Do you want to start a mobile car wash business with a small investment? Running a mobile car wash business is a smart way to make a lot of money. However, you need to invest reasonable money initially.
In the United States, the size of the car wash business is large. The demand for cash wash along with car detailing services is also growing more than before. The estimated annual revenue, this report suggests is around $11 billion with an annual growth rate is close to 3.6%. Presently, in the United States itself, more than 60,00o companies are doing car wash servicing business.
Most people nowadays, prefer to get their car washed in their places like parking, garage, or home location.
When you are providing a personalized car wash service on doorsteps, your clients will be satisfied and happily willing to pay more.
Here are the 10 Steps to Start Mobile Car Wash Business
1. Learning the Trade of Mobile Car Wash Business
To start a mobile car wash business it is advised to do some research on it. Knowledge is a very crucial factor In this business and you need to be always updated on every latest trend and technology to acquire a better understanding of the industry.
There are also a lot of resources you can explore the car wash business on the internet. As an example take a look at the dedicated forum on Reddit over auto detailing.
2. Write A Mobile Car Wash Business Plan
A business plan for a mobile car wash business will not only help you in starting your venture but also in running and growing in the future. It is most likely that you may not feel comfortable writing the business plan, however, it is advised to take some time and write it down.
Some of the basic topics your car wash business plan must address are the following:
- Initial and recurring costs
- Local market competition and demand
- Target customers
- Pricing plan
- How do you plan to sell mobile car wash services?
In addition, select a catchy name for your car wash company. An attractive name not only enhances brand growth but also fetches a lot of extra customers.
3. Make your Mobile Car Wash Legal
To start a mobile car wash business you will need permission as per the state’s regulations. For example, in the United States, every state has different regulations. In Florida, the Department of Environmental Protection clearly states the regulatory permits required to start and run a car wash-related business.
Choose a proper business structure. To start with you can register your business as a sole proprietorship. However, if you want to start the business on a larger scale, forming an LLC will be beneficial as it will reduce your liability.
Always remember, making your car wash business legally compliant is entirely your responsibility. It is advised to talk to a lawyer or an expert for keeping your business risk-free.
Another important aspect of keeping your business safe is insurance. Talk to insurance companies and get the best coverage for your car wash business. Try to cover yourself on both liability and business insurance.
However, if you can’t afford it, get your business at least a liability insured.
4. Market & Location For Mobile Car Wash
Set your goal to wash a lot of cars in a few locations. You can concentrate on clubs, gyms, and parking areas for a business location. Overall you will likely wash more cars by traveling less.
5. Equipment For Mobile Car Wash
You will need to have the right equipment and supplies to get successful in this business.
The most important thing about starting a mobile car wash business is to purchase the vehicle. You need to find out the size of the vehicle according to the storage space to keep your equipment. In most cases, an SUV or a sedan works best. If you can’t afford a new one to buy, go for a used van which will be much cheaper.
The type of equipment you need will largely vary with the kind of services you are offering to the customers. However, some of the basic tools you need to purchase include towels, car wash soap, car wax, tire shine, buckets, sponges, brushes, some pneumatic pressure washers, hoses, etc.
It is also advisable to have a portable Genset and water tank with your kit. Always keep yourself “ready to go” with supplies, at all times with short notice.
6. Services you can Offer in Mobile Car Wash Business
Broadly, you can provide two types of services to your customers. One is exterior and the other is exterior car washing services.
Popular exterior car washing services are vehicle washing, toxic tar removal, etc.
Interior services that customers look forward to our vacuum washing, window cleaning, garbage cleaning, leather seat wiping, etc.
You can also add services like cleaning engines, car wax, headlight restoration, etc.
7. How Much Profit You Can Make in Mobile Car Wash Business
The profit will depend on the number of car washes you finish. You can charge $10 per car wash onwards. You can expect a whopping 65-70% profit in each car wash service.
8. Pricing For Mobile Car Wash Business
Determine the pricing according to the car size, condition, and location of the car. You can also go for some combo offers. Create a price list for different cleaning services like the only exterior, exterior with the interior, only internal ceiling clean, etc. Offer a price that would be fair for the customers and profitable for you.
9. Payment Receiving Strategy for Car Wash Business
Another aspect that is important in the car wash business is giving customers as many options as possible to pay for the services. The more options you provide the customer in addition to cash the better for your business.
Since the business is mobile in nature, using the smartphone as a tool to receive payments will be handy. You can accept credit card payments which will ease the process of payment for the customer.
10. Promote Your Mobile Car Wash Business
It is important to be looked like professional and trustworthy. It is always better to present with a uniform while working and print the business name, contact no, and website on the vehicle which you used to carry your equipment.
Promote your business locally by visiting high-density office places and let people know about your service by distributing flyers, and brochures. It is better to concentrate your marketing campaign in your immediate area.
Make an informative website about your car wash business services. Give some videos of car washing. You can also offer some discounts for regular customers.
About the Author: 99businessideas.com led by Rupak Chakrabarty is committed to helping beginners, entrepreneurs, and small business owners in starting, managing, and growing their business. Our aim is to educate the entrepreneur on the various stages of entrepreneurship.
