Auto Detailing Guide

Mobile Detailing Services

When I think back about how I started my own detailing company I can't imagine not setting up as a mobile detailer. If I had to do it over again I would do exactly the same thing. No fixed facility shop, low overhead, no utilities, no property/building insurance, etc. There are just so many positives that I can't figure out why people get the idea to start a detail shop and don't consider the mobile option. Yes, you do have some drawbacks like being controlled by the weather. You can fix that with an inflatable workshop much like the one we use. It costs some money, but it gives you the ability to work year round in any kind of weather environment which in itself will pay for the cost of the tent many times over.

When you begin your business as a mobile detailer, you need the basics of any detailing business:

mobile detailing van - best option is a Chevy Express 1500 Cargo Van, we tried several vans and trucks and this worked the best.
mobile detailing equipment - pressure washer, generator, portable water buffalo, a Makita variable high speed wheel buffer (0 to 6K) and a Porter Cable variable high speed orbital buffer (0 to 6K)
detailing supplies
detailing business insurance
detailing business forms for your the transactions
credit card merchant account - most inexpensive way to do this is to setup a free business PayPal account online
uniforms, mainly a professionally produced t-shirt with your company logo on it and khaki shorts or clean jeans with no holes

As I asked you in another section of the site, do you have garage keepers liability insurance? See our Detailing Business Insurance page for more information on the type's of insurance you need for your business. General liability alone won't cut it, you need garage keepers liability to cover the vehicle while in your care, custody and control. Ask your insurance agent about this.

After insurance, mobile detailing equipment and other miscellaneous detailing supplies, you need to make sure your business has it's own checking account separate from your personal account. This is to make sure your business funds are separated from your personal money. This will definitely benefit you when it comes to tax time and you give your receipts and bank account statements to your accountant.

The other thing you need to determine is the structure of your business. Do you start as a sole proprietor or incorporate? You can also setup a LLC, which is a limited liability company but many tax professionals will tell you there's not a lot of differences between that and a small business corporation or Sub S Corp. You need to talk to your CPA and your Attorney about this as they will be able to advise you as to which structure is the most beneficial to you.

Mobile Detailing is a very profitable business but you need to make sure you are organized on the back office side before you can make money on the service side. You can make a ton of money performing services for people but if you don't where it's going, how much detailing supplies are costing you or other expenses like business insurance or equipment purchases you won't be making much at the end of the year.