ProfitDrawer's mobile detailing business guide gives an example budget of about $850 to $5,700. The main lines are a pressure washer, vacuum, polisher and pads ($300 to $1,500), a water tank, pump and hose reels ($150 to $800), a generator or other power (up to $900), chemicals and towels, insurance, and a local license. Coatings work or a van with a built-in rig costs more. These are example ranges; your costs will differ.
Example budget (your costs will differ):
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure washer, vacuum, polisher and pads | $300 | $1,500 |
| Water tank, pump and hose reels | $150 | $800 |
| Generator or other power setup | $0 | $900 |
| Chemicals, towels, brushes, applicators | $150 | $500 |
| Business registration and local license | $50 | $400 |
| Insurance (first months) | $150 | $700 |
| Marketing, business cards, website | $50 | $500 |
| Water reclaim mat or containment | $0 | $400 |
| Total | $850 | $5,700 |
Ways to stay near the low end: start from home with the car you already drive, buy only what your first packages need (for example one maintenance wash and one full detail) and add tools as jobs come in.
Check local wash water rules before your first job. Soapy runoff into a storm drain can break city rules, which is why the budget includes a reclaim mat line. For pricing, the guide's worked example comes to $195 for a full detail on a midsize car. Plug your own costs into the free startup cost calculator.
Source: How to Start a Mobile Detailing Business (ProfitDrawer guide) · Updated
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General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check the rules for your state and your situation.