How to Start a Mobile Car Washing Business

Write a business plan, including all of your plans for your business and what kind of equipment you need. If you decide to go through a lender to finance your business, they need to see your completed business plan.

Obtain permits and licenses from your local government offices for your business. After deciding on a name for your mobile car washing business, get a permit to operate.

Talk to a business insurance agent about getting insurance on your business. This helps not only if your equipment is stolen or damaged but also protects you if someone files a claim against your business for any reason.

Hire a lawyer or Certified Public Accountant to help with your business legalities and tax information. Most CPAs can do your tax paperwork once a month for a small fee and help you get the most out of your business.

Buy equipment for your mobile car washing business. The ideal set-up includes a truck, flat-bed trailer, water tank and sprayer system full of clean water, Shop-Vac and cleaning supplies such as car soap, wax, tire shine, rags, sponges and interior cleaning supplies. These are the basics needed to start your business.

Advertise your business to potential customers by putting up signs, adding a sign to your vehicle (and keeping it clean), passing out fliers at car events, placing business cards at businesses and corporations and contacting the human resource department at major corporations. Get accounts with bigger companies and possibly make a deal to wash all of the employees' cars for a monthly or weekly fee.