Weekly Business Lesson 2: Know What It Costs

One of the hardest parts of starting a service-based business is figuring out what to charge.
When I launched Duke Detailing, I wanted to offer fair pricing and high value—but I quickly realized how easy it is to undercharge if you’re not crystal clear on what each job actually costs.

Think about:
Time on-site
Gas and mileage
Product usage
Equipment wear
Prep and cleanup time
Drive time between clients

It adds up fast. And if you’re not tracking it, you’ll start burning time, money, and energy without realizing it.
This week I’ve been learning to really break it down:

✔️ What does each detail cost me, in total?

✔️ What do I want to profit from each job?

✔️ How can I make pricing simple, fair, and sustainable?
It’s not about charging as much as possible—it’s about building a business that can last. Your pricing should respect the work you put in, while still delivering real value to your customers.
If you’re in a service-based business, take time to know your numbers. You’ll feel more confident, serve your clients better, and stay in the game longer.