The Details on How to Become a Freelance Car Detailer

Are you bored or frustrated by your 9 to 5 work? Are you interested in firing your annoying and abusive boss to be your own boss? Are you interested in a very fulfilling and well-paying freelance gig? Then this article is for you.

I was once in your shoes, having to wake up before 6 am on every workday to prepare for work and then catch a train or bus, only to get there and do almost the same boring stuff every day. Now is the time to make that bold step, to leave your comfort zone and change the story of your life – to truly be the master of your own life. 

What is Car Washing/Detailing?

Car washing and car detailing are two similar things but not necessarily the same. While car washing is very simple and can be done in just 15 minutes by yourself or your local car wash, car detailing is more intricate and takes a longer amount of time to do an outstanding job.

Car detailing goes beyond your usual car washing. The engine of the car is inspected and thoroughly cleaned, along with the tires and the finer parts of your car. Every little piece, including buttons and crevices, is given a thorough cleaning until they look almost new.

It will help a lot if you look like her

Is the Car Washing Business Profitable?

The answer is YES. The total industry revenue of this business is roughly about $11 billion annually and as of today, there are more than 80,000 car wash business flourishing in US alone. It is a very lucrative business that one can venture into and make a decent living. But if you really want to make a killing in the car wash/detailing business, you have to consider the following:

1. THE CAPITAL: The business is not really that capital intensive but it needs a sizable amount of capital to kick it off without a hitch. You can do it from your home, a traveling van, or you can have a specific business location.

2. THE COMPETITION: Just like every other business out there, it is easier to succeed with lesser competition. Try as much as possible to scope them out or to start in an area with little or no competition. Or look for a way to offer the service differently? Can you go to people’s place of work and detail their cars before they clock out? Maybe you can make house calls? Be creative.

3. THE PERMITS: Make sure that the place you want to use is well situated for this kind of business to make it easier for you to get all the required permits. If you are going to have a van, think about available water sources of if you can have a tank in your vehicle.

4. YOUR ATTITUDE: More than any other factor, your attitude and approach to this business will determine whether you make it. First, you have to want to overdeliver for your customers. Car detailing is a business that really demands excellence, but the good news is that customers are willing to pay for that work.

Get Started with a Job Workin’ at the Car Wash- Woooah Wooah Wooah Woah

If you are unsure about the skills you will need to start this kind of business, fortunately there are always car washing/detailing businesses hiring who can basically train you how to go out on your own. Sure, it might suck for a while, but consider that time an investment in yourself and your future. Soak up (see what I did there?) everything you can about running the business and delivering top-notch service. Then, go do it better.