TL;DR:
- Yes-you can make money detailing cars in Australia, especially mobile. Solo pros often bank $1,500-$3,500/week gross when booked; net depends on pricing, pace, and cancellations.
- Typical package prices: $120-$200 (maintenance), $250-$450 (full interior/exterior), $600-$1,200+ (paint correction/coatings). Good operators average $70-$120 net per hour after materials.
- Start lean: $1,800-$4,500 for mobile gear; studio fit-out jumps to $15k-$50k+. Mobile wins on ROI; studio wins on efficiency and premium add-ons.
- Break-even math: Monthly jobs needed = fixed costs ÷ average gross profit per job. Aim for 3-5 jobs/day, 4-5 days/week to build momentum.
- Legal basics: ABN, public liability insurance ($5m-$10m), comply with water/chemical rules; register for GST once turnover passes $75k (ATO, 2025).
You clicked this because you want the straight answer: is detailing worth your time or just shiny Instagram noise? Short answer-there’s real money if you price right, move fast, and treat it like a business, not a hobby. I’m in Melbourne, so I’ll call out local quirks: four seasons in a day, water rules, and footy finals weekend killing Saturday slots. Here’s the playbook that actually works in 2025.
Can you actually make money detailing in Australia?
If you’re efficient and you price like a pro, yes. The car wash and detailing services market in Australia has held steady post-pandemic and continues to benefit from higher vehicle prices and the “keep it longer, maintain it better” trend (IBISWorld: Car Wash and Detailing Services in Australia, 2024-2025). The money isn’t in $40 quick washes; it’s in packages that solve problems: pet hair, red dust, kids’ spills, swirls, faded trims, and resale preps.
What a capable solo detailer can realistically pull in when operating 4-5 days per week:
- Maintenance details (Exterior + Lite Interior): 3-4 jobs/day at $140 average = $420-$560 day gross.
- Full interior/exterior: 2-3 jobs/day at $320 average = $640-$960 day gross.
- Correction/coatings days: 1 job/day at $900-$1,400 gross (but heavy on skill, tools, and energy).
Net after materials, fuel, and basic overhead can land in the $70-$120/hour range once you’re not fumbling cord reels and cleaning your pads every five minutes. Early days might feel closer to $40-$60/hour until systems kick in.
Who wins at this?
- Mobile operators targeting suburbs with two-car households, tradies’ utes, and family SUVs. Minimal overhead, higher perceived convenience value.
- Detailers who stack jobs by location (three in one street) and upsell clay, light polish, or fabric protection.
- Operators who shoot crisp before/after photos and shout about results customers actually care about: coffee stain gone, dog hair gone, steering wheel de-gunked.
Where people lose money:
- Underpricing-trying to compete with $20 tunnel washes.
- Too much time on low-value tasks-spending 40 minutes on pedal rubbers when the client booked a maintenance clean.
- Bad routing-driving across town and burning one hour between jobs.
- Cancellations-no policy, no deposits, no confirmation texts.
Industry sanity check: The ATO GST threshold sits at $75,000 (2025). If you’re approaching that, you’re doing enough volume for this to be serious. Build systems early.
Start-up paths and costs: mobile vs studio
You have two clean paths: go mobile, or lock down a small studio. Mobile wins for speed and cash flow. Studio wins for efficiency on paint correction and coatings, and allows weather-proofing (very handy in Melbourne’s spring).
Mobile setup (most common start):
- Essentials: DA polisher, pads, vacuum, extractor or steamer, pressure washer, foam cannon, microfibres (40-60), brushes, buckets with grit guards, drying towels, chemicals (APC, interior cleaner, glass, wheel, shampoo, iron remover, clay lube, trim dressing).
- Water and power: A small water tank + 12V pump or rely on customer’s tap (comply with local water use rules). Inverter or generator if customers lack power.
- Transport: Wagon/van/ute with shelves or crates for quick load/unload.
Typical 2025 mobile start-up costs (AUD):
- Tools and machines: $1,200-$2,200
- Chemicals and consumables (first 2-3 months): $300-$600
- Branding, site, booking tool, uniforms: $300-$800
- Insurance (public liability $5m-$10m): $400-$900/year
- Total: $1,800-$4,500-lean and fast to break even.
Studio setup (if you’ve got demand or plan to specialise):
- Space: 50-100 m² with good light, drainage compliance, and power.
- Upgrades: Lighting rigs, dual action + rotary polishers, more pads, deionised water or good filtration, air compressor, coating curing lamps.
- Fit-out and compliance costs add up quick.
Typical 2025 studio start-up costs (AUD):
- Fit-out and gear: $10,000-$25,000
- Bond and rent advance: $5,000-$15,000 depending on suburb
- Insurance and utilities: $1,500-$3,000
- Total: $15,000-$50,000+
30-day launch plan (mobile):
- Days 1-3: Register ABN (sole trader to start), set business name, lock insurance, choose suburbs. Map three ideal customer pockets.
- Days 4-7: Buy core kit. Build a single-page site with packages, FAQs, photos, and a booking form. Set up Google Business Profile with real before/afters.
- Days 8-12: Do 6-10 practice/details for friends at a discount; get written reviews and rights to post photos. Time every workflow.
- Days 13-18: Finalise packages and prices. Drop a simple flyer in targeted streets. DM local real estate agents and used car dealers with a “prep-for-photos” offer.
- Days 19-24: Run a “first 10 bookings” launch promo with a small upsell (e.g., fabric guard at half-price). Capture deposits to reduce no-shows.
- Days 25-30: Refine routing. Create a 6-week maintenance schedule for early clients. Ask for a referral after each job.
Legal and compliance (Australia):
- ABN registration; set up a simple invoicing system.
- Public liability insurance ($5m-$10m common for mobile). Consider tool cover and vehicle insurance for business use.
- GST registration once your 12-month rolling turnover exceeds $75,000 (ATO, 2025).
- Water/chemical runoff: Check your council’s trade waste and water use rules; use mats or containment where required.
Pricing and packages that pay
Price for time, risk, and result. The worst trap is “menu sprawl”-too many choices confuse buyers and slow you down. Offer three packages plus clear add-ons. Keep the names simple.
2025 price guide (Australia):
- Maintenance Detail (sedan/hatch): $130-$160; SUV/ute: $150-$200
- Full Interior + Exterior: $280-$360 (sedan) / $320-$450 (SUV/ute)
- One-step Polish (gloss + light defect reduction): $450-$700
- Two-step Correction: $800-$1,200+
- Ceramic Coating (3-5 year): $900-$1,600+ including prep
- Add-ons: Pet hair $40-$120, Fabric guard $60-$140, Engine bay $50-$120, Headlight restore $80-$150, Trim restoration $80-$180
Don’t guess the time. Use a simple estimator before you quote:
- Condition score (1-5) + Size (S/M/L) + Complexity (pets, kids, tradie use) = Time window.
- Then multiply by your target hourly rate (include thinking time, setup/pack-up, and travel).
Quick pricing formula:
- Target price = (Estimated onsite hours + 0.5 hour buffer) × Target hourly rate + Materials premium for correction/coatings (usually $20-$100/job).
Profit formula (per job):
- Net = Price − (Direct materials + Fuel/parking/tolls + Pad wear + Pro-rata insurance/marketing + Your labour cost target).
Average materials/consumables cost per job isn’t huge-usually $6-$15 for maintenance, $15-$45 for heavy interiors, $40-$120 for correction/coatings. Time, pads, and your body are the expensive bits.
| Package | Typical Price (AUD) | Time (hrs) | Materials Cost | Gross per Hour | Est. Net per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Detail (SUV) | $170 | 1.5 | $10 | $113 | $80-$95 |
| Full Interior + Exterior (SUV) | $360 | 3 | $25 | $120 | $85-$100 |
| One-step Polish (sedan) | $550 | 5 | $45 | $110 | $75-$90 |
| Two-step Correction (sedan) | $950 | 8 | $80 | $118 | $80-$95 |
| 3-5 yr Ceramic Coat (SUV) | $1,350 | 10 | $120 | $135 | $90-$110 |
Those net-per-hour ranges include a realistic slice for fuel, pad wear, basic marketing, and some admin time. Your numbers shift with speed and routing.
Package design tips that convert:
- Write results, not tasks: “Bye-bye coffee stains” > “Shampoo seats.”
- Use three tiers: Basic clean, Deep clean, Paint enhancement. Add coatings as a separate pathway.
- Anchors matter: If you show a $1,200 coating, a $360 full detail feels fair.
- Cap time: “Up to 3 hours” keeps scope tight. Surprises become a paid upgrade.
Example packages (copy and tweak):
- Refresh (1.5-2 hrs): Touch-safe wash, wheels/tyres, interior vacuum/wipe, windows, light dusting. For cars cleaned in the last 6-8 weeks.
- Deep Clean (2.5-3.5 hrs): Foam pre-wash, contact wash, decontam-lite, interior steam/extract high-touch, mats shampoo, vents, pedals, glass perfect.
- Gloss Boost (4-5 hrs): Deep Clean + single-step machine polish, trim dress, sealant.
Getting clients and staying booked
It’s not 2015-posting a logo on Facebook won’t fill your week. You need proof, proximity, and a clean booking flow.
What actually works in 2025:
- Google Business Profile: Upload 5-10 before/after sets, geo-tag photos, answer Q&A yourself. Ask for a review before you drive off-QR code helps.
- Neighbourhood stacking: Offer a “same street” discount if two neighbours book the same day. Saves travel; fills the calendar.
- Real estate partners: “Pre-photo detail” packages for agents and property stylists. Fast jobs, reliable demand, constant referrals.
- Tradie utes and small fleets: Monthly maintenance contracts. They care about tidy cabins and clear glass more than show-car paint.
- Instagram/TikTok-but practical: 20-second reels showing a single problem solved (pet hair removal, headliner mark gone). Pin price ranges in captions.
- Gift vouchers near Christmas and Father’s Day. Easy cash flow bump in Melbourne.
Website must-haves:
- Simple, fast, mobile-first page with three packages and a “Book Now” button.
- Clear service radius and a travel fee beyond a boundary (e.g., $15 outside Zone A).
- Deposit and cancellation policy front and centre.
- Before/after gallery with 12-20 images, not 200.
Retention system (the quiet money):
- Maintenance schedule: Offer a 6-week or 8-week plan at $10-$20 less than casual price.
- Text reminders 48 hours out; confirm on the morning. Add a weather backup time.
- Loyalty nudge: After 4 visits, throw in a quick engine bay or fabric guard on mats. Small cost, big stickiness.
Sales script that doesn’t feel salesy:
- Ask: “What’s bugging you most in the car?”
- Mirror: “Got it-the kid stains and dog hair in the boot.”
- Recommend one package and one add-on: “Deep Clean + Pet Hair removal is perfect here. You’ll pick up on the smell and the look straight away.”
- Close with clarity: “I’ve got Thursday 8am or 1pm. 20% deposit secures it, and I’ll text a checklist so you know what to expect.”
Risks, systems, and scaling without burning out
Melbourne throws curveballs-rain at noon, blazing sun at 3. Build systems that eat chaos for breakfast.
Weather and cancellations:
- Weather buffer: Keep one flexible slot a day for reschedules, or carry a pop-up canopy for mobile work.
- Deposits: 20%-30% for jobs over $250; non-refundable inside 24 hours unless weather forces a move.
- Text templates: “Rain on Thursday-can do Fri 9am or Sat 2pm. Which suits?” Make it easy to say yes.
Workflow speed boosts (save 30-45 mins/day):
- Two buckets staged, no refilling mid-wash; pump sprayers for APC and glass.
- Pad system: Label and pre-prime. Dedicated pad per panel side for corrections.
- Top-down vacuum route; driver seat last so you can move the car clean-handed.
- Pre-soak mats at the start; extract them at the end-no waiting time.
Quality control that customers feel:
- Final 5-minute checklist: steering wheel, gear knob, driver door pull, touchscreens, inner glass edges, fuel flap.
- Take 3 photos and send with the invoice. It builds trust and reviews.
Health and longevity:
- Knee pads and anti-fatigue shoes. Your knees and back are your business.
- Rotate tasks-don’t machine-polish five days straight. Mix in maintenance days.
- Hydration and shade; Melbourne sun burns even on cool days.
Scale options (when your calendar is full):
- Raise rates by 10% on new bookings and keep regulars at current plans.
- Add a second mobile rig for maintenance routes; you handle corrections/coatings.
- Hire a casual for interiors; you do exteriors and QC. Train on your exact workflow.
- Move busy-days to a small studio to improve polishing efficiency and weather-proof coatings.
Numbers discipline:
- Track every job: time in, time out, materials used, net per hour.
- Monthly review: Drop slow-selling add-ons; bundle the ones people actually buy.
- Break-even: Monthly jobs needed = Fixed costs ÷ Average gross profit per job. If fixed costs are $2,000 and average gross profit is $160, you need 13 jobs-about 3 days of work-to cover the nut.
Insurance and risk:
- Public liability ($5m-$10m): Covers damage to customer property or injury. Standard for tradies and mobile detailers.
- Professional indemnity is usually not needed; tool and contents cover can be smart.
- Check your vehicle policy covers business use.
Credentials and coatings:
- No formal license is required to be a detailer in Australia, but training helps speed and confidence.
- Some ceramic brands require installer approval. It’s not law, it’s their warranty policy.
Quick FAQ for 2025 (Australia)
How much can a beginner earn? If you can do two $300 jobs a day, four days a week, that’s $2,400 gross. Early net might be $1,200-$1,600 after materials, fuel, and basic overheads. As you speed up and stack jobs, net improves.
Do I need GST from day one? No. Register when your 12-month rolling turnover goes past $75,000 (ATO, 2025). Some operators register early to claim input credits, but admin increases-run the numbers.
Do I need a trade waste permit? Depends on council and whether you discharge wastewater. Many mobile detailers use minimal water, capture runoff, or perform work on private driveways with compliant techniques. Check your local rules.
What about winter? Demand dips but doesn’t die. Push interiors, protection, and fleet maintenance. Offer “rain guarantee” re-washes within 72 hours for maintenance packages to reduce booking hesitancy.
Should I niche down? Yes, if your suburb supports it. Examples: pet-hair specialists, 4x4 red-dust clean-ups, high-volume resale preps for dealers, or premium paint correction/coatings.
Do I need a pressure washer? It helps with speed and results, but you can start with a quality rinse, foam, and rinseless methods. Just be honest about limits in heavy mud situations.
How do I stop no-shows? Deposits, confirmations, and a waitlist. If someone cancels inside 24 hours, offer their slot to the waitlist with 10% off; you’ll usually fill it.
Where do the best clients come from? Google reviews with clear photos, neighbours of happy customers, and small business fleets who value tidy vehicles (plumbers, sparkies, lawn crews).
Any must-have tools that punch above their weight? A good steamer, quality drill brush set, and a dedicated glass towel stack. They save time every single job.
What’s the biggest pricing mistake? Not charging for pet hair or heavy sand. If you spend 40 minutes extra, bill for it. Your back will thank you.
Is a studio worth it in Melbourne? If you’re booking coatings and corrections weekly, yes. Weather-proofing and controlled lighting lift quality and speed. If you’re mostly maintenance, mobile stays king.
Any real numbers I can benchmark against? Many solo detailers running tight systems report $1,500-$3,500 weekly gross with 60-70% gross margin before labour; after paying themselves a fair labour rate, net profit lands around 20-35%. Your numbers will hinge on speed, routing, and upsells.
Heuristic cheat-sheet:
- Hourly target: Aim for $90-$120 gross per active hour once dialled in.
- Quote buffer: Add 30 minutes to whatever time you think a job takes.
- Travel cap: If driving exceeds 20% of your day, your pricing or routing needs work.
- Tool spend: If a tool won’t save 10+ minutes weekly, don’t buy it yet.
- Photos or it didn’t happen: One transformation photo per job fuels your next booking.
Bottom line? This is a blue-collar business with white-glove expectations. Charge for the result, move with intent, and protect your time. If you keep the calendar tight and the packages simple, yes-you can make real money as a car detailer in Australia, even with Melbourne’s stubborn rainclouds.
