How to Start a Car Detailing Business

Unlike a general car wash, a car detailing business provides a thorough cleaning, inside and out, of the vehicle. This includes waxing, polishing, vacuuming, and any extras the client requests.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.

Tailor Brands ($0 + State Fees)

Start a car detailing business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Car Detailing Business
  2. Form your Car Detailing Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Car Detailing Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Car Detailing Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Car Detailing Business
  7. Get Car Detailing Business Insurance
  8. Define your Car Detailing Business Brand
  9. Create your Car Detailing Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your car detailing business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Car Detailing Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a car detailing business?

Unlike most new business ventures, a car detailing business requires very little investment capital. Industry leaders estimate an initial budget of $5,000 to $25,000.

When detailing your business plan, include the following items in your budget:

  • Auto detailing certification – certification will set you apart from your competitors. There are a number of classes offered throughout the country.
  • Insurance – coordinate with a trusted agent to determine the best liability coverage for your needs.
  • A business cell phone
  • Auto detailing tools – save in overall cost by purchasing items as a startup kit. These range in price from $1,900 to over $14,000.
  • Reliable transportation
  • Trailer – some find it more convenient to keep all their tools in a trailer
  • Lease – if you decide to have an on-site location, you will need to find a workspace that’s both affordable and designed for the services you perform.

If you are considering investing in one of the many franchising opportunities, your startup budget should be significantly higher. While the capital investment starts at $118,000, this does provide the support and training necessary to ensure long-term support.

What are the ongoing expenses for a car detailing business?

Like the start-up costs, your ongoing expenses will be fairly minimal. Items you should include in your monthly budget are:

  • Fuel costs
  • Replenishment of supplies
  • Routine upkeep on vehicle and trailer
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Insurance – $75 t0 $150 per month
  • Payroll and taxes
  • Marketing – $50 to $100 monthly

Who is the target market?

When first starting out, many detailers accept almost any job that comes their way. As your name starts to carry more weight in the community, your focus will be in the high-value market of your region. This will generate more referrals and higher paying jobs.

How does a car detailing business make money?

Car detailing businesses generate revenue through the services they offer and are paid on a per-job basis.

How much can you charge customers?

Your prices will vary depending upon the specifics of the services you perform. The region you service is also a factor when setting your prices, which typically range from $75 to over $250.

How much profit can a car detailing business make?

Experienced car detailer owners report annual profit ranging from $40,000 to over $100,000, depending upon the number/type of additional services offered, number of employees, and region in which they reside.

How can you make your business more profitable?

To ensure a profitable business, consider implementing some of the following strategies:

  • Partner with hotels to offer concierge services
  • The following are also effective businesses to partner with, generating steady business: car shows, auto and RV dealerships, car rental companies, and limousine companies.
  • Offer additional services such as: mechanical services, windshield crack and chip repair,
  • 24k gold plating systems
  • Headlight restoration
  • Odor elimination
  • Body pin striping and side molding
  • Window tinting
  • Invest in a water reclamation system/strategy, which will significantly boost your profit margins.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your car detailing business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your car detailing business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?

Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

In most states, it is necessary to obtain a car detailing license) (Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a car detailing business). Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Service Agreement

Car detailing businesses should consider requiring clients to sign a service agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership. Here is an example service agreement.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your car detailing business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

Certificate of Occupancy

A car detailing business is generally run out of a garage. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a car detailing business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your car detailing business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Car Detailing Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Car Detailing Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a car detailing business

When first starting out, offer to service your friends’ and family’s vehicles. Set it up during regular business hours and go to their workplace to perform your services. This offers an instant opportunity to showcase your talent and, hopefully, gains their co-workers as new customers. Keep business cards on-hand at all times. You never know when you might meet your next best customer.

Additionally, pass out mailers at local businesses and homes in the area you service. A magnetic vehicle sign is also an effective way of advertising your services. Spend some time each week pounding the pavement. Visit businesses, both large and small, and hand out your business cards. Be persistent, but not pushy. If you haven’t heard from anyone at Business XYZ, visit them again in a month or two. Car detailing is a service many consumers need, but it’s generally not at the top of the to-do list. If someone is in need, but haven’t had a moment to call and make an appointment, your visit will be a welcomed surprise.

Every modern business should maintain an online presence, particularly on social media sites. Keep your clients apprised of the latest industry news and company specials by regularly posting on these sites.

How to keep customers coming back

In this industry, it is critical that you do your best work every time. When it comes to “luxury” services, one poor job will leave a lasting impression.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

This is the perfect opportunity for the entrepreneur is who ready to venture out on their own, yet has little startup capital to work with. Successful car detailers enjoy working with their hands, braving the outside elements day in, day out.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a car detailing business?

While the vehicles you detail will vary, your days will be similar in nature. Your duties will include the following:

  • Marketing your business
  • Checking in on current customers to see if their vehicles are ready for another detail job
  • Conversing with clients, answering any questions they have
  • Researching the latest in industry trends
  • Reviewing inventory numbers and place orders when necessary
  • Performing car detailing services
  • Performing administrative tasks

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful car detailing business?

Like any business venture, running a car detailing business requires a certain level of business finesse. This goes beyond being able to manage your books. It means understanding how to interact with customers, properly market your services, and properly price your services for maximized profits.

To realize long-term success, you should also be knowledgeable and skilled in automotive detailing. The International Detailing Association offers members information regarding how to get started, advice on managing your business, and the latest in industry trends.

What is the growth potential for a car detailing business?

Auto detailing is one of the fasted growing industries, generating an annual revenue of over $10 billion. Growth is expected to continue at a rate of 3.1% per year, leaving much opportunity for new entrepreneurs entering the market.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a car detailing business?

Leaders in the auto detailing industry offer the following advice:

  • Before investing in any equipment or tools, check the water discharge laws in your region.
  • Consider utilizing waterless car wash products.
  • Know your worth and be unwavering when discussing fees with customers. If you have a customer come to you with $150 worth of work and they want you to detail for $75, you must be able to say no.
  • Invest in high-quality detailing supplies.
  • When you’re first starting out and things are slow, ask used car dealerships about detailing for them. The pay is low, but it is consistent and will offer an immeasurable experience.

How and when to build a team

Car detailing is a one-person job, so you will want to start out on your own. As you start to build a customer base that you cannot service on your own, consider adding a team member. This will not only allow your business to service more customers, it will also allow your to expand your service area. Just make sure each employee is experienced, professional, and personable.

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading