So you’ve decided to start a mobile car detailing business. Congrats! With a little hard work and dedication, you will be on your way to a lucrative and rewarding career that promises financial independence, flexibility, and the pride of self-employment. So where do you start? Read on, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting started and growing a successful auto mobile detailing business.
What are the Benefits of Mobile Detailing Vs. a Brick-and-Mortar Shop?
- Low startup costs: Since you won’t be leasing or buying a building for your business, the cost of entry is relatively low. This means you can start earning a return on your investment and generate a profit in very little time.
- Flexibility: A mobile business operates around your schedule, so you don’t have to sacrifice your lifestyle to earn a living. Mobile detailing also makes a great side gig if you’re already employed but want to boost your income.
- Convenience: A brick-and-mortar business makes sense in a high-traffic location, but what about customers who live outside the city or who are too busy to bring their vehicle to a shop? Your customers will appreciate the convenience you offer by bringing the shop to them.
- Growth: With a low initial investment, mobile detailing offers room to learn and grow. Over time, you can expand your business and reach a wider audience by offering new services. You can take on more jobs by hiring employees. You can also use a mobile detailing as a stepping stone to a permanent detail business. The sky really is the limit.
Industry Trends
- According to IBIS World, the car wash and auto detailing industry had a market size of $13.1 billion in 2020.
- This is projected to increase by 9.4% over the next year.
- The detailing industry is expected to benefit from rising per capita disposable income, which allows for more spending on discretionary things like auto detailing services.
- No single company owns more than 5% of the US car wash and auto detailing market share, meaning there are no major players to contend with.
What Supplies and Equipment Will I Need to Begin Detailing?
The cost of starting a mobile detailing business could be as little as $500 or as much as $20,000 or more for a high-end operation. Realistically speaking, the equipment, supplies, and other fees for a basic mobile detailing set-up will cost somewhere in the ballpark of $2500. Here are the most important items you’ll need to get started.
Transportation
To take your detailing business on the road, make sure you have a reliable form of transportation. Consider using a van, truck, or SUV if this is an option, because you’ll be hauling lots of equipment around.
Water and Power Source
As a mobile detailer, you’ll need a source of water and power to do your work. If you’re meeting the customer at their residence, make sure you ask them if you will have access to a water spigot and outlet. Customers rarely mind providing access to these resources, but you’ll want to run this by them ahead of time. As your business grows, you can choose to upgrade by purchasing a generator and water tank, but this is a personal choice, and you may find that it isn’t necessary for your detailing business.
Hoses and Extension cords
Have a general idea of where the homeowner’s outlet and water spigot are located relative to the area where you will be detailing so you can show up prepared with adequate extension cords, hoses, and couplings.
Vacuum
You’ll need a vacuum for removing dirt and debris from interior surfaces. A small shop vacuum fits the bill since they are portable and versatile.
Extractor
A carpet extractor is a must, as it will allow you to pull up oil, dirt, and other stains from carpet and upholstered surfaces while saving you a great deal of time and effort. There are two classes of extractors– cold water extractors and heated extractors. Coldwater extractors are less expensive, so this is a good option if you are just starting out. For best results, opt for a commercial-grade extractor that was built to withstand daily use.
Steamer
A steam cleaner is another great option for reducing the time and effort it takes to break through dirt and grime, especially in hard-to-reach interior spaces. Plus the added benefit of sanitization is a nice selling feature that your clients will appreciate.
Pressure Washer
While this is optional, a pressure washer can cut down on time spent removing mud and dirt that is stuck on exterior surfaces. It’s an especially handy piece of equipment if you plan to detail large vehicles, like campers and RV’s.
Tools and Accessories
Here’s a list of accessories you’ll need to deep clean, dry, and polish a variety of exterior surfaces:
- Microfiber towels
- Chamois cloths
- Brushes
- Sponges
- Buckets
- Spray bottles
- Rotary buffer
- Polisher
Cleaning Supplies
Purchase detailing chemicals specific to the materials you will be cleaning. To cut down on costs, it’s a good idea to buy products in bulk.
- Carpet and upholstery cleaner
- Degreasers
- Wheel cleaner
- Stain remover
- Vinyl cleaner
- Waxes
- Leather cleaner and conditioner
- Glass cleaner
Legal Considerations for Mobile Detailing Businesses
Before you land your first detailing job, it’s important that you research the laws and requirements specific to your business. Since this will vary by location, start by reviewing guides for small businesses in your state. Helpful advice can usually be found through your state government’s website. Don’t be afraid to contact an attorney, financial advisor, or tax specialist for any specific questions you may have regarding the legal and financial aspects of planning a mobile detailing business in your region.
License and Permits
Once you’re ready to make your mobile detailing business official, select a unique and memorable business name, and register with your county or state. In most states, you will need to obtain a business license to legally operate a detailing business. Contact your county clerk’s office for assistance with this process. Make sure you also obtain any necessary permits. The Small Business Association is a good place to start.
Insurance
It may be tempting to skip this step to lower your operating costs, but it’s a risk you don’t want to take, as the consequence could be financially disastrous. As a mobile detailer, general liability insurance will cover damages to your clients’ property as well as any injuries you may incur while on the job.
Environmental Regulations
The Clean Water Act prohibits car washes and auto detailers from dumping wastewater into open sewers or drains. To make sure you are in compliance with any environmental regulations regarding the disposal of chemicals and wastewater, contact your local branch of the EPA. You may need to obtain permits or purchase a water reclamation system. The International Detailing Association lists additional environmental concerns to be mindful of.
How To Detail a Car
Once you’ve got your supplies, you’re ready to start learning the techniques to make your customer’s vehicles shine and sparkle like new. Start with family and friends. Their vehicles make a great place to begin practicing and perfecting your detailing skills.
Start with the Interior
First, remove floor mats and vacuum them, along with the seats, carpeting, and trunk, to remove any loose dirt and debris. Move and recline the seats to access the seams and other hidden areas. Make sure you reach every nook and cranny. Clean and condition plastic, leather, or vinyl surfaces, and use a glass cleaner to Apply carpet shampoo or upholstery cleaner, use a brush to agitate any stains, and extract excess moisture.
How To: 15 Stages To Interior Detailing For Beginners
Move on to the Exterior
Start by rinsing the entire vehicle with water. Apply a wheel and tire cleaner and use a brush to cut through built-up grime and brake dust on tires and rims. Clean the headlights and taillights with a headlight cleaner to restore their shine. Next, wash the body of the car from top to bottom, using an all purpose car wash soap, bucket, and microfiber mitt or sponge. Rinse thoroughly, and dry immediately to prevent water spots.
Polish and Protect
Once you’ve removed the contaminants from the vehicle’s surface, it’s time to buffer out any scratches and imperfections and restore the original luster of the car’s finish. Finally, apply a wax or ceramic surface protectant using a clean cloth or pad. Once you’ve finished, inspect the vehicle again to ensure no areas were missed, and get your customer’s approval to ensure their satisfaction.
How To: 15 Stages To Detailing For Beginners
How Much Can I Earn as a Mobile Auto Detailer?
One of the most exciting aspects of starting a mobile car detailing business is the fact that your income potential is virtually unlimited since you have the freedom to choose how many jobs to take on each day. According to Career Builder, the annual income for an automotive detailer typically ranges from $35,000 to $80,000, with an average income of $58,000.
Charging for Detailing Services
Begin by researching the market in your location to determine what services are available and what customers in your area are willing to pay. One option is to start with the desired hourly wage and work your way backwards by accounting for the time it takes to complete the job. Make sure you also factor in the cost of all supplies and tools used and how long these items last before needing to be replaced. Then you can use this number to calculate the price of the services you provide.
You can offer your customers an array of packages from basic to deluxe, with optional add-on services to boost your revenue. A basic auto detailing service will include interior vacuuming and polishing, tire cleaning, mirrors and glass, and exterior wash and wax. The pricing will vary by location and vehicle size, but you can expect to charge $65 to $200 for this basic interior and exterior detail job. Offering additional services or charging fees for stains, pet hair, excessive dirt, or special tools needed will ensure you are compensated for your skills and time when tackling the tougher jobs. Some detailers opt for charging the customer an hourly fee for their work instead. Square is a convenient app that allows you to accept mobile payments.
This Is How We Charge $800 To Clean a Car Interior
Finding Customers and Marketing Your Business
Once you’ve got your equipment and techniques down, you’re ready to start advertising your services. While there are myriad ways to accomplish this, don’t forget the basics– The best way to satisfy your customers is to offer excellent customer service and ensure you have an eye for the details.
Build an Online Presence
Start by creating a website for your business so your customers can find you. A few popular options for small business owners include Squarespace, Wix, and GoDaddy. A Google My Business account is a great tool for managing your online listings and reviews. Create a Facebook page so you can provide regular updates and communication with your customers. Other local listing sites, such as Yelp and Nextdoor can help you get the word out about your services and offerings.
Get Creative About Advertising Your Mobile Detailing Business
- Email and Text: Communicate with your customers about sales and promotions, and provide reminders to schedule repeat services
- Printed Media: Distribute fliers, business cards, mailers, or magnets with your business details
- Direct Contact: Go door-to-door or advertise at local car shows
- Other Media: Radio, TV, or billboard ads
- Giveaways: Offer detailing packages or gift cards to promote social media follows or email sign-ups
- Reviews: Send followup links to your customers asking for reviews on your Google listing or Facebook page. Not only will this provide future customers testimonials, but it will help generate more web traffic
Build Credibility and Earn Trust
Word of mouth is important to any business, but even more so if you’re new to the game and want to earn the trust of potential customers. Make sure you are friendly, professional, and courteous. Always show up on time and be willing to go the extra mile. You should aim to not only satisfy your customers, but to exceed their expectations whenever possible. This will guarantee loyal customers who come back for repeat services in the future.
