If you love cars and like making them look spotless, starting a detailing business can be a solid move. You don’t need a huge garage or fancy equipment at first – just a clear plan, the right tools, and a way to tell people about your service.
Before you buy anything, write down the basic costs. A pressure washer, a good extractor, a few brushes and cleaning chemicals usually run between £500 and £1,000. Add fuel for a mobile unit if you plan to travel to customers – another £200‑£300 for a reliable van or trailer.
Next, decide on pricing. Look at local competitors: a basic interior clean often costs £30‑£50, while a full exterior‑plus‑interior job can be £80‑£120. Use those figures to calculate how many jobs you need per week to cover expenses and make a profit. For example, if your monthly costs are £2,000, doing ten £100 jobs each month already puts you in the black.
Don’t forget hidden costs – insurance, registration, and waste disposal. A basic public liability policy for a small mobile operation is about £150 a year. Write these into your budget so you aren’t surprised later.
Pick a few core services that you can do well. Most new startups start with interior detailing, exterior wash, and basic paint protection. Once you’re comfortable, add extras like leather conditioning or ceramic coating.
Make a simple price list and put it on a one‑page flyer or a short website. Highlight what makes you different – maybe you use eco‑friendly products, or you guarantee a same‑day service for busy clients.
Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with word‑of‑mouth: ask friends and family to spread the news. Hand out flyers at local car clubs, petrol stations, or community boards. A modest budget of £100 for printed cards can bring in several new bookings.
If you can, set up a free Google Business profile. It helps people in Nottingham find you when they search for “car detailing near me”. A few positive reviews will boost your credibility fast.
When you get the first few customers, focus on delivering a flawless job. A happy client will likely book a repeat service and refer another driver. Keep a short checklist for each job – clean seats, clear windows, tidy floor mats – so nothing gets missed.
Track every job in a simple spreadsheet: date, customer, service, price, and any extra items sold. Over time you’ll see which services are most profitable and can adjust your pricing or marketing focus.
As revenue grows, reinvest in better equipment – a dual‑action polisher or a high‑capacity dryer can speed up work and let you take on larger jobs. Keep an eye on cash flow; don’t spend on big upgrades until you have a solid buffer.
Finally, stay up to date with industry tips. Follow a few reputable detailing blogs or YouTube channels. They often share new products, cost‑saving tricks, and real‑world profit numbers that can help you refine your business.
Starting a detailing startup is about balancing costs, offering clear services, and getting your name out there. With the right numbers on paper and a focus on quality, you can turn a passion for clean cars into a steady income. Ready to grab a hose and start earning?
Want to know how much profit is in car detailing? This article breaks down costs, profit margins, and ways to make real money in 2025. See if car detailing is profitable for you.
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