Individual truck wash pricing

[JDhomeservices]

I normally don't so fleet washing, but I have had a few people here and there who also own mobile businesses ask me to wash their box truck or enclosed trailer. Some people have also asked me to wash RV's. I have no idea what to charge for this sort of thing. I have pretty much just told people that I don't do it up to this point, but it seems like I have gotten enough requests to do it now, so I went ahead and ordered some Strike Force from Bill. Any advice on how to price this?

 

["Red"]

I'm thinking the same as a house wash (whatever your rate is per square foot). Think of it as a tiny house. Maybe set a minimum so there's no confusion. It's pretty much the same process... spray on, dwell, scrub a little if needed and rinse. Detailing is another story all together. I haven't been asked yet, but I'm not as young as I <s>used to be</s> look and getting down on my knees to clean carpets isn't my idea of a good time. Might consider the wheels and trim while you're at it... chrome, aluminum, power coated, painted, vinyl covered ... might be another avenue of income, but it will require some study time and a little practice as well.

 

[Christopher]

Pricing is all over the place thanks to lowballers and lowbidders.

Pricing is based on what you want to make mostly, not what others say or recommend.

I would see how many pieces they have to wash on that day, not how many pieces they have totally as they all will never be there on that day, don't fall for the trick of how many pieces they have, only ask how many will be washed on the day and that is what you base prices on. It does not matter if they have 1,000,000 trucks, you can only wash so many on a day and only so many will be there as some are working, in the shop, on the way back to the yard, etc.....

Depending on how fast you wash, if you have to brush them, what cleaning method you use I would wash one of them to see how long it takes you so then you can see what you want to charge based on how long it takes to wash them all and what you want to make.

Prices can be from $10 to $50 depending on many factors like mentioned above. Everyone's price will be different based on their overhead, profit margin, how fast they can work, etc.....

 

[Paul Kassander]

Campers and RV's could be in the $75 and up range. Regular tractors and straights etc I would say $20 on the real low end and up from there based on quantity and what they want out of the wash. The more detailed the higher the price. also take into account the frequency to set a price point. The more frequent you clean them the easier it is and the price can be adjusted accordingly.

 

[Kiloman]

Josh if your are gonna get in the truck washing end of it dont let them hustle you.These guys are the worst the good guy with 4 or 5 trucks they will eat you live if you let them.I would recommend you to get used to cleaning a truck maybe just agree on a price with one person first and tell him you are new at it and you will clean his etc.Just do sections at a time i would tell you to brush the things so there is no room for error.Hint the windshields mirrors and tires must be done correctly.Make sure you rinse everything down over.Once you get the hang of it you might enjoy it.Its a slow go at first but do it right and you will land reoccuring work which we all need.Every two weeks is the standard unless you get lucky and they want it every week.Here is the great hustle of this game they may have x amount of trucks and they tell you yeah evey two weeks you can wash them at this price.Well the first time they are gonna e dirty as crap and it will take you a long time being new etc.Then after you agree you go over in two weeks to clean em and there is only 1/2 of them there so you clean those at the agreed price then they might call up and say oh lets just wait till next time so the ones you skipped are there the next time but its been so long since you cleaned them you have started the over just like you never cleaned them good luck just stand your ground an let them know up front about the price and stand your ground.Good luck and have fun.

 

[Rapid HotClean]

Does spray wax make them easier clean the next time through?

 

[Biodude]

I am not sure what everyone else's experience is but I think it helps a lot.