Detailing business guide
Text message templates for detailers
The same few conversations come up on every job: "how much?", the photos, the price, the follow-up. Here are messages for each one. Tap Copy, paste it into your texts and fill in the parts in [brackets]. Change the words until they sound like you.
When they ask "how much to detail my car?"
The first reply. It doesn't guess at a price, and it gives them one easy thing to do next.
Hi [customer name], thanks for reaching out! The price depends on the vehicle and its condition, so I'd rather look than guess. What year, make and model is it, and can you send me a few photos? I'll get you a price range today.
Asking for the right photos
Send it as it is. Asking for specific views gets you more to go on than "send me some pics".
Thanks! So I can give you a price range, could you send these in daylight with the doors open? - Driver's floor and rear floor, mats in place - Front and rear seats, close up - Console and cup holders - Trunk or truck bed - Each side of the vehicle, and the front and back - One wheel and one headlight Also let me know about any pets, smoke or stains I should plan for.
Sending a price range
Say what the range covers and what could move it, before they ask.
Hi [customer name], thanks for the photos! For your [vehicle], I'd recommend [service]. From what I can see, that comes to [low price] to [high price]. The low end is if it's as the photos show; the high end covers what photos can hide, like [stains / pet hair / the rear floor]. I'll confirm the final price when I see it, before I start. Want me to get you on the schedule?
Following up on a quote
One follow-up, a couple of days later. Easy to answer, and easy to say no to.
Hi [customer name], it's [your name] from [business]. Just checking in on the quote for your [vehicle]. Still want to get it done? If the timing's off or you went another way, no problem at all, just let me know.
Changing the price after seeing the car
Before you start the work, with a photo. Give them the choice while they can still say no.
Hi [customer name], I've had a look at your [vehicle] and found [what you found], which wasn't in the photos. That adds about [extra time] of work, so the price would be [new price] instead of [quoted range]. Here's a photo so you can see it. I can do it all for [new price], or stick to [original service] for [price]. Which would you like?
Job done, here's the invoice
Right when you finish, while they can still see the result.
All done, [customer name]! Your [vehicle] came out great, and I've attached some before and after photos. Here's your invoice for [final price]: [invoice link]. Thanks for choosing [business]. If anything doesn't look right, text me and I'll make it right.
Sending a link instead of typing it out
These work on their own. If you'd rather not type the range out, Fourth Bucket drafts a quote from the customer's photos, priced from your own service menu, and you approve every number. You text it as a link, with your logo, what you noticed and what you'll check on-site, and the customer can accept it with a tap. They don't need an app or an account.
Frequently asked questions
Should I put a price in the first text?
Only once you've seen the vehicle or photos of it. A number sent before that is a guess you may have to walk back. Ask for the vehicle and a few photos first, then send a range.
Are these okay for marketing texts?
These are written for customers who contacted you about their own job. Texting rules vary, so check what applies where you are, especially for follow-ups and anything promotional.
How many times should I follow up on a quote?
That's your call, but make it easy to say no, and stop when they do. One polite check-in is a reasonable place to start.
Keep reading: How to quote a detail from photos · How to price a detailing job · Detailing invoice template