Mobile Detailing Prices: The 2026 Pricing Guide & Car Detailing Prices List
The Short Answer
Build a 3-tier menu. Tier 1 (express wash & wax): $40–$75. Tier 2 (full interior + exterior detail): $150–$350. Tier 3 (paint correction + ceramic coating): $800–$2,500. Charge more for SUVs, trucks, and heavily soiled vehicles. Never advertise 'starting at' — publish the middle tier so cheap-hunters self-select out.
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Pricing is the biggest lever in a detailing business. Two operators can do the same work — one clears $40K a year and the other clears $120K. The difference is a menu, not a shammy.
The 3-Tier Menu (Copy This)
| Package | Sedan | SUV / Truck | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Wash & Wax | $40 | $75 | 45–75 min |
| Full Detail | $150 | $350 | 3–5 hrs |
| Correction + 2-yr Ceramic | $800 | $1,200+ | 8–12 hrs |
| Correction + 5-yr Ceramic | $1,400 | $2,500 | 10–14 hrs |
High-Margin Add-Ons
- Pet-hair removal — $50–$100
- Headlight restoration — $80–$150
- Engine bay detail — $60–$120
- Odor treatment / ozone — $75–$150
- Leather conditioning package — $60
Pricing Rules That Actually Work
- Publish the middle tier — never the cheapest price
- Add 20–35% for SUVs and 40–60% for trucks
- Charge a 'condition surcharge' for extra-dirty vehicles ($40–$100)
- Weekend / same-day bookings +15%
- Ceramic-coating jobs require a signed intake form + non-refundable deposit
You Don't Compete on Price
The cheapest detailer in your zip code always attracts the worst clients — the ones who haggle, no-show, and leave 3-star reviews. Publish confident pricing and let those clients pick someone else. Your calendar will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I price against a $75-full-detail competitor?
Don't. Position two tiers above them. The 'cheap' operator gets the tire-kickers and cancels; your calendar fills with clients who value time over $40 and pay for ceramic upgrades.
Should I raise prices in year one?
Yes — raise the top tier by $50–$100 every 90 days until you're at 60–70% booking capacity. If you're always fully booked, you're too cheap.
How do I quote a stranger over the phone?
You don't quote firm numbers sight-unseen. Give a 'starting-at' range, then say the final quote comes after 2 photos or a walk-around. Vague quotes protect you from clients who understated the condition.
Related Guides
Mobile Detailing Academy
A team of full-time mobile auto detailers, ceramic coating installers, and small-business coaches. The Academy has trained thousands of new detailers to launch profitable mobile operations from their driveway.