A typical mobile car detailing business in the US and Canada that's still open after three years brings in $8.9k a month ($106k a year) and keeps about $33 of every $100. That leaves about $35.1k a year.
The top 10% make more than $24.7k a month. The bottom 10% make under $3.2k.
Thinking of starting a mobile car detailing business?
- Typical cost to start
- $4.3k
- Still open after 3 years
- 57%
Monthly revenue by year
For businesses still trading at each point.
| Year | Bottom 25% | Typical | Top 25% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $2,000 | $3,700 | $7,100 | $12,600 |
| Year 3 | $5,200 | $8,900 | $15,200 | $24,700 |
| Year 5 | $6,500 | $11,500 | $20,500 | $34,300 |
Year 3 monthly revenue
How much does it cost to start?
Typical cost to start: $4,300.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Van fit-out (water, power) | $2,200 |
| Polishers & extractors | $900 |
| Chemicals & towels | $500 |
| Insurance | $500 |
| Marketing | $300 |
Where the money goes
Share of revenue for a typical business in year three.
How many survive?
57% are still trading after three years, and 48% after five. These are the reasons owners gave for closing:
What the successful ones do
- Sold maintenance plans every 2–4 weeks
- Moved from one-off valets to fleet contracts
- Raised prices every spring
How to start one, step by step
Verified mobile car detailing businesses on HumDays
Glanz Mobile Detailing
“Maintenance plans every three weeks turned a hobby into a job.”
Kerbside Detailing Leeds
“Most of my week is the same forty cars on a three-week plan.”
Questions people ask
Is a mobile car detailing business profitable?
Usually, if it survives. A typical mobile car detailing business in the US and Canada keeps about $33 of every $100 in sales by year three, which on typical sales leaves about $35.1k a year. 43% close within three years.
How much does it cost to start a mobile car detailing business?
The typical cost to start is $4.3k. The biggest items are van fit-out (water, power) and polishers & extractors.
How long until a mobile car detailing business makes a profit?
A typical business had its first profitable month after 2 months. Side-hustle starts took about two months longer.
Why do mobile car detailing businesses fail?
The most common reason owners give is “owner burnout” (30% of closures), followed by “seasonal demand drop” (24%).
Is a mobile car detailing business seasonal?
Busiest May–September. Survivors plan cash around the quiet months.
Ask mobile car detailing owners
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