How do you start a mobile detailing business in 2027?

Mobile detailing is the most-saturated mobile auto vertical. Easy to start, brutal to differentiate. Premium ceramic coating + paint correction is where margin lives; basic wash/wax is a race to the bottom.

Startup costs. Bare bones (basic wash setup, customer-supplied water/power): low three to low four figures. Real mobile rig with water tank, generator, pressure washer, hot-water extractor, polishers, ceramic-coating supplies: mid four figures. Trailer-mounted setup with full reclaim system: low five figures. Training/certification (Gtechniq, Ceramic Pro, IDA) adds cost but unlocks higher-tier services.

Permits/licenses/insurance. LLC + business license. Many municipalities require water-reclaim setups (you cant let runoff hit storm drains). Commercial auto + general liability. Some markets require an environmental permit.

Customer acquisition. Instagram and TikTok before/after content drives bookings in this vertical specifically. GBP + reviews. Dealership detail contracts are volume but low-margin. HOA/condo partnerships, exotic-car clubs for premium work.

Revenue model. Tiered packages (basic wash, full detail, paint correction, ceramic coating). Subscription/maintenance plans. Add-ons (interior shampoo, headlight restoration).

Year-1 outlook. Hobbyist-level common; full-time livable requires upselling to coatings/correction. Seasonal in cold states.