So you have decided to start up your own auto detailing business.  That’s awesome!  This is exactly what i decided to do not to long ago.  So let me help you get started while minimizing the costs.  You do not need a lot of fancy equipment if any at all when you first start.  Well first thing you need to decide is will you be a standalone meaning, you have a set location, or do you want to be mobile.  In today’s economy the mobile option seems like the best option.  This is going to be a quick rundown of what you need to operate.  Why is the mobile option more appealing because of the economic situation?  Well there is little to no overhead aside from gas, and supplies.  No hefty rent fee for your location or payroll for employees.  It also gives you the versatility to go to where the customer is.  It’s a niche that the big standalone shops can’t provide.

Supplies?

You need a shopvac.  Don’t go cheap on the shop-vac or you will be replacing it very soon.  Go to Lowe’s or Home Depot and check out their selections.  In my previous experience they have provided the best price even over discount stores such as Walmart.  Now that you have your vac, you will need a wash mitt, a couple buckets, at least five microfibers, car wash, polishing compound, wax, interior and exterior protectant, and leather cleaner.  Don’t forget to get a couple spray bottles, some degreaser, and some detailing brushes.  I recommend the chemicals that are provided by prowax   A long hose, and extension cord as well as a spray nozzle.

Did I mention glass cleaner?  And to wrap things up you will want a very firm scrub brush for the cloth and carpets.  That’s about it to minimize your auto detailing start up costs.  I would definitely look into getting more supplies asap, but this will get you started.  This is the cheapest way to get started and with just the above items you could start detailing vehicles and turning a profit.  We will go more in depth in later articles on the multitude of other options.  As you can guess you can have a lot more things in your detail caddy, but for starters this is all you need.  The best part is it will keep your auto detailing start up costs to a minimum.  I would also suggest getting a pack of  Magic Erasers.  Magic Erasers are awesome at cleaning up scuff marks in the interior.  Magic erasers are very cheap and work wonders on cleaning scuff marks off of your interior.

This can all be bought for under $200 total.