Mobile Car Detailing Startup
Low startup, high hourly, customers everywhere with dirty cars. Real kit costs, per-car pricing, honest hourly math, and landing your first five customers.
Startup costs: the real kit
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric pressure washer | $100–$180 | 1,800+ PSI; gas is overkill to start |
| Wet/dry vacuum | $60–$120 | Small shop-vac lives in your trunk |
| Chemicals starter set | $80–$150 | Wash, wheel cleaner, interior, glass, dressing |
| Towels, buckets, brushes | $50–$100 | Microfiber in bulk; grit guards mandatory |
| Water tank (optional month 1) | $0–$300 | Start using customers' spigots; upgrade later |
| Total | $300–$800 | Earn it back in month one at these prices |
Pay math per car
- Basic detail: $75–$150, 2–3 hours → $30–$50/hr
- Full detail: $200–$400, 4–6 hours → $40–$60/hr
- Supplies per car: −$5–$12 (chemicals are cheap at volume)
- Weekends-only realistic: 2–4 cars/weekend → $500–$1,200/month profit
First 5 customers (2 weeks)
- Detail 2 cars free for friends — in exchange for before/after photos and honest reviews. This is your portfolio.
- Post in 3 local groups with photos + intro price ($59 basic). Neighborhood groups convert absurdly well for this.
- Google Business Profile, day one. Free, and "car detailing near me" is pure local intent.
- Ask every customer for a review + referral. Offer $10 off their next detail per referral who books.
- Raise prices at customer 10. Intro pricing did its job; move basics to $89+ and never look back.
Quick answers
Startup cost?
$300–$800 for a complete starter kit. Earn it back in month one.
Hourly pay?
$25–$60/hour after supplies once efficient; $500–$1,200/month weekends-only.