I contacted someone who reached out to me for a detailing service.  He told me he had already got his car detailed that day but wanted to know how much I would charge to detail his truck.  I gave him my barrier to entry starting at price.  He said, “why so much?!”  I responded, “that is how much it costs to work with me.”

I am not suggesting copying that response (or not).  I often engage in some dialogue about the value proposition.  But based on the tone of the inquiry and my mindset, that was my response at that moment.  I was at peace sending a message to him and myself.  Ask yourself, are you affected by emotional manipulation whether consciously or unconsciously?

These are similar responses I have given in response to trolls, consumer inquiries (strangers or people I know), and other people in general who felt empowered to express their opinion about my business and my peers.  Keep in mind, from experience I learned to quickly access whether someone is not going to add value to my life.

Looking For Reasonable Price / So I Expect It To Be (Low Price)

I am going to go out on the limb and mention something most people do not.  When we price, most often it is the minimum we are really looking to receive for our efforts.  Often in time business owners realize that minimum is still not enough.  This is when shortcuts are taken with quality.

Why Can’t You Be Affordable

Detailing is a luxury service.  Running any legitimate business is expensive, especially with luxury service expectations.

Just Greed

I run a business to be profitable.  Just like you work for a living.  You would not work longer hours for less money.

Well You BETTER (Anything)!

If this investment is making you uncomfortable or you are concerned, we may NOT be the right fit.  Most of my clients put effort into choosing a detailer.  They are not uncomfortable with my price and are confident in the services before booking.  Maybe YOU need some more time, or this level of service is not for you.

Why Can’t You Just Give Me A Price (Or Anyone Being Hostile Over Your Systems)

I have a question for you, do you know what goes into a detailing service?  Because I have narrowed it down to $300 to $4,000 in quotes for the past year, based on the limited information you provided.

I Expect Quality But I Don’t Want To Spend Much

Serious customers do not price shop luxury services in a unregulated industry.

I am not saying you should be as blunt, nor am I necessarily advising against it.  I first and foremost want to put this message in your mind first.  The people who do not care about the consequences of running a business or pretend that you are not running a business are the same people that remind you of that title when they are not satisfied.

Your emotional well-being is more important than customer retention.  This does not negate the valid dialogue about customers being important to a business.  But for those that have heard the phrase that people support people in business, I ask you to really think about that.  The kind of people that you are being pressured to acquiesce to, are they really supporting your business?  I am not just talking about short term.  Even if things work out decently, what value or type of (if any) recommendations do they give to others?  More often they are going to encourage people who think like them to haggle and manipulate you?  Perhaps this may turn people off to me, though I do believe that says more about the character of those individuals.  My concern is greater than losing a customer, who I strongly believe the majority in that category would not support your business.

Do you think the marketing managers of designer handbags really care what I think about when they produce social media content for their target demographics?!