How to start a car detailing business with only $500

Most guides on starting a car detailing business make it sound complicated. It's not.

You can launch for $500, get your first paying customer in weeks, and skip the business plan entirely.

Of course, starting any business involves some amount of risk. But this guide gives you everything you need to get started without risking too much money: a simple 4-phase approach with equipment lists, service packages, and pricing.

Phase 1: how to start a car detailing business for $500

If this is only the first (or second or third) time you're thinking about opening a car detailing company, your first priority shouldn't be setting up an LLC. It should be confirming you actually like this work enough to commit to it for years.

The philosophy: test before investment

Most "how to start a car detailing business" guides tell you to drop $5,000 on the "perfect" setup before you know if you even enjoy detailing. That's backward.

Car detailing is an ideal service business to start because it requires minimal equipment and can be operated from anywhere.

Spending $500 to test the market (and whether you like the work) with 1-2 real customers is smarter than committing thousands before you know people will pay you.

Some people love the immediate satisfaction of transforming a trashed interior into showroom condition. Others realize after their first detail that it's backbreaking work they'd rather not do full-time.

The $500 test phase lets you find out which camp you're in without risking serious money.

What $500 actually buys you

How much does it cost to start a car detailing business? If you're going the scrappy route, the honest answer is $500.

Equipment ($270-400):

• Electric pressure washer: $130-200
• Shop vacuum or wet/dry vac: $60-80
• Dual-action polisher: $80-120

Supplies ($100-120):

• Starter chemical pack (soap, APC, tire shine, wax): $50-70
• Microfiber towels (20-30 count): $25-35
• Buckets, brushes, applicators: $25-30

Buffer ($30-50):

• Unexpected expenses, extra supplies

Total: ~$500 ($400-570)

This is how you start a mobile car detailing business on a tight budget. You don't need a shop or a lease; just one vehicle to clean and a couple of quality tools (and some hustle, of course).

The "big 5" starter kit

When it comes to equipment and supplies, car detailers generally talk about 5 essential items.

1. Pressure washer

This tool delivers high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, and road salt without scratching paint. For mobile work, electric models work best—they're quieter and lighter than gas-powered units. An electric pressure washer costs $120-150 and plugs into any standard outlet.

2. Vacuum/wet extractor

A solid shop vacuum handles loose dirt and debris. If you can afford it, a wet/dry extractor ($60-80) lets you shampoo carpets and upholstery, which is where you make real money on interior details.

3. Dual-action polisher

A dual-action polisher removes swirl marks and light scratches from paint. It's safer for beginners than other types because it's harder to damage the paint. Budget models start around $80-120.

4. Starter chemical pack

This refers to the core consumable products: pH-neutral car soap, all-purpose cleaner/degreaser, tire shine, and a spray sealant or wax. Buying a starter kit from one brand (Chemical Guys, Meguiar's) costs $50-70 and prevents compatibility issues. You'll need 20-30 microfiber towels to start—separate ones for wheels, paint, glass, and interior.

5. Microfiber towels

These are ultra-soft, lint-free towels designed to absorb water and product without scratching paint. You'll need 20-30 to start, using separate towels for wheels, paint, glass, and interior work.

Good/better/best equipment guide

This breakdown shows good, better, and best options of specific pieces of equipment you should buy.

For your first $500, stick to the "Good" column. You can always upgrade later.

Your first customers: the 3-step plan

Now that you've got the equipment you need for your car detailing company, it's time to try it out on some real cars. Follow this 3-step plan.

Step 1: Detail a friend's or family member's car for free. Make sure it's a dirty car—not one that's already clean. Take high-quality before/after photos with your phone in natural daylight. These photos will become your future marketing materials.

Step 2: If your friend or family member is happy with the job you did, ask them to refer you to someone else, ideally a paying customer. Or, offer your services to another friend or family member at a discounted rate ($50-75). Show them the before and after photos of your first car if they need convincing. Once you've got another car, time yourself. Can you complete it in a reasonable timeframe (2-4 hours)? Do you enjoy the work?

Step 3: Be honest with yourself. Did you enjoy it? Can you do it in 2-4 hours? Can you see yourself doing this 10-20 times per week? If yes, move to Phase 2. If no, you just saved yourself thousands of dollars and months of frustration.

Real scenario: Your friend Dave's SUV is your first test. You spend 4 hours, use $8 in supplies, and Dave is thrilled. That's your proof you need that you could make money by starting a car detailing business.

What you DON'T need yet

At this early stage of opening your car detailing business, you don't need the following items:

• an LLC, a business bank account
• a website
• business cards
• insurance for your first 1-2 test customers

Note: Once you start charging real money to people you don't personally know, insurance becomes non-negotiable—we'll cover that in Phase 2.

You also don't need a business plan — a multi-page document outlining your market, financials, and strategy. At this stage, a one-page "test plan" with your budget, target customer, and success criteria is enough.

Where to source equipment for less

If you only want to spend $500 to start your car detailing business, you'll need to be careful about where you shop.

Amazon: Best for tools and equipment with fast shipping and easy returns. Compare prices across brands.

Harbor Freight: Great for budget tools (buckets, brushes, extension cords). Their pressure washers and polishers are hit-or-miss, so read reviews.

Chemical Guys or Meguiar's Starter Kits: Buying a starter kit costs $79 and includes 8 products. Buying individually would cost $140+.

Facebook Marketplace: Search for used polishers and extractors. Many detailers upgrade their equipment and sell starter gear for 50-60% off retail.

The Rag Company: Bulk microfiber towels at wholesale prices. A 20-pack costs $25-35 versus $50+ elsewhere.

Phase 1 car detailing business checklist

Follow this checklist to make it through Phase 1 of starting your car detailing business:

• Buy big 5 equipment (pressure washer, vacuum, polisher, chemicals, towels)
• Detail friend/family car for free (take before & after photos for future advertising)
• Detail one paying customer (charge $50-75)
• Time yourself and evaluate if it's worth it

How to start a car detailing business: phase 2 (going pro)

You already know how to start a car detailing business on a budget. Now, if you've decided you want to start your car detailing business for real, it's time to think about protecting yourself, protecting your customers' vehicles, and looking like a real business.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Business licensing, insurance requirements, and environmental regulations vary significantly by city, county, and state. Consult with local authorities and licensed professionals (attorney, accountant, insurance agent) before making business decisions.

5 legal steps to avoid getting fined

1. Choose your structure

Decide between LLC (liability protection) or Sole Proprietorship (simplicity). Most mobile detailers benefit from an LLC. More details on how to decide which one is right for you in the next section.

2. Register your business name

File your DBA or LLC name with your state/county. This makes your business name official and prevents others from using it.

3. Get your EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Think of an EIN as a "Social Security number" for your business. You need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, or file business taxes.

The IRS issues them for free, and applying online takes 10 minutes. You can apply for your EIN for free directly through the IRS website.

4. Get a business license

A business license is a local permit (city or county level) that legally authorizes you to operate a business in your jurisdiction. Requirements vary wildly—some cities require a general business license ($50-200), others don't. Check with your city clerk or county registrar.

5. Open a business bank account

Keep business and personal finances separate. This makes taxes easier and looks more professional. Most banks require your EIN and business formation documents.

Which business structure is right for you? LLC vs. sole proprietorship

A Sole Proprietorship is the simplest business structure where you and the business are legally the same entity—easy to set up, but you're personally liable for all business debts and lawsuits. You just file a DBA (Doing Business As) name with your county, and you're operating. No formation fees.

An LLC protects your personal assets if your business gets sued. Your house and savings stay safe, even if you accidentally damage a $60,000 car.

If you operate as a sole proprietor and accidentally cause $5,000 in damage to a client's car (and your insurance denies the claim or you're underinsured), they can sue you personally and go after your house, savings, and personal vehicle.

Forming an LLC costs $100-300 depending on your state, plus annual fees ($50-800/year). For a mobile detailer working on $30,000-$80,000 vehicles, an LLC is worth the investment.

The SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration) provides a clear comparison of business structures like LLCs and sole proprietorships if you need more detail.

Two insurance policies that protect your business

As a car detailing business owner, you will need two critical insurance policies:

General Liability Insurance covers bodily injury and property damage claims against your business (e.g., if a customer slips on your wet floor or you accidentally scratch a parked car next to your work area). This costs $300-600/year for a mobile detailer.

Garage Keeper's Liability is specialized insurance that covers damage to a customer's vehicle while it's in your care, even if you didn't cause it.

For example, if someone hits the car while you're detailing it in a parking lot, or if a tool falls and dents the hood, Garage Keeper's covers it.

This is the single most important policy for detailers. Without it, one accident could bankrupt you.

It costs $400-800/year, depending on coverage limits.

Major insurers like The Hartford define Garage Keeper's Liability and explain why it's essential for anyone working on customer vehicles.

The wastewater "gotcha" mobile car detailers miss

Car detailers can also be fined if they fail to follow wastewater reclamation laws.

Letting soapy runoff go into storm drains is illegal under the Clean Water Act. According to EPA enforcement guidelines, violations can result in large fines that range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars per day, depending on severity.

To avoid these fines, use a water reclamation mat (costs $200-500, captures all runoff and allows you to vacuum it up) or work only at locations with proper drainage—commercial car washes or detailing pads with floor drains that connect to sanitary sewers, not storm drains. Use biodegradable chemicals and dispose of wastewater properly.

Build a website so customers can find and book you

Sure, you can print flyers and post them all over your neighbourhood, but there's nothing like a professional website to really boost your credibility. When a potential customer Googles you, they need to see a real business.

Traditional website builders (like Wix or Squarespace) take hours of design work. An AI website builder like Durable (a tool that uses artificial intelligence to design and launch a professional website in seconds based on your business type and preferences) does it instantly with no coding or design experience required.

Your AI-built site will include everything customers need to trust and book you: a service menu, booking form, contact info, and high-quality images.

Phase 2 car detailing business checklist

Follow this checklist to make it through Phase 2 of starting your car detailing business:

• Choose structure (LLC/Sole Prop)
• Register business name
• Get EIN (IRS)
• Get business license (City/County)
• Get general liability insurance
• Get garage keeper's liability
• Check wastewater laws

How to start a car detailing business: phase 3 (first 5 customers)

Now that you're legally protected and you've got a website that boosts your business's credibility, it's time to reach another milestone—acquiring your first 5 customers.

The "first 5 customers" marketing plan

Step 1: Get portfolio photos

Detail another 2 friends' or family members' cars for free. Pick dirty cars—the dirtier, the better for dramatic before/after photos.

Take photos with your phone in natural daylight. Get wide shots (full car) and close-ups (like before/after of swirl removal on a hood). Post these on your website, Google Business Profile, and social media profiles (optional).

Step 2: Announce to your network

Post a 'launch announcement' on your personal (or business) Facebook, neighborhood Facebook groups, and Nextdoor. Offer a limited-time 'New Business Launch Discount'—25% off any detail, first 10 customers only.

Want your announcement to stand out? Skip the text-only post and create a launch graphic with Studio, Durable's AI design generator, that grabs attention in crowded Facebook feeds.

Sample post caption: 'I'm officially launching [Your Business Name]—professional car detailing in [City]! To celebrate, I'm offering 25% off any detail for my first 10 customers. Check out my work at [your website]. DM to book!'

Posts with graphics get 2-3x more engagement than text-only updates, which means more people see your offer and more customers book.

Step 3: Print 100 flyers (target the right neighborhoods)

Don't flyer randomly. Use Google Maps to find 1-2 neighborhoods where people have nice cars and driveways. This suggests car ownership and parking space for mobile detailing.

Print 100 flyers for $20-30 at Vistaprint or a local printshop, and place them on windshields or in door hangers.

Keep flyer content simple: business name, tagline ("Professional Mobile Detailing"), your 3 service packages with prices, contact info, and a QR code linking to your website.

Don't want to spend time designing? You can also use Studio to create a professional car detailing flyer in seconds. The example below was created with this very simple prompt: "Car detailing service flyer, professional mobile detailing, bold text with service packages and contact info."

Once you've got your design, export it as a PDF and upload to Vistaprint or your local print shop. Most charge $20-30 for 100 color flyers.

Step 4: Get your first review (the social proof hack)

After your first paying customer, ask for a Google Business Profile review. One 5-star review with a photo makes you look exponentially more credible than zero reviews.

How to ask: "If you're happy with the work, I'd really appreciate it if you could leave a quick review on Google—it helps me as a new business." Send them a follow-up text with a direct link to your review page.

Setting up your Google Business Profile

A Google Business Profile is a free listing that shows up when people search for detailers near them. Customers can see photos of your work, read reviews, and contact you directly through it.

Setup doesn't take long. You'll need your business name, address (or service area if mobile), phone, and website.

Follow Google's official setup guide to create your free Business Profile in under 10 minutes.

3 service package options

Disclaimer: Pricing examples are for illustrative purposes and based on general market research. Actual pricing in your area may vary based on local competition, cost of living, and customer demographics.

Service packages group related services together (like 'Maintenance Wash' or 'Full Interior Detail') so customers know exactly what they're getting and what it costs.

Package 1: Maintenance wash

What it is: The quick refresh. Ideal for customers who want to keep their car clean between major details.

What's included: Exterior hand wash, wheel cleaning, tire shine, windows (inside and out), quick interior vacuum.

How to price: $50-75, depending on vehicle size (sedan vs. SUV). Takes 60-90 minutes. Your cost: $5 in chemicals, $45-70 profit.

Package 2: Full interior detail

What it is: The deep clean. For customers with kids, pets, or cars that haven't been detailed in months.

What's included: Deep vacuum, carpet and seat shampoo, leather conditioning, all surfaces cleaned and dressed, windows, air vents, odor treatment. Interior detailing means deep-cleaning every part of the inside—carpets, seats, dashboard, vents, everything. It's labor-intensive, so you can charge $100-200 and make solid margins.

How to price: $150-200. Takes 3-4 hours. Your cost: $10-12 in chemicals, $138-190 profit.

Package 3: Showroom package

What it is: The "wow" service. Combines full exterior (wash, clay bar, 1-step polish, sealant) and full interior.

What's included: Everything from Packages 1 & 2, plus clay bar (removes bonded contaminants), 1-step machine polish (removes light scratches), hand-applied sealant or wax. Exterior detailing is the process of cleaning, polishing, and protecting a vehicle's exterior surfaces. Paint correction—using a machine polisher to remove swirl marks, scratches, and oxidation—is your "wow factor" and justifies premium pricing.

How to price: $250-400, depending on paint condition. Takes 5-7 hours. Your cost: $15-20 in chemicals, $230-385 profit.

How to price your services (the formula)

A pricing strategy is the method you use to determine what to charge for your services, balancing your costs, time, market rates, and perceived value.

The formula: (Cost of Goods + Time × Hourly Rate) = Base Price. Then adjust for market and value.

Example: You want to earn $40/hour. A full interior takes 3.5 hours and costs $10 in chemicals.

Formula: ($10 + 3.5 × $40) = $150 base price.

Check competitors. If they charge $180, you can too. If you're offering paint correction, you can charge even more because it's a skill-based service most "wash and wax" shops can't do.

How much money can you make?

Your profit is what you actually keep after paying for chemicals, tools, insurance, marketing, and everything else.

For example, a typical full detail priced at $150-200 costs $10-15 in chemicals and takes 3-4 hours, netting you $35-45/hour.

Specific, realistic scenarios:

Part-time scenario: 5 details per week at $125 average = $625/week × 52 weeks = $32,500/year gross

Full-time scenario: 15 details per week at $150 average = $2,250/week × 52 weeks = $117,000/year, minus business costs (~$25,000/year for insurance, marketing, tools, vehicle costs) = ~$80,000-$90,000 net

If you charge $150 for a full interior, your chemical cost is $10, insurance/business costs is ~$15, netting you $125. At 3.5 hours of work, that's $36/hour—far better than most W-2 jobs, with flexibility.

Mobile detailers with low business costs can often earn $50k-$80k annually working full-time. Established shops with multiple employees and premium services (ceramic coating, paint correction) can make $200k annually.

Phase 3 car detailing business checklist

Follow this checklist to make it through phase 3 of starting your car detailing business:

• Detail 2 more family/friend cars for portfolio photos
• Set up Google Business Profile
• Create 3 service packages with pricing
• Post launch announcement on social media
• Print 100 flyers and target affluent neighborhoods
• Get first paying customer review

How to start a car detailing business: phase 4 (upgrading your setup)

You've got the equipment, the paying customers, and the digital storefront. Is it time to grow your car detailing business further? Maybe.

When to grow

When you're consistently booked 3-4 weeks out and turning down jobs, it's time to grow. Being fully booked means demand exceeds your capacity, and that's when investing in better equipment or additional help pays off immediately.

The $3,000 pro mobile rig (upgrading your game)

This budget is about upgrading your offering—better tools, expanded services (e.g., ceramic coating, headlight restoration), and looking the part (vehicle wrap).

Note: This budget assumes you already own a vehicle that you can use to transport you and your equipment to customer locations.

Upgraded dual-action polisher: $180-450

• Budget: Porter Cable 7424XP ($180)
• Mid-range: Griot's Garage G21 ($350)
• Professional: Rupes LHR15 ($450)

Water storage system: $200-500

• 50-gallon tank: $345-395
• 100-gallon system with pump: $400-500

Generator for power independence: $300-600

• Budget: Champion 2000W inverter ($300)
• Professional: Honda EU2200i ($600)

Professional chemical inventory: $200-400

• Iron remover, tar remover, specialized cleaners
• pH-neutral soaps, degreasers, leather conditioners
• Professional-grade sealants and compounds

Ceramic coating starter kit: $150-800

• DIY kits: $150-250
• Professional-grade systems: $400-800

Professional lighting kit: $100-200

• LED work lights for early/evening work
• Paint inspection lights for defect identification

Upgraded microfiber and tool inventory: $150-300

• Color-coded microfiber system (300+ GSM)
• Professional applicators and brushes
• Storage and organization systems

Total range: $1,280 - $3,350

Pro tip: A $250 ceramic coating kit lets you offer a $1,200 service. After one job, you've paid for the kit and netted $950.

Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied by hand to a car's exterior that chemically bonds with the paint, creating a protective layer that lasts 2-5 years and provides extreme gloss and water-repellency. This is a 1-2 day service (including prep/paint correction) that you can charge $800-$1,500 for, with $100-150 in material cost.

Adding ceramic coating to your service menu is one of the fastest ways to increase what you make without doubling your hours.

The $10,000 first shop (the big leap)

A shop changes everything: you can hire people, do more details, offer services requiring lifts (undercarriage details, ceramic on wheel wells), and build a well-known brand.

What's included:

• Shop rent deposit: ~$2,000
• Larger equipment (2-post lift, air compressor, etc.): ~$4,000
• Upgraded tools and inventory: $1,500
• Initial chemical/supply inventory: $1,500
• Signage and marketing: $1,000

Total: ~$10,000

When to make the leap: When you're consistently doing 15+ details/week as a mobile operator and turning down 5-10 more, a shop lets you capture that lost income by hiring and running multiple bays.

When to buy software to help

When you're doing 10+ details per week, manual processes will probably start to break down. You'll need tools that grow with you.

A customer management system (CRM) tracks who you've worked for and reminds them to book again. Instead of manually texting 'It's been 3 months—time for another detail?', the software does it for you.

A CRM is how you make more money without constantly chasing new customers.

Invoicing and scheduling software automates appointment booking (so customers can book online 24/7) and sends professional invoices/payment reminders. This means less admin work for you and fewer no-shows.

If you're texting customers manually to confirm appointments, chasing payments via Venmo, and keeping a paper calendar, you're wasting 5-10 hours/week. That's 2-3 lost details.

The same AI tool you can use to build your website in 30 seconds (Durable) can also do CRM and invoicing, so you're not juggling five different tools to run your business.

Learn more about how to use AI tools to grow your business efficiently.

Phase 4 car detailing business checklist

Follow this checklist to make it through phase 4 of starting your car detailing business:

• Evaluate demand (e.g., booked 3-4 weeks out)
• Upgrade to pro mobile rig ($3,000) OR
• Open first shop location ($10,000)
• Add premium services (e.g., ceramic coating, headlight restoration)
• Implement CRM and invoicing software
• Consider hiring additional staff

Stop planning, start detailing

You now have everything you need: a $500 starter budget, three service packages with pricing, and a clear path to your first 5 customers. The only thing standing between you and a successful car detailing business is taking action.

And when you're ready to grow beyond those first few customers? Durable's AI website builder can help you look professional and handle the admin work of running a business while you focus on perfecting your craft. Setup only takes 30 seconds.

While your competitors are still figuring out traditional web templates and considering 5 different tools to run their admin, you'll be taking bookings.

If you're exploring other low-cost business ideas, our guide to small business ideas for 2026 covers more options that match different skills and budgets.

Car detailing business FAQs

Is it hard to start a car detailing business?

Starting a car detailing business is straightforward if you break it into phases. The craft itself (washing, polishing, interior cleaning) can be learned through YouTube and practice. The business side (legal, insurance, pricing) feels hard because most guides overwhelm you with "write a business plan" and "get an LLC" on day one. Start with a $500 kit, detail 2 test customers, and prove you enjoy the work before you invest in the heavy business setup.

How much does it cost to start up a car detailing business?

It depends on your approach. A scrappy mobile start costs around $500 (pressure washer, vacuum, polisher, chemicals, marketing materials). A professional mobile rig with upgraded tools costs about $3,000. A first physical shop location requires $10,000+ (rent deposit, larger equipment, inventory). We recommend starting with the $500 test phase to prove demand before growing.

How much money can you make if you own a car detailing business?

A typical full detail priced at $150-200 costs $10-15 in chemicals and takes 3-4 hours, meaning you make $35-45/hour. Mobile detailers with low business costs can earn $50k-$80k annually working full-time. Established shops with employees and premium services (ceramic coating, paint correction) can make $200k or more.

What insurance do I need for a car detailing business?

You need two critical policies: (1) General Liability Insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage claims against your business, and (2) Garage Keeper's Liability Insurance, which covers damage to a customer's vehicle while in your care—even if you didn't cause it. Garage Keeper's is non-negotiable for anyone touching a customer's vehicle.

Can I run a car detailing business from home?

It depends on your local zoning laws. Many residential areas prohibit commercial vehicle traffic or restrict business operations that generate noise or wastewater. If you're wondering how to start a car detailing business from home, the first step is checking your city's zoning laws. Check with your city or county zoning office before starting. If your area allows it, a home-based mobile detailing business (where you travel to customers) is usually compliant. If you're detailing cars at your home, expect restrictions or neighbor complaints.

Do I need a business license to detail cars?

In most cities and counties, yes—you need a general business license to operate legally. Requirements and costs vary widely ($50-$300 depending on location). Check with your city clerk or county registrar. Even if your area doesn't require a license, you'll still need insurance and proper tax registration (EIN from the IRS) once you start earning income.