- Just like running any other small business, being the owner of a mobile car wash service usually involves working long hours and carrying out responsibilities in all areas of the business. If successful, a mobile car wash can provide steady business year round. But first, the mobile car wash owner must have the experience and skills needed to succeed in this type of venture. Marketing and promoting the service are key responsibilities. In other words, even if the owner is the only employee and washes and details the cars himself, he must make the time to be a good salesperson as well. The main appeal of a mobile car wash service is that it offers customers the convenience of going to them to wash and detail a vehicle at their home or place of employment. Not only must the owner of a mobile car wash be able to manage daily operations, he or she must be hardworking and have the ability to multitask and be flexible.
- In order to effectively deal with the administrative side of the business, the owner of a mobile car wash must possess strong customer service skills. Since he works directly with the public, effective communication skills and pleasant telephone etiquette are needed in order to sell the car wash services. Basic bookkeeping knowledge is also required, in addition to being knowledgeable about local business licensing requirements and regulations for car wash services.
- When it comes to operating a mobile car wash service, both the owner and any employees must become familiar with traveling the geographic location of the service area. Along with basic experience in detailing cars and other vehicles, a person must understand how to operate the equipment used to clean a vehicle. The owner has the added responsibility of training employees on the proper care and use of equipment and supplies. In addition to understanding the mechanics of water pressure, people working in this business are usually required to know how to use a power generator, orbital polisher to remove scratches, air compressor, wet/dry vacuum cleaner, steam carpet cleaner and cold and hot water pressure washers. If an owner is operating a waterless car wash service, there are special nonabrasive cleaning products used for washing vehicles; therefore, additional knowledge about the safe use of chemical compounds is required.
- A mobile car washer goes to the customer and cleans the vehicle on the spot. The vehicle is hand washed, polished and waxed, and then buffed to a shine. Mirrors and windows are cleaned. Cleaning of the interior of the car usually includes vacuuming carpet and seats, washing the inside of windows and the windshield, wiping the dash and vacuuming the trunk. Optional services may include shampooing carpet and seats and conditioning leather seats. Polishing compounds and waxes, carpet cleaner, upholstery cleaner, glass cleaner, spray bottles, cotton terry and micro fiber towels, sponges and buffing pads are just some of the basic supplies and tools that a car washer uses to wash and detail a vehicle.
