Are you in the mobile car detailing business?

February 3, 2022

As the pandemic continues, consumers are opting for services that come to them. The convenience of a mobile car detailing business is also great for busy schedules or people who would rather simplify their errands to avoid winter driving. A mobile car detailing business is a timely and low-cost venture that can quickly turn into a profitable business.

What is mobile car detailing?

This history of car detailing goes back to the year 1800 when the first wax was developed in Germany from animal fats and used to protect the paint on horse carriages. Over the years, many new products and innovations were developed, including water-proof sandpaper in 1920, Turtle Wax in 1944, metallic based paints with a clear coat in the 1970s, detailing clay in 1980, CeramiClear (a clear coat that eliminated paint degradation caused by the elements) in 2000, and nanotechnology polymer coating clear paint sealants in 2007. Modern trends include eco-friendly products and mobile car detailing services.

Car detailing is cleaning a vehicle to return it to near–perfect condition. Exterior detailing means cleaning the windows, finish, wheels, tires, rims, and trim. Interior detailing is a deep clean of the inside of the vehicle and includes vacuuming, polishing, and upholstery stain removal.

A mobile car detailing business is different from other car detailing businesses because the company comes to the customer, whether it is at their home or at a busy parking lot where customers can have their car detailed while they shop.

How much does mobile car detailing cost?

How much it will cost to have your car detailed depends on your vehicle and the company you choose, but detailing for a small car can start at $120. Midsize cars can cost $150, larger vehicles around $190, and trucks and RVs around $350 or $400. Some businesses even offer boat detailing, which can set you back about $500.

The Canadian car wash and auto detailing market

Mobile car detailing is still a new service and has limited statistics, but according to IBIS World, statistics are encouraging for businesses in the Canadian car wash and auto detailing industry.

“The market size, measured by revenue, of the Car Wash & Auto Detailing industry in Canada is $1.2bn in 2021,” “the market size... has grown 1.5% per year on average between 2016 and 2021,” and “the market size... is expected to increase 9.2% in 2021.”

According to UK Parents Lounge, market growth drivers for the global car wash and detailing industry include “increasing demand for mobile auto detailing.”

Tips for running a successful mobile car detailing business

Mobile car detailing businesses can take advantage of the potential for growth in the car wash and auto detailing market in Canada, but “the primary negative factors affecting this industry are high competition and low barriers to entry,” says IBIS World.

The barrier to entry is lower for mobile car detailing than other types of car detailing and car washes because of the low start-up costs, so it can be a competitive market.

• Stick to a budget and figure out operating costs. Take into account expenses and create a realistic budget, making sure to include gas, tools and equipment, vehicle maintenance, marketing, products and supplies, and insurance.
• Charge the right price - according to Mobile Tech RX, on average, car detailing businesses charge around $160 per service. Mobile car detailing businesses need to take into account their expenses, such as travel time, and the time it takes to complete a service so they can make money while remaining competitive.
• Have enough customers - this means an effective marketing strategy and being where the customers are. You may be able to work out a deal with owners of high-traffic parking lots, for example.
• Have the appropriate business license and business insurance.