Starting a mobile detailing business can be a great way to make money and can be less expensive to start than a traditional detailing business. However, it’s important to understand the costs involved in order to budget appropriately. This article will outline the major expenses you can expect when starting your own detailing business.
Vehicle Costs
If you’re starting a mobile detailing business, you’ll need to have a vehicle to get your equipment to and from the locations of your clients. The type of vehicle you’ll need will depend on the size and scope of your business. If you only plan on offering basic services, a van or SUV should suffice. However, if you’re planning on offering more comprehensive services, you’ll need a larger vehicle like a box truck or trailer.
The cost of the vehicle will obviously vary depending on the make and model, but you can expect to spend at least $5,000 on a used van or SUV. If you need a larger vehicle, you can expect to spend at least $10,000.
You also need to factor in the ongoing costs for the vehicle, such as gas, insurance, and maintenance. These can add up to several hundred dollars per month, so be sure to factor them into your budget.
Equipment Costs
The next biggest expense you’ll incur is the cost of equipment. This includes things like pressure washers, generators, air compressors, hoses, and extension cords. You’ll also need a variety of cleaning supplies like sponges, brushes, and polishes. If you’re starting from scratch, you can expect to spend at least $2,500 to $5,000 on equipment. The average cost for some of these tools are:
Pressure washer: $300-$1,000
Generator: $500-$2,000
Air compressor: $100-$300
Hoses and extension cords: $100-$200
Cleaning supplies: $100-$300
If you already have some of this equipment, you can obviously lower this cost. However, it’s important to make sure that the equipment you have is high quality and in good condition. Using subpar equipment will reflect poorly on your business and could cost you customers.
Advertising Costs
Another significant expense for your business will be advertising. You’ll need to find ways to let potential customers know about your services and how to reach you. This can include things like flyers, business cards, and online listings. You can expect to spend a few hundred dollars per month on advertising, especially when you’re first starting out.
Website Costs
If you want to run a successful mobile detailing business, you need to have a professional website. Your website is how potential customers will find you and learn about your services. It’s also how they’ll book appointments and pay for your services.
Creating a professional website can cost several hundred dollars, and you may need to pay someone to maintain it for you. However, it’s worth the investment as it will help you bring in new business. Some of the typical costs associated with a website are:
Domain name: $10-$15 per year
Web hosting: $50-$100 per month
Website design and development: $500-$5,000
Website maintenance: $50-$100 per month
License and Permits
Depending on your location, you may need to get a business license or permit to operate your mobile detailing business. The cost of this will vary, depending on the requirements in your area, but, it’s typically a few hundred dollars. For example, you will probably need a business license which will cost $100-$200.
Insurance
Lastly, you need to make sure that your business is properly insured. This will protect you in the event of an accident or damage to your equipment. You can expect to pay a few hundred dollars per year for insurance.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that you can expect to spend at least $5,000 to start a mobile detailing business. This doesn’t include the cost of a vehicle or insurance. If you’re starting from scratch, you should budget for at least $10,000. Of course, these costs can vary depending on the size and scope of your business.