So you want to start a mobile auto detailing business? What’s the hold? You don’t need a fancy truck and trailer to haul around a bunch of equipment. Don’t let that be your excuse, because I’ve literally seen people start with a car, 2 buckets, basic cleaner, microfibers, brushes, and a vacuum.
Here’s the deal, it’s actually VERY EASY to get started!
You don’t need a huge investment in the beginning, as you can make upgrades along the way. This is actually wise for multiple reasons, but mainly because you will learn to re-invest the money you make. Putting some of those earnings right back into the business to step up your game and offer a better service.
Some of the upgrades are meant to speed up your time detailing a car. For instance, the dual-action polisher will make it way quicker to do a paint correction job than using a hand pad. If you can buy a product to make your job quicker, than you can make more per hour.
Now let’s get to the essentials so you can understand what is truly required to get started!
1. Transportation
This is obvious, I know. But like I said in the intro, you don’t need a big vehicle to haul around a bunch of equipment in the beginning. When you get started, you don’t need to have a water tank, power washer, generator, etc. Some states may require more equipment, but most of us will get by using the customer’s water and power supply.
The only problem is that you may have limitations, and so you may have to stick with residential homes and avoid parking lots where you can’t hook up to power and water lines. I know some guys will pre-fill their bucket of water and use a pump sprayer to wash the exterior. No excuses – you can start now as long as you have a running vehicle.
2. Hoses and Extension Cords
When you take on clients in the beginning, just casually ask if they will have a power and water line you can connect to. It’s really not a big deal and most people won’t even think about it before saying yes. Many customers will expect it, as not everyone is familiar with mobile detailers hauling around a trailer full of equipment.
Any lightweight hose will do, and the extension cord is only needed if you’re using an electric pressure washer or corded tools.
3. Shop Vacuum
Having a powerful wet/dry vacuum is definitely a requirement when starting a mobile detailing business. You can’t use one of those corny little portable vacuums they make for cars. You need something capable of sucking up dog hair, people’s hair, and who knows what else. You will come into contact with all kinds of nasty stuff. A good shop vac can suck up anything and everything.
When I first started detailing I would use my shop vac as an extractor and it did the job better than most portable carpet shampooers on the market. You can find a good one at Harbor Freight, Lowes, Home Depot, or even Amazon.
4. Pressure Washer
You can get an electric pressure washer for around $100 and it will do everything you need it to when it comes to cleaning vehicles. From running a foam cannon to cleaning the filthiest of wheels. If you’re starting a mobile detailing business on a budget then start small, and get a lightweight, portable pressure washer that doesn’t require fuel to run.
With that said, you can get away without using a pressure washer in the very beginning. Some guys quit using them altogether and perform faster exterior cleans using pump sprayers. Remember, two buckets and a couple of wash mitts can get the job done just as fine.
5. Dual-Action Polisher
Do you want to perform paint-correction jobs? A good DA polisher makes it possible for you to buff and polish a vehicle in a timely manner. Doing it by hand is not an option! Not only will your hand fall off, but your hourly rate will suck.
Get a good DA polisher, and ideally, a cordless one if you have the money to spare. However, there is nothing wrong with using a plug-in option if that’s all you can afford. I truly believe it’s best to start with the bare minimum and focus on the quality of your work and making customers happy. It doesn’t matter how you do it, as long as the end result meets or exceeds your customers’ expectations.
6. Microfibers, Brushes, and Pads
Microfibers are a must-have for many reasons. When buffing a vehicle, you must remove the compound with a clean rag. But not just any clean rag, it must be soft enough to use on paint. Microfibers are also great for wiping down the interior of a vehicle and they are safe to use on all surfaces.
What’s the safest way to clean the headliner in a car? Use a damp microfiber and wipe down the dirty spots. They are too useful to avoid, so you must find a good source and stay stocked up.
Brushes are also important, and there are so many to choose from. Any basic detailing brush kit will work when you’re starting out. A variety of sizes for the interior and exterior parts. They help you get in grooves and places a microfiber towel can’t reach.
Wheel brushes are great, but a dedicated washing mitt for wheels can work just as well depending on the cleaner you’re using and how dirty the wheels are.
7. Buckets and Grit Guards (2-bucket method)
If you’re using the two-bucket washing method to clean cars, make sure you have grit guards. The last thing you want to do when washing a client’s car is put more scratches on it. They expect a cleaner vehicle, and you don’t want to be blamed for any scratches or new swirls on their ride.
Grit guards are a cheap addition to your toolset and will allow you to keep your sponge or wash mitt clean. So buy one, and use it in your rinse bucket to prevent swirl marks and scratches during the washing process. Many people are familiar with grit guards and you will look like an amateur without one!
8. Cleaning Products
When you’re learning to detail a car it’s understandable to buy regular consumer products, but if you want to get serious about your business you will need to buy in bulk. P&S sells bulk chemicals that can be diluted to last much longer. This might seem more expensive at first, but it’s actually the most cost-effective method for buying detailing chemicals.
Those little bottles of interior detailer chemicals from Meguiars and Chemical Guys won’t last long if you’re detailing cars daily. Be smart and invest in bulk chemicals as soon as you can!
Here are some chemicals we recommend purchasing in bulk:
- All Purpose Cleaner: Used for a variety of tasks and can be diluted at a different ratio depending on the job.
- Iron Remover: An iron remover like Iron X can be purchased in bulk. This is especially important if you’re going to do a lot of paint-correction jobs. It’s also one of the best chemicals to use on dirty wheels!
- Car Shampoo and/or ONR: Even Chemical Guys sells a bulk version of shampoo. Optimum No Rinse is loved by the auto detailing community for its simplicity and price. When washing vehicles frequently, the last thing you want to do is run out of soap!
- Spray Wax: There are many great options for a bulk spray wax! This is a quick and affordable way to keep your customers’ cars waxed!
- Degreaser: Dirty wheels need love!
- Trim Dressing: For a complete detail, a trim dressing is essential. A shiny car with faded trim just looks wrong. Trim dressing can really make it pop so the vehicle looks brand new again.
- Tire Dressing: Not everyone is a fan of the wet tire look, so opt for a tire dressing that will dark the tires without making them look too shiny. Many of these dressings can achieve a wet look by applying more coatings.
- Glass Cleaner: Something like Meguiars D120 Glass Cleaner is a solid option!
