Package tier: a basic wash-and-vacuum package prices far below a full interior shampoo + paint correction + wax/ceramic package.
Vehicle size and condition: trucks and SUVs take longer than sedans; heavily soiled interiors (pet hair, stains) add real time.
Mobile vs. shop-based: mobile detailers (bringing water/power to the client) often price higher to account for travel and equipment setup/teardown.
Add-ons: ceramic coating, headlight restoration, and engine bay detailing are typically priced as separate line items on top of a base package.
Package pricing beats pure hourly
Most successful detailers price in tiers (e.g. Basic / Premium / Full Detail) rather than a straight hourly rate, clients understand "what's included" more easily than an open-ended hourly estimate, and tiered pricing makes upselling the next tier straightforward. See the package/tier pricing builder to set this up.
Getting paid once you've set your rate
Once you've picked package pricing, a fast invoice or receipt right after the job (many detailers collect on the spot) keeps cash flow simple. A quick service agreement is worth it for higher-ticket packages like ceramic coating, where expectations around durability should be set clearly upfront.