWT]

Exterior (8 hours)
• Wash and dry exterior paint – 1.5
• Detailer’s clay – 1.0
• Tyres and Wheel surfaces – 0.5
• Clean exterior glass – 0.5
• Clean and lightly polish paint – 1.5
• Wax or seal paint -1.0
• Clean and protect rubber seals – 0.5
• Exhaust, tyres and trim etc 1.5 hours

Interior (4.5 hours)
• Brush and Vacuum carpets – 0.5
• Shampoo mats – 0.5
• Shampoo / extract carpet – 1.0
• Clean upholstery – 1.0
• Apply protection to vinyl and leather – 0.5
• Clean interior glass -0.5
• Deodorize interior - 10 min
• Protect carpet and upholstery – 0.5

This level of detail on an average sized and condition vehicle would take approx 13 hours, a larger vehicle will obviously take more time, most professional detailers will charge between $400 and $550 to do this level of work.

Depending on location / skill level / /reputation, to transform a vehicle back to ‘like-new condition; so expect to pay a fair price for the amount of work involved.

[JohnnyT]

Agree. $400-600.

[MKR_DmD]

I would say, if it is a 1 stage polish $300-$400. 2 stage $400+

Or spend $300 and buy everything your self and do it yourself. That is what I did.

[SS e93]

Originally Posted by AWLE902008

I had mine cut....meaning wet sand, clay, polished the whole nine yards inside and out. My father works at a Ford dealership and it was there clean up guys that do it. It was 165.00. They did a great job. Completely removed the swirls and scratches.

What would the price have been for a normal customer. I definitely hate the orange peel, and I would pay somebody to wetsand.

[DLE]

Around my area, prices have varied for me in the past years from $275-$400

[Cosmin]

black , exterior only (2 stage) $450 , 80-95%+ correction from initial condition

[lux.sh]

whoa 400~600 dollars?

My famous detailing shop near my area quoted me $100.
They must be using dish washing soap to clean and face lotion to wax, eh?
The shop supposed to have good reputation around here...

maybe I should do some more research.

[dday]

Originally Posted by lux.sh

whoa 400~600 dollars?

My famous detailing shop near my area quoted me $100.
They must be using dish washing soap to clean and face lotion to wax, eh?
The shop supposed to have good reputation around here...

maybe I should do some more research.

Think of it this way, to actually wash, clay, polish, wax plus wheels and tires would take you maybe 5 hours to do well. At $100 that's only $20/hour, you can't run a business on that, which means they are spending way less time on a car at $100 each, that's likely wash/wax with a spray of tire shine. For the avg person the car will look good, but if you are looking for an impeccable finish expect to drop a few hundred.

[AWLE902008]

update...i ask the guy that did it for me since my father knew him and he said they regularly charge 300... so 300-600 i guess, depends on where you live and who you know....my 2 cents

[MuttGrunt]

Originally Posted by lux.sh

whoa 400~600 dollars?

My famous detailing shop near my area quoted me $100.
They must be using dish washing soap to clean and face lotion to wax, eh?
The shop supposed to have good reputation around here...

maybe I should do some more research.

Famous detailing shop eh? Those "famous" bottom dollar, minimum wage employees will be using "famous" cheap bulk chemicals on your expensive car, but no worries because their "famous" dirty towels will no doubt leave your surface looking great.

And this "famous" high volume shop leaves many oblivious accord/camry/mini-van/SUV owners happy? I'm SHOCKED! Those are usually the hardest ones to please as they know EVERYTHING about their cars!!!

[Jean-Claude]

Originally Posted by lux.sh

For,

Wash / Clay / Polish / Wax / Wheels & Tires dressed.

Assuming the shop doesn't use the highest grade products, something average, what is a good price for the exterior detail with above combination?

Never done professional detailing on my car before. Just plain wash/wax procedure for 6 years. I know, I should never buy a black car.

I charge $260 for the level 1-type polish correction, which includes prep and sealant/wax. It takes about 4~6 hours of labor.

If by polish you mean full correction, $600+.

[bob.g]

go on autopia.org im sure ull find a few good detailers in your area. you will pay about 300$ on average. might as well bring it to someone who knows what he's doing.

[bobsled]

any insights on mobile detailing as far as pricing or value? thx

[TiAg335i]

expect to pay around 300-600 dollars at a REAL detail shop.

[Jean-Claude]

Originally Posted by bobsled

any insights on mobile detailing as far as pricing or value? thx

It depends on the guy. Some mobile guys are awesome, some aren't. The exact same situation as for anyone with a shop.

[Envious Eric]

LOL, they sanded and buffed the car for 165??? I find that hard to believe....thats a solid 20+ hour job, more like 30+ @50-75/hr = 1000's for a quality job.

Mobile vs fixed....

doesnt really matter, its all in the reputation! I know for a fact one fixed location putting out really piss poor work around me, and know of another 3-4 with iffy work, same with mobile! Research the place before dropping off your car! ASk questions and dont expect a perfect finish without willing to let the detailer have his way with your car. Just because you want to pay for a one step process, doesnt mean the car will look its best when it actually needs a three step process! You get what you pay for!

Oh and I would actually try to see the work in person and gauge for yourself. I recently found out about a "pro detailer" in my area working on only higher end stuff and completely hacked up a really nice car, yet still charged the client over 1000 bucks! The finish ended up actually worse and he induced some of his own deep scratches!!!! really sad to hear about...especially since his pictures make the car look good, as well as his "video" of the car after being done!!!! Due diligence is required!!!!!

As for that process, that is my one step process and runs $250 and will receive about 50-60% correction (mainly the lighter stuff removed and a lot more gloss in the end)

[TOGWT]

An accurate estimate can only be given when the professional is able to see the vehicle and ascertain your expectations, a phone-quote can only be a ball-park figure. Many professionals will need 10+ hours of work to transform your vehicle back to like-new condition

Some things you may want to consider

• Look for a courteous staff willing to answer all of your questions.
• Look for policies regarding estimates, labour rates or pricing, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment, etc.
• A Professional Detailer should have been in (full-time) business for at least one year
• Should have business licensed and be state registered
• Ensure they have adequate insurance cover (including Public Liability) and that they are a registered business
• Obtain (telephone number) references from three recent clients and check them
• How long they have been in business
• Check with the local Better Business Bureau
• Ask them where they received their training and what products they use.
• Ask the prospective detailer for photographs of vehicles they have done recently (most detailers have a portfolio) or they may have photos posted on detailing forums of their work on similar models
• Ask them their detailing ‘steps’ this will indicate exactly what you are paying for
• Ask them what detailing products they use (known brand names are preferable)
• Do they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee?
• Discuss a price and if satisfied set-up an appointment
• If they quote a very low price it could reflect the quality of service offered.