Quoting and invoicing a mobile detailing job

Most arguments about detailing prices start with a mismatch: the customer pictured a quick wash, and you priced a heavily soiled interior. A clear quote, in writing, before the work begins, prevents almost all of them.

Quote by package, then adjust for the car

• Offer a short list of packages with plain names, for example a wash, an interior detail and a full detail. Customers choose faster from three options than from a blank page.
• Adjust for vehicle size: a compact car and a large SUV do not take the same time.
• Adjust for condition: pet hair, heavy stains, mould, sap and neglected paint take longer. Ask for a few photos when they book, or look at the car before you confirm the price.
• List add-ons separately (headlight restoration, engine bay, ceramic coating) so the customer can see what each one costs.

What goes on the estimate

• The package and add-ons, each with a price.
• The vehicle: year, make, model.
• The date, time and address.
• What is not included, in one line, such as “does not remove deep scratches”.
• Your cancellation policy in one sentence.

Take photos before you start

Photograph the car’s condition when you arrive, and again when you finish. If anyone later says a mark was your fault, or that nothing changed, you have both pictures with the date on them.

Get paid before you pack up

• Show or send the invoice as you finish, while the customer is looking at the result.
• Take payment by card on the spot. Collecting while you are there is much easier than chasing later.
• If a card was put on hold at booking, use it: the hold counts toward the bill and only the rest is charged.
• Ask for the review while they are happy, and offer to book the next detail.

Use a schedule for repeat customers

Many detailing customers come back at regular intervals. Set a reminder when you finish a job, so they get a text when they are due and can book in a tap. It is the cheapest work you will ever win.

How FlagHour helps

In FlagHour you can save your packages as canned jobs with your own prices and add them to an estimate in one tap, attach before, during and after photos to the job and its receipt, charge the card before you leave (the hold counts toward the bill), and set a reminder that texts the customer when their next detail is due. See FlagHour for mobile detailers.