A weekend-only mobile car detailing route

How it works

Step by step

1. 1Buy pro-grade starter kit ($1.2-1.4k): 3000 PSI pressure washer, hot-water carpet extractor, dual-action polisher, pH-neutral shampoo, iron remover, ceramic spray sealant, microfibers.
2. 2Register an LLC and a $1M general-liability policy through Thimble or Next Insurance ($40-60/mo). Never work uninsured on a client's car.
3. 3Pick one wealthy zip code within 15 minutes of home. Drive it once to confirm driveway sizes and water access.
4. 4Design a one-page glossy flyer with 3 packages: Express ($79), Signature ($149), Full Detail ($249). Include one before/after photo, one phone number, one QR to a booking page.
5. 5Flyer 500 driveways in one weekend, avoiding mailboxes (illegal in the US) — use door hangers instead. Expect a 1-2% booking rate the first week.
6. 6Set up online booking via Squarespace Scheduling or Setmore with time slots and package selection. Take payment upfront to eliminate no-shows.
7. 7Standardize your 90-minute Signature service into a checklist: rinse, foam, wheels, decontaminate, dry, interior vacuum, interior wipe, glass, tire dressing, sealant.
8. 8At checkout, book the next appointment 8 weeks out. Send a reminder text 5 days and 24 hours before. Rebooking rate is the difference between hobby and business.
9. 9Ask every happy client for one photo review on Google. Aim for 20 reviews in the first 90 days — that's when the phone starts ringing on its own.
10. 10Reinvest 20% of monthly revenue into consumables and equipment upgrades: better lighting, a foam cannon, a paint-depth gauge.

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