Example Business Ideas
Starting a Mobile Detailing Business
Written by Rayzelle Forrest Young for Gaebler Ventures
This article discusses how to get a mobile detailing business up and running. Learn about the importance of customer service and repeat business in this line of work.
Starting a mobile detailing business is something you can do with very little or no investment at all.
The convenience of this business is what makes it attractive to customers. People like to keep their vehicles clean but many just don't have the time to do it. This is where you come in as an auto detailing business and deliver the service directly to them. You can provide the service at either their homes or their jobs, whichever is most convenient for the customer. Since this business requires a low start up budget, starting a mobile detailing business is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs that are short on cash.
Get A Business License
It's always a good idea to get a business license before you take on your first client. You want to market your auto detailing business as a legitimate one. Clients will see you as being more trustworthy and will feel more comfortable with giving you repeat business if they know you are a licensed business owner. Repeat business is imperative to the survival of any start up company.
Obtain Ample Transportation
If you don't already have a van, SUV or pick up truck, you will probably need to get one. This will allow you to transport all the products you need in order to provide detailing service. Among your supplies you will need a portable car wash which means you need enough room inside your vehicle to haul it around. You also need space for towels, car wash soaps, waxes, tire cleaners, sponges, brushes and whatever else you need to do your detailing.
Market Your Business
Get a magnetic sticker to advertise your mobile detailing business. This is an excellent way for people to see that you are a traveling service that can come to wherever customers need you. It also gives the impression that you are on your way to a client even if you are not. In addition, make use of flyers, business cards and postcards to spread the word about your new business. Pass these marketing materials out at gas stations, stores and even other car washes. A good idea is to get a booth at a local car show. At this event you have a captive audience of auto enthusiasts who more than likely love to keep their cars clean and looking fresh from the detail shop.
Keep Your Business Vehicle Clean
Presentation is everything. Make sure your business vehicle is clean at all times. People are going to judge your auto detailing skills according to how well your business vehicle looks. Your auto is basically a mobile advertisement for your business and should be clean at all times.
Once you have put the necessary components into place to get your mobile detailing business off the ground make sure you provide excellent customer service and auto detailing. This will keep your customers calling you for more business and spreading the word about your excellent services. There is nothing more valuable to a start up business than word of mouth advertising.
Rayzelle is an entrepreneur and writer. Based on her experiences as an owner of her own dance studio, she will share her personal tips on being a successful entrepreneur.
Share this article
Additional Resources for Entrepreneurs
Conversation Board
We greatly appreciate any advice you can provide on this topic. Please contribute your insights on this topic so others can benefit.