How to Price Car Detailing Services in Australia

Know your cost per job before you set a price

Most detailers price by copying what they see on social media or matching the cheapest operator in their area. This is a race to the bottom. Instead, calculate what each job actually costs you in products, fuel, and time — then price above that with a healthy margin. A full exterior detail might use $8–$15 in products (shampoo, clay bar, polish, wax, tyre dressing) and take two hours. If you're driving 20 minutes each way, that's nearly three hours of your day for one job. Price accordingly.

Pricing by service type

Break your services into clear categories so clients understand what they're paying for and why prices differ.

• •Exterior wash (hand wash, dry, windows, tyres): $40–$70 for sedans, $50–$90 for SUVs and utes — takes 30–45 minutes
• •Interior detail (vacuum, wipe-down, glass, leather care, deodorise): $60–$100 for sedans, $80–$130 for SUVs and utes — takes 45–75 minutes
• •Full detail (exterior wash, clay, polish, wax, plus full interior): $150–$250 for sedans, $200–$320 for SUVs and utes — takes 2–3.5 hours
• •Cut and polish (machine correction): $200–$400+ depending on paint condition and vehicle size — takes 3–5 hours
• •New car protection (paint sealant or ceramic coating prep): $300–$600 — premium service with high margins

Time-based pricing vs flat-rate pricing

Flat rates are simpler for clients and easier to quote, but they can hurt you on neglected vehicles. A car that hasn't been cleaned in six months takes twice as long as a well-maintained regular. The best approach is flat rates for your standard packages with a surcharge for heavy soiling. State this upfront: 'Heavily soiled vehicles may incur a $30–$50 surcharge.' This protects your margins without scaring off normal bookings.

Upsells that boost your average ticket

Upselling isn't pushy when you're offering genuine value. The best time to upsell is after the client has seen your work — they trust you and the car is right there.

• •Ceramic spray sealant after a wash: adds $40–$60 and 15 minutes — most clients say yes once they see the beading
• •Leather conditioning: adds $20–$40 — easy upsell for leather interiors
• •Engine bay clean: adds $40–$60 — dramatic before-and-after photos make this sell itself
• •Headlight restoration: adds $50–$80 per pair — high perceived value, low product cost
• •Odour removal (ozone treatment): adds $50–$80 — essential for smoker or pet-owner vehicles

Fleet and recurring pricing strategies

Recurring clients are the backbone of a sustainable detailing business. Offer a 10–15% discount for weekly or fortnightly bookings — you make less per job but fill your calendar reliably and reduce marketing costs. Fleet clients (tradies, real estate agents, rental companies) want consistent pricing and reliable scheduling. Quote a per-vehicle rate and commit to a regular day and time. Invoice weekly or fortnightly to keep cash flow steady, and send invoices immediately after each visit so there's no chasing later.