Mobile Detailing Pricing & Chemistry Cheat Sheet
A quick-reference guide to package pricing, chemical dilutions, red-flag clients, and upsell scripts that work at the driver-side window.
Jump to the GuideService Package Benchmarks
Express Wash & Wax
$60–95
Foam bath, hand dry, spray wax, wheels, tires
Best for: Weekly / bi-weekly maintenance clients
Full Interior + Exterior
$185–275
Full decon wash, clay, sealant, deep interior, extraction
Best for: Monthly detail and pre-sale prep
Paint Correction + Coating
$900–2,500
1–2 step polish, panel wipe, 2–5 yr ceramic coating
Best for: Enthusiasts and higher-end vehicles
Chemical Dilution Quick Reference
| Chemical | Light Duty | Heavy Duty |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Cleaner (APC) | 1:20 (interior plastics) | 1:4 (engine bay, tires, floor mats) |
| Wheel Cleaner (acid-free) | 1:4 (weekly maintenance) | Ready-to-use (baked-on brake dust) |
| Iron Remover | RTU | RTU — dwell 3–5 min, never on dry paint |
| Foam Cannon Soap | 1 oz per 32 oz bottle | 2 oz per 32 oz bottle (heavy soil) |
Always test in an inconspicuous spot first. Follow the manufacturer's label for PPE and dwell times.
Problem-Client Red Flags
- Client demands a firm quote before you've seen the vehicle in person or via photos
- Vehicle is described as 'a little dirty' but you're told to bring an extractor
- Prospect haggles hard on the phone before you've quoted anything
- Requests service in an HOA / apartment lot with no water or power access
- Wants a 5-year ceramic coating on a 15-year-old daily driver with peeling clearcoat
Quick Upsell Scripts
Upselling ceramic after a full detail
"The paint is prepped and it'll never look better than it does today. For $[X] I can lock in this finish with a 2-year ceramic so you're not re-waxing every 3 months. Want me to knock it out while I'm here?"
Client asks for a discount
"I can't drop the price on this package, but I can move you to the express wash for $[Y] — same shine, less interior work. Which one sounds better?"
Booking a recurring maintenance plan
"Most of my clients book a maintenance wash every 2–3 weeks. If we set it on the calendar, it's $[X] per visit and you skip the deep-detail bill every spring. Want me to add you to Tuesdays?"
Want the full training?
The complete PDF course covers every service package, chemical, and workflow in depth.
Get the Full Course — $39