Car Detailing Pricing Calculator

Calculate competitive prices for your car detailing services based on vehicle size and service level

Build Your Service Package

Vehicle Size

Service Level

Your Business Costs (Per Job)

Labor Time (hours)

Desired Hourly Rate

Supplies Cost per Job

Soap, wax, towels, water, etc.

Overhead per Job

Gas, insurance, equipment depreciation

Target Profit Margin

Average Car Detailing Prices (2025)

Car detailing prices vary based on vehicle size, service level, and location. Here are typical market rates:

Service Package	Sedan	Midsize SUV	Large SUV/Van
Basic Wash & Vacuum	$30-50	$40-60	$50-75
Standard Detail	$125-175	$175-225	$225-300
Premium Detail	$200-300	$275-400	$350-500
Ceramic Coating	$500-800	$700-1,200	$900-1,500
Paint Correction	$300-600	$450-800	$600-1,000

💡 Note: Prices are higher in major cities (LA, NYC, SF) and lower in rural areas. Mobile detailing typically charges 10-20% more than shop-based services.

Profitable Service Packages

🚗 Basic Package

$50-75

Perfect for: Weekly/bi-weekly customers

✓ Exterior hand wash
✓ Wheel cleaning
✓ Vacuum interior
✓ Windows
✓ Dash wipe

Time: 1-1.5 hours

✨ Standard Package

$175-225

Perfect for: Monthly/seasonal customers

✓ Everything in Basic
✓ Clay bar treatment
✓ Wax / sealant
✓ Interior deep clean
✓ Leather conditioning
✓ Engine bay cleaning

Time: 3-4 hours

💎 Premium Package

$350-500

Perfect for: Luxury/special occasion

✓ Everything in Standard
✓ Paint correction (1-step)
✓ Headlight restoration
✓ Carpet shampooing
✓ Odor removal
✓ Trim restoration

Time: 6-8 hours

💡 Pro Tip: Offering 3 package tiers encourages customers to choose the middle option (Standard), which has the best profit margin for time invested.

Car Detailing Business Startup Costs

Mobile Detailing Startup

Pressure washer & equipment: $500-1,000

Initial supplies (soap, wax, towels): $300-500

Water tank & generator: $400-800

Vehicle wraps / signage: $200-500

Business license & insurance: $500-1,000

TOTAL: $1,900-3,800

Shop-Based Detailing

Rent deposit + first month: $2,000-5,000

Professional equipment: $3,000-7,000

Initial supplies: $500-1,000

Signage & marketing: $1,000-2,000

Business license & insurance: $1,000-2,000

TOTAL: $7,500-17,000

Recommendation: Start mobile with low overhead, build a customer base, then consider a shop location after 12-18 months once you have steady revenue.

Tips for Profitable Car Detailing

1. Offer Membership Programs

Monthly memberships provide recurring revenue. Example: "Unlimited basic washes for $99/month" or "One standard detail per month for $149/month." This guarantees income even in slow months.

2. Upsell Add-On Services

Offer quick add-ons like headlight restoration (+$40), pet hair removal (+$30), or odor treatment (+$50). These high-margin services take 15-30 minutes and significantly boost per-job revenue.

3. Target High-End Clients

Luxury car owners (Tesla, BMW, Mercedes) are willing to pay premium prices ($300-500+) and value quality over cost. Market in affluent neighborhoods and partner with luxury dealerships.

4. Get Reviews & Referrals

Ask every customer for a Google review. Offer $20 off next service for referrals. 80% of new customers come from word-of-mouth and online reviews in this business.

5. Optimize Your Schedule

Book 2-3 jobs per day max for quality work. Schedule basic washes in the morning (1.5 hrs each) and premium details in afternoon (4-6 hrs). This ensures you're not rushing and maintains high standards.

6. Build Corporate Accounts

Partner with car dealerships, rental agencies, or corporate fleets for consistent bulk work. Even at discounted rates ($80-100 per car), volume makes up for lower margins.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I make with a car detailing business?

Mobile detailers average $50,000-75,000/year working solo. Experienced detailers with a shop and employees can earn $100,000-200,000+. Your income depends on pricing, volume, and efficiency.

Should I charge more for mobile detailing?

Yes, charge 10-20% more for mobile service. You're providing convenience by coming to the customer's home/office, and you have additional costs (gas, water, generator).

How long does each service take?

Basic wash: 1-1.5 hours | Standard detail: 3-4 hours | Premium detail: 6-8 hours | Ceramic coating: 1-2 days. Always communicate realistic timeframes to customers to set proper expectations.

What's the profit margin on detailing services?

Target 50-60% profit margin after costs (labor, supplies, overhead). For example, a $200 detail should cost you $80-100 to perform, leaving $100-120 profit.

Do I need special certifications?

No formal certifications are required, but IDA (International Detailing Association) certification can justify premium pricing and build credibility. Most important is hands-on experience and quality work.

How do I handle difficult stains or damage?

Always do a walk-around inspection before starting. Take photos of existing damage. Set realistic expectations - some stains (paint, dye, permanent marker) may not come out completely. Charge extra for heavily soiled vehicles.

What insurance do I need?

Get general liability insurance ($500-1,500/year) and garage keeper's insurance if you're holding customer vehicles. This protects you from damage claims and accidents.

How do I get my first customers?

Start with friends/family at discounted rates for testimonials. Post before/after photos on Instagram and Facebook. Create a Google Business profile. Offer first-time customer discounts ($20 off). Join local Facebook groups and Nextdoor.

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