fleet wash pricing

[bigdog265]

Hello fellow PW,

Thanks in advance for replies to this question from a very newbie.

I am trying to acquire a new fleet washing account. The company has 140 over-the-road trucks that they need washed at the rate of 30-40 a week (thats how many are off the road for driver breaks). These are to be washed on the weekend.

I have been able to find no other competition in my area accept for a nationwide chain that has a location just off the local interstate (no names but I think we all know the nationwide chain). I have checked thier prices.

What do you guys charge for such an account? Per truck? Per trailer?

This will be my first bid on a fleet account so I am trying to get as much info. on it as I can.

Again, thanks for any help
Greg

 

[Scott Stone]

I don't discuss prices, but there are a few things that you might want to remember when giving a price.
1. The national competitor has probably solicited them multiple times and probably has even washed for them in the past. There must be something they do not like about their service.
2. You will need to be sure that you mind your recovery systems and take care of the things that you need to do to be legal in that regard.
3. There is someting to be said for someone to be an owner operator. A lot of people appreciate that.

Also many people recognize excessively low prices and would rather pay a fair market rate, because they do not like it in there own industry

Scott

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[bigdog265]

Scott,

Thanks for the reply. Being new to this business and this board, I may not be familiar with what is proper.

Is it of poor taste to ask for specific pricing?

Again, thanks for any help.

Greg

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[Mike Hughes]

Greg,

First off, I don't know the first thing about truck washing.....sorry!

However, I do not consider it to be in bad taste to ask for specific pricing. It never hurts to ask....some people share openly, and others pick and choose what they want to be known.......can't blame them.

You say you know what the other company is charging.........can you work for that amount and make money?? If so, price it out close to that.....maybe even a little more........remember what Scott said.......they must not be happy with something....

Best of luck to you, I know this is a really tough call you have to make, but you will get better at it (pricing) as time goes on. Also, as time goes on, you will gain confidence and have no fear to charge premium prices.....

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Mike Hughes
Everclear
Souderton, PA

 

[bigdog265]

Scott and Mike,

Thanks for the replies. I am writing the proposal as soon as I get off the net. Again thanks for the help.

Greg

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[Larry L.]

Bigdog


A over the road truck that has a month or more worth of road grim and bugs will take longer to clean and more chemicals.For a account like this I get 20 a truck and 17.50 for the trailers,I want do them no cheaper but some will get as little as 12 for the trks. and 8 on the trailers.One reason they may not like useing the chain is b/c they have to take them there and wait,,that waiting cost them money or it t's the drivers off if he has to take it there then he could be home...best of luck to ya.............C-ya

O one other thing the price you seen at the chain may not be what they charge the fleet,you may need to do more book work.

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When In Doubt,,,,Think It Out.

 

[bigdog265]

Bigboy,

Thanks for the info. That makes me feel better about the price I was going to make. My price will be slightly higher that what you have posted but still about 9 dollars less than the chain on the truck and about 4 dollars less on the trailer.

I left myself enough room to negotiate. If I do that will put my price same as yours.


Thanks for the help.
Greg

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[This message has been edited by bigdog265 (edited November 30, 2000).]

 

[ameri-clean]

We charge 20 for truck, 20 for trailer. We have found that trucking companies, for the most part, want someone who will do what they say they will do. If you tell them you will be there every Saturday, then be there every Saturday. We are not the cheapest around but our business has been built on our reputation. Do a good job, be dependable, be honest, soon you will have more work than you can do. Everyone in trucking knows everyone else, word gets around about you. Be sure the word on you is good!

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[bigdog265]

To all who replied,

Thanks for the answers. Maybe someday I'll be able to give some advice.

Greg

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