How to Start a Mobile Auto Detailing Business
Mobile auto detailing is a great business to start if you love cars and love keeping them looking good. It doesn't require you to have a physical business location, making it possible to start with a modest investment. As a mobile auto detailer, you will go to clients' homes or office locations to wash, wax and detail their vehicles.
Things You'll Need:
- Business plan Business license
- Truck
- Tools
- Rags
- Business cards
- Cleaning chemicals
- Water container
- Water source
- Car wash supplies
- Van or truck
Instructions:
- Get a cell phone. Open an account with a cell phone company and sign up for a plan that allows you to be able to call and talk without restrictions. You will need to contact clients and your clients will also be calling you for business.
- Register your business name. Go to your local city hall and have your business name registered. Choose a business name that stands out and tells people what you do. Be sure the name you choose is not already taken or being used by another company.
- Obtain a business permit. Contact your your city or county clerk's office and get your business permit. This is necessary before you start looking for clients.
- Purchase a reliable vehicle. Running a mobile auto detailing business involves transporting a lot of supplies, including a large water container. Get a pickup truck or van that can accomomodate your business tools and supplies.
- Purchase cleaning tools and supplies. Visit a hardware or auto detailing supply company and buy cleaning tools and chemicals. These include towels, buckets, sponges, window sqeegees, buffer, auto wax, carpet cleaners, vacuum, glass cleaners and tire cleaners.
- Draft maintenance contracts. Write up maintenance contracts to offer clients who want to sign up for your regular maintenance program. Offer special price to clients that sign up for your maintenance program, and also to those who send you referrals.
- Advertise your auto detailing business. Pass out business cards and fliers. Mail fliers to homes and local businesses. Obtain magnetic vehicle sign and use it to attract new customers. Run advertisements in local publications. Publish articles in local newspapers announcing your business.