4 Strategies for Starting Your Own Mobile Professional Automotive Detailing Business
For those with a passion for cars, an eye for detail, and an entrepreneurial spirit, a mobile auto detailing business could be the ideal career move. Mobile detailing businesses only require a small start up investment since you’ll be working on the go. You’ll go to where your customers are, rather than worry about rent and other costs that come with setting up shop in one fixed location. These lower costs make it easier than you might think to become a business owner and be your own boss!
If you’re considering launching your own business after detailing training, read on for three strategies that will help you get started.
1. Before Launching Your Professional Automotive Detailing Business, Get the Right Documentation
One of the first things you’ll need to do before you can get your business off the ground is to research and apply for any necessary permits or business licenses you might need. The rules surrounding business licenses and registration vary by province across Canada. Therefore, it’s extremely important that you adhere to your province’s regulations. If you would like to open up a chain that does business all over Canada, you might also need a federal license as well. By carefully looking up all licensing requirements from the start, you can rest assured that you won’t have to worry about any licensing problems down the road. This should be one of your first priorities when starting your business.
2. Make Sure to Purchase Insurance for Your Professional Automotive Detailing Business
Next, you’re going to want to focus on purchasing the right insurance for your new mobile professional automotive detailing business. After all, you’re going to be working with cars, which are oftentimes an individual’s priciest possession. And if you’re working with clients who have higher-end cars, you don’t want to be on the hook if the vehicle is damaged while in your custody. By purchasing the right insurance, you can protect yourself from a bad situation. In addition, having insurance ads to your company’s reputability, which is extremely important when you’re just starting out and building your clientele.
If the logistics of starting an auto detailing business intimidate you, don’t be afraid to reach out to local business owners who may be able to mentor you through the process. In addition, there are plenty of business or legal consultants for hire who can advise you on the best course of action regarding your licensing and insurance.
3. At First, Only Purchase the Equipment You Need to Get Started
The next step is to purchase the materials and equipment you need. In the beginning, you should only invest in what you need to get started, especially if you don’t have a lot of funds to invest in your business. As you grow your client base and expand your services, though, you can start upgrading your tools and supplies.
One important thing to consider is where you’re going to be providing your detailing services. If you’re providing wet detailing and you don’t have access to a water source, you’ll need to invest in your own water tank in order to transport water to sites where you’ll be working. This could create an extra cost to your operations, so be careful to plan ahead when it comes to water and power supply!
4. Have a Solid Marketing Plan When Launching Your Professional Automotive Detailing Business
One of the most important elements of marketing your business is coming across as a professional. As a new business owner, it’s wise to invest in professionally branded business cards that you can distribute to potential clients. You might also want to consider investing in fliers, a branded sticker for your vehicle, and a simple branded polo shirt so you can maintain your professional image while on the job.
It’s also wise to invest in a professional looking website. While the website doesn’t need to be fancy and extensive, it should list your services and prices, your auto detailing training experience, and some examples of your work. Over time, you can add customer testimonials as well.
Once you have your marketing supplies lined up, your best bet is to start hitting the streets and getting to know the local businesses in your area. Put fliers on vehicles, hand out your business card, and even cold-call businesses that may be interested in your services like limousine companies or organizations with fleets. You might even want to introduce yourself to employees who work for businesses in your area and let them know that you can detail their vehicles while they’re working.
Do you want to start a business performing auto detailing in Cambridge?
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