A pre-sale detail gets a car looking and smelling its best before the photos and inspections: a deep interior clean and steam extraction, a decontamination hand wash and paint sealant, and – where the paint needs it – a machine cut and polish to reduce swirl marks and light scratches. At Shine Craft Detailing Hub that work comes to your driveway across South-East Melbourne, from $249 for a Full Interior & Exterior Detail.
Buyers judge a used car in the first few seconds – in the listing photos, then when they open the door. A tired interior, a dull finish or cloudy headlights make an otherwise good car look neglected. This guide explains what goes into a pre-sale detail, which package fits which car, what it costs and how to book it before you list.
What is included in a pre-sale detail?
Most sellers start with our Full Interior & Exterior Detail, which we describe as a comprehensive transformation designed for pre-sale prep. It covers both halves of the car.
Interior
- Hot water extraction shampoo on fabric seats, carpets and the boot
- High-temperature steam cleaning of vents and seams
- Leather clean and conditioner
- Intensive vacuum under seats, in floor crevices, the boot and seat tracks
- Dash, console and door cards scrubbed, with a matte UV interior protectant
- Vent and crevice detailing, and a cabin deodorising air treatment
Exterior
- Pre-rinse with bug and tar removal
- Wheel, rim and arch scrub, and pressure-washed door and boot jambs
- pH-neutral snow foam hand wash using the two-bucket method
- Hydrophobic paint sealant for gloss and water beading
- Plastic and rubber trim UV treatment
- Streak-free windows and mirrors, and tyre dressing
Should I add paint correction before selling?
If the paint is covered in swirl marks, light scratches or hazing, a clean alone will not hide them in the photos. Our Showroom Perfection Detail combines a Stage 1 machine cut and polish, iron fallout decontamination, a clay bar treatment and a paint depth check with the full deep interior steam and extraction. You can also add a single-stage machine cut and polish to a Full Detail, or book a cut and polish on its own.
Be realistic about what polishing can do: a machine cut and polish reduces swirls and light scratches, but it will not permanently erase every deep scratch. At the walkaround before we start, Garry will tell you what to expect for your paint.
Which add-ons are worth considering on a used car?
- Headlight restoration – cloudy, yellowed lenses make a car look older than it is. A pair starts from $89.
- Heavy pet hair removal – from +$40 as an add-on; heavy dog hair can otherwise add labour time.
- Engine bay steam degrease and dressing – +$69, for buyers who lift the bonnet.
- Smoke and odour removal – spray air fresheners only mask smells; a deep clean deals with the source.
How much does a pre-sale detail cost?
Prices depend on the size of the vehicle and the package:
- Full Interior & Exterior Detail: from $249 (Sedan $249, Small SUV/Wagon $289, Large SUV/4WD $329)
- Paint Correction (machine cut and polish): from $275
- The Showroom Perfection Detail: from $399
Excessive pet hair, heavy mud or sand, or severe clear-coat oxidation may incur additional labour charges. You get an upfront fixed-price quote based on your vehicle before the job is booked.
Is a pre-sale detail worth it on an older car?
Sellers often assume detailing is only for luxury cars. It is not – we detail everyday family cars, SUVs and tradie utes as well. An older car with a clean, fresh interior and a glossy finish photographs better and makes a better first impression at an inspection. A detail cannot change what the car is, but it makes sure buyers see it at its best.
How does a mobile pre-sale detail work?
Shine Craft Detailing Hub is owner-operated by Garry and fully mobile, one car at a time. Contact us by phone, WhatsApp or the web form for an upfront fixed-price quote. Garry arrives at your home or workplace with the full setup, does a quick walkaround to set clear expectations, completes the detail, then finishes with a final inspection, aftercare advice and on-site card payment. Each detail needs access to a tap and a power point.
We cover Pakenham, Officer, Beaconsfield, Berwick, Narre Warren, Cranbourne, Clyde and surrounding South-East Melbourne suburbs. Book a few days before your listing photos so the car is ready when buyers first see it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be home for the whole detail?
No. As long as Garry has access to the car, a tap and a power point, you do not need to supervise the whole job.
Can you detail the car in an open driveway?
Yes. You do not need a garage or covered carport; the service is fully mobile and comes to your driveway or workplace.
Will a pre-sale detail get rid of stains and dog hair?
Hot water extraction and steam cleaning lift most stains from fabric seats and carpets, and heavy pet hair removal can be added. Very heavy stains or dog hair may need extra labour time, which is quoted upfront.
How do I book?
Call Garry on 0400 889 093 or email info@shinecraftdetailinghub.com with your car and suburb for a fixed-price quote.
