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What are the legal requirements to have a mobile detailing business?

What would be the bare bones to have such a business legally? I want to start a side hustle working for myself doing basic car cleaning packages, just your standard vacuum, wiping down surfaces - not taking anything apart or touching under the hood. I'm just looking to put a few extra bucks in my pocket without investing a whole lot in overhead, but I wanna do it legally, is that possible? Or would the overhead be too high to be worth doing it part time without committing full time? Much appreciated! #automotive #cardetailing #mobiledetailing #mobilemechanic #automechanic #womeninautomotive

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Lori’s Answer

Automotive Detailing was the first business I ever opened.


I believe I paid less than $100 for my reseller permit/Business license in WA state.


It really depends how intense of a detailer you want to be. I did interior stain extraction & paint correction. I also drove cars in the $200k range so extra liability insurance was a must for me.


My best gig was hooking up with a limo shop and working on their cars. I provided basic training to the car washing employees and was super lucky to do a special detail job for a limo that was picking up Cheech & Chong.


Figuring out costs is a big one. I did a few demos aka free mini details. I got to the point I knew exactly how many bottles of chemicals I would need to do X amount of vehicles.


Bulk packages of microfiber towels in different colours are another investment, along with learning how to properly care for them.


What kind of vaccuum do you want to get? Do you need an external power source?

Are you mobile or do you have a brick & mortar location?

What will set you apart from other deatailers who have more experience in the industry?

What is your experience?

Are you familiar with any kind of product line/s?





Lori recommends the following next steps:

Research small business licenses for your state. Tax rates and deadlines are tricky
Write out a business plan. What is your objective, what do you plan to do if things don’t work out?
What kind of Point of Sale service will you use and how will you handle invoices/taxes?
Are your skills up to par? Do you know what chemicals are appropoate for leather, cloth, alcantara, vinyl, plastic, tint, glass etc.
What do you plan to do if a vehicle gets damaged or a customer claims you damaged their vehicle? Do you have liability insurance or an attorney to help you out?
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Kim’s Answer

Brittany,


What an awesome idea!


Every jurisdiction has its own rules pertaining to small business. Here is a link from the city of Seattle:

http://www.seattle.gov/economicdevelopment/small-business-development/start-a-business#getadditionalsupportresources


You will want to research what is required from a regulatory perspective: Do you need to register with the city and state? What about collecting sales taxes? How to claim your business name. How will you collect payments (I have found that my clients truly prefer on-line payment availability). Will you have a website? Other marketing expenses: business cards? Filing state and federal income tax returns - you will have to claim your business earnings.


At first it all seems overwhelming. If it was me, I'd try to find a person to talk to, explain to them what it is you plan to do, and see if they can give you the condensed version of what is required!


Best of luck!

Kim
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john’s Answer

Getting some cards made up. Leave them or pin them up at the local places around town. Advertise on offer up or face book. Maybe go to them. Tell them all i need is a garden hose. Everyone is big on staying home now.
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