Mobile Car Detailing & Auto Spa

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Startup Cost
$8,000-$40,000
Difficulty
Beginner
Time to Profit
4-8 months
Profit Potential
$60,000-$280,000/year

Overview

Mobile car detailing services bring professional auto detailing to customers' homes, offices, or parking lots, offering convenience and time savings.

With car owners valuing convenience and detailing services ranging from $100-$400 per vehicle, mobile detailers generate revenue of $95,000-$320,000 annually with profit margins of 60-75%.

The business requires vehicle or trailer, water tank and generator (or water access), detailing equipment and supplies (pressure washer, buffers, vacuums, cleaning products), and scheduling software.

Services include exterior wash and wax, interior detailing and shampooing, paint correction and ceramic coating, headlight restoration, and engine bay cleaning.

Pricing typically $50-$150 for basic wash/wax, $200-$400 for full detail.

Success factors include quality work and attention to detail, efficient mobile setup and workflow, consistent scheduling, and building repeat customer base.

Most detailers offer subscription packages for monthly maintenance detailing.

The business can start solo and scale by adding additional detailers and vans.

Marketing focuses on busy professionals, car enthusiasts, office parks for fleet work, and apartment complexes.

With consumers seeking convenience and professional car care in 2025, mobile detailing offers accessible entry for entrepreneurs providing quality service at customers' locations eliminating travel to detail shops.

Required Skills

  • Auto detailing techniques and products
  • Paint correction and polishing
  • Interior cleaning and restoration
  • Customer service and scheduling
  • Efficient mobile workflow
  • Water conservation (waterless methods helpful)

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Low startup costs
  • Strong profit margins
  • Convenient service with high demand
  • Recurring monthly packages
  • Scalable with additional vans

Cons

  • Weather dependent
  • Physical demands of detailing
  • Water access challenges at some locations
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Seasonal slowdowns in cold climates

How to Get Started

  1. Acquire detailing equipment and van/trailer
  2. Learn professional detailing techniques
  3. Develop service packages and pricing
  4. Set up scheduling and booking system
  5. Market to neighborhoods and office parks
  6. Build customer base through quality work
  7. Scale with additional detailers and vehicles

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