How to Start an Auto Interior Odor Removal Business
No matter how hard one might try to take care of their auto interior, odor may be unavoidable. Odors caused by pets, spilled coffee, lost food, forgotten kid's snacks, dirty socks or sneakers lodged between seats, smoke, mildew and mold can be a nightmare to try and get out of your auto upholstery. While this is bad news for an auto owner, this is great news for an entrepreneur interested in starting an auto interior odor removal business. To make your business that much more lucrative, consider taking your business on the road.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine the structure of your business. If you live in a busy city with a number of business parks, consider starting a mobile auto interior odor removal business. With a mobile business, you can book dozens of cleaning jobs in the same building or business park and then bring your mobile team to the clients. If you could tackle one business park each day, your travel and gas would be minimal. You can also choose to have a fixed location while operating a mobile unit.
-
2
Determine the services you will offer. Beyond removing the odor, you may vacuum and shampoo the interior and trunk, and hand wash the interior.
-
-
3
Create a catchy name and incorporate your business. This will cost about $300. If you will begin as a one man team, this isn't a requirement; however doing so, will give your business a degree of legitimacy and professionalism. Plus, once your business expands and you begin to hire a team, incorporating will be one less thing you will need to do. Once you've incorporated, apply for a federal tax identification number and sales tax permit; this allows you to purchase goods for your business without having to pay sales tax on them.
-
4
Contact your local government office about zoning, building codes and permits and sewer connection fees, if you intend to build a physical location.
-
5
Purchase liability business insurance, including worker's compensation, if you will have employees. See resources.
-
6
Purchase a van or detailing trailer (See resources) for your mobile business. If you buy a used van, be sure the van is in good condition. Customers have to believe that you are capable of revamping their car. They're not likely to trust a guy whose appearance and van don't project a professional, clean image. Put your logo and business name, phone number and address (if applicable) on your van, car or trailer using custom lettering (See resources).
-
7
Purchase your ozone generator. A generator may cost you about $300 to $400. You also may need long extension cords, detailing towels, interior cleaning supplies for vinyl, rubber, leather and cloth, glass cleaner, vacuum cleaner and shampooer. Consider purchasing a bulk box of aroma disks and leaving one in each customer's ashtray or console after each cleaning. Ask them in advance if they have a preference in scent. See resources.
-
8
Purchase a website. Create an About Me page that gives a brief history of your business. Detail each type of odor that your business can remove, including mold and mildew. Detail your prices and services and consider having an FAQ page. Be sure to include that you are licensed and insured.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Involve your customer in the cleaning process. Point out stains and other trouble spots. Consider partnering with an exterior auto detailer and referring clients to one another. However, if you think you may one day expand to include exterior detailing, this may not be a good idea. Consider offering maintenance contracts where you detail the car once a month. To accept credit cards, you will need either a merchant account, or a PayPal or Google Checkout account. If you will have employees, you must be current on all Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) laws.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit
