How to Start a Mobile Auto Detailing Business

A professional and thorough auto detailer can make an excellent living.

An auto detailer is a professional cleaner who cleans the interior and exterior of a variety of vehicle makes and models. Services include washing, vacuuming, shampooing, buffing, waxing and polishing. Auto detailers are skilled on the best cleaning methods for various fabrics and materials. A mobile auto detailing business is a relatively low-cost investment that can be operated on a part-time basis. If you are considering starting a mobile auto detailing business, consider holding onto your day job until your business takes off.

Things You'll Need

• Liability insurance
• Auto Vacuum
• Steam cleaner
• Polisher
• Contract
• Chemicals

Instructions

1. Start by becoming a qualified auto detailer. Either take a job working for someone else or consider enrolling in a training course that offers hands-on and practical applications. Learn about swirls, oxidation, proper painting techniques, how to avoid scratching the vehicle while cleaning, cleaning and polishing techniques, and proper care for interiors and exteriors.

2. Visit your county clerk's office to register your business and obtain a sales tax permit. Inquire as to whether you need any additional licenses for your mobile business. Then contact the IRS to obtain a federal tax ID. Once your business expands and you take on employees, you will need to form a business structure, such as a corporation or limited liability company (LLC). For now, you may operate as a sole proprietor. Purchase liability insurance for your business and commercial vehicle. Contact your bank first. If they cannot issue you a policy, visit Netquote.com or another online provider.

3. Procure a van or truck to haul your equipment. Be sure to detail your business information, and the fact that you are insured and certified (if applicable) on your truck. Be sure to keep your commercial vehicle in excellent condition. It is one of your biggest advertisements. Purchase cleaning supplies and equipment: a vacuum, dryer, portable pressure washer, steam cleaner, carpet extractor, polisher, detail cart, spray gun, floor and seat covers, chemicals, rags, rolling seats or creepers and odor removal equipment.

4. Design a brochure that lists the services you will offer, from paint jobs to odor removal, your hours and your prices. Call other detailers in your area to get an idea of what to charge. According to the Auto Detail School, the average price of a retail job is $150 to $200 and takes three to five hours to complete.

5. Create a checklist that you and your client can review to ensure that you each understand what the detailing job entails.

6. Contact new and used car dealers, car rental agencies, bus companies and taxi companies. Business parks, apartment complexes and condominiums are a prime target because you may be able to line up more than one detailing job within the same parking lot, saving you on gas expenses. Be sure to clear it with building management first as they may want you to detail in the back or out of the way. Create fliers and pass these out to businesses in business parks and residential neighborhoods. Leave brochures with mechanics, automotive stores and college dorms.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using a 24-hour answering service. Get a merchant account or use PayPal.com to accept credit card payments.

References

• Auto Detail School

Resources

• Auto Detailing School: Find a Course
• Auto Detailing Supplies
• Merchant Express