Mobile carwash and detailing
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 303
Likes: 16
G63, SLS AMG, Shelby GT350
Mobile carwash and detailing
So I've been considering buying a carwash for many years now but have always been intrigued with the mobile wash/detailing. While the deterrent of having to travel to the client is substantial, the initial capital is much smaller. Carwash site is estimated between $1-3.5 million while mobile operations are estimated between $20-50,000...comparatively I could have 50-70 mobile operations. ROI seems to be greater on a mobile operation as well. My questions to everyone here are:
-what are your thoughts on mobile carwashes/detailing?
-what do you like to see in a carwash/mobile operation?
-is the convenience of a mobile wash worth a 5-10% premium?
I've paid for several mobile carwashes through different companies in different states, but most are unprofessional and look like a guy just decided to buy a power washer, soap, and towels and start washing cars...I would operate the complete opposite. New vans, professional employees, top products, huge importance on quality control etc. Thanks in advance for any input!
-what are your thoughts on mobile carwashes/detailing?
-what do you like to see in a carwash/mobile operation?
-is the convenience of a mobile wash worth a 5-10% premium?
I've paid for several mobile carwashes through different companies in different states, but most are unprofessional and look like a guy just decided to buy a power washer, soap, and towels and start washing cars...I would operate the complete opposite. New vans, professional employees, top products, huge importance on quality control etc. Thanks in advance for any input!
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 39
Likes: 2
From: Southern California
2015 C300
I think the biggest concern is your market. Do you have an existing market for mobile detailing? I live in Southern California and I can honestly say there is a market here for it. There are tons of business professionals that will pay premium for a mobile detailing service that either details at their office, place of residence or maybe picks up the car and drops it off. If you have the skills for it, and find your market, I say you'll do extremely well.
I know of one detailer here in Southern California, and he's one of the best in the industry (across the nation). Despite him being busy as hell, he is still a few man crew I believe (it's tough to expand without diluting the brand).
In my opinion, you'll make much more from a Car Wash vs. Mobile Detailing fleet. If you love detailing people's cars and enjoy the satisfaction of a shiny car, then mobile detailing will work for you. If you're after profits and #s, there's no doubt that a car wash will generate much more profit. The volume of cars/customers are not even in the same league.
I know of one detailer here in Southern California, and he's one of the best in the industry (across the nation). Despite him being busy as hell, he is still a few man crew I believe (it's tough to expand without diluting the brand).
In my opinion, you'll make much more from a Car Wash vs. Mobile Detailing fleet. If you love detailing people's cars and enjoy the satisfaction of a shiny car, then mobile detailing will work for you. If you're after profits and #s, there's no doubt that a car wash will generate much more profit. The volume of cars/customers are not even in the same league.
