Add-On Services: Engine Bays, Headlights, and More
Small additions, big impact on your average ticket.
Add-ons increase your average ticket without requiring new clients. A $75 engine bay detail takes 30 minutes and makes the client happier. Offer add-ons strategically — at booking, during inspection, and at completion.
Why Add-Ons Matter
Getting a new client is expensive (marketing, time, effort). Once they're booked, add-ons let you increase revenue with near-zero acquisition cost.
Example impact:
- 25 jobs/month at $300 average = $7,500
- Same 25 jobs with $50 average add-on = $8,750
- Extra $1,250/month from add-ons = $15,000/year
Common Add-On Services
Exterior Add-Ons
Engine bay detail: $50-100 Headlight restoration: $50-100 (pair) Trim restoration: $50-75 Exhaust tip polish: $25-40 Clay bar treatment: $50-75 Tar/sap removal: $30-50 Scratch touch-up: $25-75 Wheel deep clean (heavy brake dust): $40-60
Interior Add-Ons
Pet hair removal (heavy): $50-100 Odor elimination: $50-100 Stain treatment (per area): $25-50 Leather conditioning: $40-75 Fabric protection: $50-100 Leather repair (minor): $50-100 Headliner cleaning: $40-75 Trunk detail: $30-50
Protection Add-Ons
Spray sealant upgrade: $50-100 Glass coating: $75-150 Wheel coating: $100-200 Interior ceramic coating: $150-300
When to Offer Add-Ons
At Booking
When someone books, list relevant add-ons:
"Your full detail is confirmed. A lot of clients also add engine bay ($75) or headlight restoration ($75) — want me to include either of those?"
During Inspection
When you see the car, point out opportunities:
"I noticed your headlights are pretty hazy. I can restore those for $75 while I'm here — makes a big difference for visibility and appearance."
At Completion
During walkthrough, mention future add-ons:
"Everything looks great. Next time, you might want to consider the ceramic spray sealant — it'll help this finish last even longer between details."
Pricing Add-Ons for Easy Yes
Make It Relative
A $75 add-on on a $300 detail is only 25% more. Frame it that way: "For just $75 more, I can also do your engine bay."
Bundle Discounts
Offer slight discount for multiple add-ons:
- Engine bay: $75
- Headlights: $75
- Both together: $125 (save $25)
High-Margin Items
Most add-ons are high margin — they take less time than they're worth. A $75 engine bay takes 30 minutes = $150/hour effective rate.
Add-Ons to Avoid
Some add-ons aren't worth the trouble:
- Scope creep services: Things that balloon into much more time than expected
- Low-margin add-ons: If it takes an hour but you only charge $30, skip it
- Risky services: Things that could damage the car or create liability
- Services outside your skill set: Don't offer headlight restoration if you haven't practiced it
Displaying Add-Ons
On Your Menu
List add-ons separately from core packages:
DETAIL PACKAGES [Your main packages] ENHANCEMENTS Engine bay detail: $75 Headlight restoration: $75 Pet hair removal: $50 Odor treatment: $75 [etc.]
On Invoices
Itemize add-ons so clients see the value:
Signature Detail (SUV): $425 + Engine bay detail: $75 + Headlight restoration: $75 Total: $575
Add-On Impact on Revenue
Common Mistakes
→ Clients don't know what's available. Mention relevant add-ons at booking, during inspection, and at completion.
→ Add-ons should have strong hourly rates. A 30-minute service should be $50-75 minimum, not $25.
→ Offer what's relevant, not everything. A car with clear headlights doesn't need restoration. Be helpful, not pushy.
→ Display add-ons clearly on your website and booking page. Clients can select them before you even suggest.
→ Only offer services you're proficient at. Bad headlight restoration is worse than none.
Create an add-on menu with 8-10 services. Price each for good hourly rate ($75+/hour effective). Add this menu to your website and start mentioning one relevant add-on per job.
Detaild lets clients select add-ons when booking. They see the menu, check what they want, and the price updates automatically.
Track which add-ons sell most. Double down on popular ones (make sure you always offer them). Consider dropping ones that never sell — they clutter your menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many add-ons should I offer?
8-12 is a good range. Enough variety to cover common needs, not so many that clients are overwhelmed.
Should I discount add-ons when they book multiple?
A small bundle discount (10-15% off when adding 2+) encourages larger tickets. But don't discount so much you lose margin.
What if a client wants only an add-on service?
Some add-ons work standalone (headlight restoration, engine bay). Others make sense only with a detail. Set minimums if needed: 'Engine bay is $75 with any detail, or $100 standalone.'
How do I avoid seeming pushy?
Frame add-ons as helpful options, not sales pressure. 'I noticed X — I can fix that for $Y if you want.' Let them decide.
Should add-ons be on my main menu or separate?
Separate section labeled 'Enhancements' or 'Add-Ons.' Keep main packages simple; add-ons are extras.
Offer Add-Ons Seamlessly
Detaild displays add-ons during booking. Clients select what they want and the price updates automatically.
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