Mobile detailing is auto detailing that is provided to a customer at the customer's specific location.
Whether it is at the customer's home or work the successful mobile auto detail operator would essentially be a "detail shop on wheels."
Providing mobile auto detailing "on-site" is very convenient to the consumer and the services offered should be priced accordingly. Services can range from a superior hand washing to a complete exterior buffing and waxing and interior steam cleaning and detail.
The conventional auto detailing "shop" has been in existence for many years. Mobile auto detailing has always been popular on the West Coast and in Florida due to the climate.
This business is relatively easy to start-up because of the low initial investment. The demand for auto detailing has greatly increased making it an attractive business opportunity for the new entrepreneur.
The average price of a new automobile today is over $23,000 and reports show that the "buy cycle" is now every eight years. People are keeping their cars longer and "cosmetic maintenance" is now regarded as being just as crucial as "mechanical maintenance."
Due to more vehicles being produced, higher sticker prices, people keeping their vehicles longer and the busy schedule of the consumer; mobile auto detailing could provide for an attractive business opportunity for an aggressive entrepreneur.
Getting Your Business Started
Just like any other new business start-up there are certain procedures that need to be followed to be legal and operate within your state's and municipality's laws and regulations.
You must apply for a fictitious name. Most operators start out as a sole proprietorship and choose a name to call their new mobile detail business; DBA (doing business as) "King Of The Road Mobile Detailing," for example.
It is now very easy and not too expensive to incorporate as an "S" corporation. Incorporating and operating your business as a "Sub Chapter S" gives the small business owner the legal benefits of being incorporated and be taxed as an individual not the higher taxing of a "C Corporation."
After you decide on the name your are going to call your new mobile detailing business you will want to open a business checking account. You should also inquire with your bank about getting a credit card for business purchases.
Many of your customers will also want to purchase your services with their credit card. Your bank can arrange for you to have a "merchant account" so you can accept Visa & Mastercard sales transactions.
You want to make it as convenient as possible for individuals to do business with you. You should also check with your local municipality and the towns that you will be operating in to determine if you need a merchant license. Merchant licenses are not that expensive and many municipals require it. It is a good idea to have one especially if you plan to target local industries and businesses.
Many if not most states require that you also have a sales tax license and charge sales tax with each transaction. Your State Department can provide the necessary information and applications. Most states will allow you to operate and charge sales tax while you are waiting for your sales tax number once you have applied. Having a sales tax number will also enable the business owner to purchase automotive supplies and be exempt of the sales tax.
It is strongly suggested that you be organized and do things right from the inception of your new business.
I would recommend that you select an accountant and have this person assist you with the proper filings of your all of your licenses and applications. You should also check with your local government office to see if they have certain regulations regarding mobile car washing.
Many cities now require that you capture the dirty rinse water so it does not run-off into their sewer systems. There are reasonably priced environmental water capture mats that will secure the rinse water until you can properly dispose of it and detail supply companies that offer environmentally friendly cleaning and detailing products.
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