Don't Waste Your Money Starting a Car Cleaning Business in 2023-2024 - See Why Here 

Don't forget if you want to learn the Basic Skills needed to Wash your Car whether its for your business or even just as a hobby you can watch Bite Sized videos on my other channel. 👉 www.youtube.com/@howtodetailyoutube

I am not 62 until May Son 😂. As you know I was a car valeter when I was 22. Working for Ford's and yes I could do up to 7cars inside and out. Although the products that are available now didn't exist back in 1983. So everything was very basic then. Still that said I did enjoy it. Good points raised their David,I hope that some people take them on board. Dad 🙂👍

I started my car cleaning business last year when I was 34. I'm never going to work for anyone else again. I embrace the suck and just do what needs to be done. Pain is a part of the job.

24 years old. Starting this month and my partner is my gf. Two motivated individuals ready to enjoy detailing. Purchased my essential equipment to start. Thought of a business name, logo, business plan etc. I love all types of weather. I’d prefer the rain over 9-5. I like clean cars. I clean my own car. I like being my own boss. Still living at home so not as much financial responsibility as others. No rent. No kids. For me it would be fun as well as a business. Starting practice on my car and family cars this month and then accepting customers 😀😀.

First channel that breaks with the American dream stories. Just honest and I really appreciate that in 2023.

Hi,Dave I'm 66 and I did 2 car's today over 4 hour's and I still love it.did the works pre wash,wheels, tyre's,inside windows,etc. Then stand back and soak 🤩in the results and see The owners expressions of pride in their cars

Dave I’ve been detailing fulltime since 2021 FT but technically I didn’t just START. but I am making 8000$ a month every month. About to sign a lease for a 1500 sq feet shop…. LETS GO DAVE!!!

Spot on... started business in 94 after 10 years learning in showrooms,crash centres ,press cars &show cars, at 57 the body hurts but still going strong, haven't advertised in 5 years,still have a continuous full diary and have had many clients over 20 years. Look after the clients and they look after you. Really enjoy the channel

That is why when I started in 2010 I made sure to have other skills besides knowing how to detail a car. I started painting and welding and that brought a different type of clientele. Went from airbrushing to detailing painting and restoring. So when dealing with a customer I can offer all that.

I love your videos! I started a detail business less than a year ago. I do it on a part time bases because I have a full time job. I just turned 60 and I have open heart surgery on December 1st. I can't wait to start detailing again, I have a ton of energy and I can see doing this for at least 10 years. I love cars and the instant gratification of detailing, but what I love the most is the customer faces when they see their car like new. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

You’ve done the hard yards and built yourself up to where you are by your hard work your passion and your honesty . It’s not an easy occupation . Can’t wait for each new episode . No BS .

Just some info for those starting and don't have for a pressure washer, I started at 17 with Chemical guys waterless car wash with carnauba wax. I bout a lot of microfiber rags, as well as spray bottles. The concentrate is about 100$ for a gallon. and it makes 16 gallons. I used Baby water from Walmart due to the PH balance. I was nervous seeing cars with a lot of dirt on them. But I'm telling you, for basic exterior wash that leaves a good shine, it is great to start off with. I Used A Kirby Vacuum to clean the inside and also shampoo the carpets and seats. As time went on, purchased pressure washer and much more and stronger chemicals that worked more specifically for certain task, but many ways to start off without a lot of capital to test the waters and see if the business is something you really want to do. Everything fit in the trunk of my 2002 Chevy Impala. hahaha

Hi Dave. I have seen a massive amount of kit for sale online, and not only valeting/detailing, but also window cleaning and exterior cleaning equipment. The lockdown gave a lot of people time to go through RU-vid and Instagram and see the glamorous world of car detailing, but the reality of owning a business is brutal, and thats a harsh wake-up call for a lot of people. I'm 56 this year, and totally sick of working on cars, I've been at it for 50 years, but until I win the lottery or something like that, I will have to keep bangin on at it. Great video Dave, keeping it real as always.

to be honest the fact that many have chucked towel in and moved on from valeting, is surely a good thing for those who really do want to make a business from it and who have a genuine passion for cars, just means less competition going forward, so maybe 2023 could be a great opportunity for the ones who are dedicated and passionate about it, i started up from home a couple months back as we have a large facility here, its been very tough going, but just lately there's been more interest, so hopefully things pick up, we also run a airb&b here so i try using that to my advantage with offering valets to guests during their stay, i think it could work out well,

Really informative video Dave, I have to admit with the age issues. Being 36 now but still a gym goer 3-5 days a week lifting 200kg on a deadlift and squat, my lower back doesn’t like a interior clean much these days

Well i have been in business since 2014 and around that time there were not many mobile detailing businesses. To date 2023 i have seen a huge increase in people coming out of nowhere with a mobile detailing business, so the competition over here has definitely given customers too many options. I don't have a lot of major skills such as ppf, or window tinting but instead to add extra income and to get through the winter. I have put 2 industrys into 1 business which is me offering mobile detailing and home & office cleaning since i have an extractor, a steamer, and a steam extractor. A lot of the products we use are also home safe so why not provide a car cleaning and a home cleaning service at the same time.

You are correct. I am retired now from the corporate automotive world and I DIY my own cars. But, I can see how your knees, back, arms and dealing with both CR and marketing your services can lead to very long working hours.... And a sore back!

A lot of this advice also applies to self-employment in the hospitality industry too. We have been doing this for over ten years. The last three years have killed us. We are selling up and going back to retail: oh holiday pay, days off every week ... Bring it on.

Everything thing you said is spot on I’ve had my detailing business for over 10 years now and experienced and still do the highs & lows I do window cleaning as an extra service too it’s striking that balance as well, Like you said if you do good work people will always get you back and referrals is the best advertising too I’m getting closer to the 50 mark and feel like I’ve worked harder then ever compared to when I was younger I do 50 plus hours a week lately my advice is look after yourself too you will just have to have experience for yourself all the pitfalls to learn till you find your fit in the business, Hello from Australia love your channel 👍

Thank you Dave I have just spent around £1000 more than that on machines, cleaning products etc.. I made myself a list with your other video a bought everything, but I bought as well the steam machine and the carpet/upholstery cleaner machine etc... hopefully, I will find my customers

Lovely video Dave, biggest problem with the industry is the customer’s lack of understanding over what it means to ‘safely’ clean a car and certainly a complete lack of understanding over decontaminating a car and protecting it. This is why they baulk over paying £50 for a ‘wash’ when they can visit the local Swirl Masters car wash for a few quid 🥴 Just started a new office job, located on a modern business park, all newish cars around me, it rained the other day and every car I saw from the upstairs window was ‘flat’ in terms of protection 😢

Love the story of David’s journey and honesty. I’m subscribed. 🇵🇷 He paid the price and sacrificed. I enjoyed the age facture issues. Thanks again for being sincere.

He is right about the van, you dont need it, I just started mine and everything fits inside of my honda fit which is a relatively small car

Thanks for posting. One of the most Honest videos on DETAILING as a BUSINESS OWNER (U.S.A) AS OF 2023

Good honest, solid, helpful information based in reality. No one starts at the top!

Best advice ever [treat all cars the same] I wash a gwagon the same way I wash a Chevy. I came along way tried to share my journey on my channel

I’m just starting, I already didn’t like 5 cars, but I need to gain some experience before summer time comes, I love people’s reactions when they see the results of my job

I love this because it's very honest and direct not a lot of BS sales tactics. Great Video 🌹

That's whats insane im not a huge car fanatic but i lovd reconditioning cars and making them look new again

People have to pay there dues like you did! Build gradually and stop going big early. Great honest video 🎉

What an amazing, Interesting and informative video. Well done young man, keep up with your video's 👍🏾

Yo! I started detailing on a bike and trailer too! Then I realized that in my area, people will just drive to me if I offer a $5 discount! But now I think I might take it up to the next level!

i quit my job to detail full time and nothing is perfect. however, ill say there are a few things every detailer can do to generate more income. i found a business willing to pay $500 per detail and they usually call 2-3 times a month. businesses often pay more than regular people. the slower detailing gets in the winter the better you have to beat google ads. during the summer you can have a horrible google ad layout and make insane dough. the winter you need to be accurate because you're targeting a smaller pool of people. you can flip 5 cars in the winter. pay a teenage to put up 500 door hangers. there is a lot that can be done you just have to be willing. im launching my own product also. it depends on the detailer tbh.

Another great video, Dave. Having watched all of your videos, I started up nearly 2 years ago in London. It does take time, and I think it's a bit more saturated down here. I definitely need a water tank but use customers power, I haven't got a van but use my estate car so saves me money that way and is more than acceptable, as long as your customer service is great, time keeping, hard work, deliver the work to a high standard and at the price you quote you will get recommended and repeat customers. It's definitely slowed since the energy bills went up, so I'm glad my overheads are kept in check. I'd say that you might need a part time job to supplement income as the business grows. And I'm an old man of 47 so it's hard work. But worth it.

Great video.I’m 42 been detailing for the last 5 years an I love it I do it full time. An wouldn’t want to do anything else, great video

Damn, I started in October of last year and wish I’d of know all of this before I financed a van, bought a load of stuff and BOOM.. winter. Thank you for the amazing advice and great help, can’t wait for the video on detailing!

Recently left the dealership where I was working. My body (at 35 years old) couldn't take the 50 hours a week as well as going to kickboxing 3 times a week. And then doing a few private cleans at the weekend. While I do miss doing it day in day out, I at least have the skills to properly do my own car and my family and friends. Did dream of doing it myself as a business but my area is just full of local scratch and shines and soo many mobile valeters.

I think it's good to know for your own cars it saves you a lot of money

Looked to set up a few years ago in the credit crunch back in 2008 when I was made redundant but reality quickly set in, now I manage a busy dealership with experienced valetors, personally now just do jobs for friends and family, wouldn’t consider setting up now especially here in the Midlands the big clients aren’t plentiful enough and the the rest don’t want to pay the prices.

Really great honest advice (as usual) Dave for the start up car valeters out there pondering this lifestyle. At nearly 55 it's not for me for sure but I could see the attraction of starting a business if you really enjoy this type of thing as a 20 something with boundless levels of energy - as long as you have a long term game plan because as you say the older you get the worse it gets.

Thank you for the video Dave👍. You hit the nail completely on the head with your wise words 👌. As you rightly said one needs to think very carefully before going self employed and it's of the utmost importance to have a passion for that business.

Another top video. And times are difficult but they is light at the end of the tunnel 😊

Best side job to have. I work from 3 am and off at 11:30 am then I do my washes.

I'm a mechanic and I'm looking at doing a car cleaning thing because there is just no money in fixing cars for someone else and if I clean cars there's less chance of something going wrong.

Always help to have equipment to help minimize the wear and tear on your body Ir adjustable detailing chairs or stools, knee pads, etc..

Great video. I know it's wet in the UK. Try detailing in australia when the temps are in the 40s. Your advice is great for all countries.

I got hit by a double decker bus in 2015, almost ended me…. I love detailing as it’s my therapy for me

All your clients are your boss. I am self-employed as well and my clients are my boss if I want repeat business.

Always well informed & honest. Good video mate

I love how far you have come in this journey. Well done you fully deserved

I do my valeting with a pedal bike and a trailer, work 6-7 days a week and I'm in my 50s and I have no energy costs. I find social media drives prices down and expectations too high

I built decks with a 66 year old and he would hump lumber downhill in the snow at 10°F and he's still doing it 2 years later at 68

Wow few things. Firstly top notch advice re routes to market. Most organisations have no clue about their customers or how to use social channels. Have to say this is the first time i seen SEO mentioned in a detailing video. Second, brilliant cash flow advice, both for forecasting and not burdening yourself with overheads as you start out. Finally, despite 16 years Dave your passion still spills over and is i’m sure an inspiration for a lot of people considering starting out on this profession. My only criticism is that at 58 i’m clearly past it 😅

Enjoyed the video, an interesting perspective from across the pond. Wish you luck sir!

Another fantastic and informative video Dave You keep going mate your doing a unbelievable job 👍🏼

Great video and very likable guy! Keep up the good work

Good lad. Work hard, be upbeat. Get on with it !

Hi from the Channel Islands Dave. Starting in 2 weeks full time as have to leave current job for private reasons. Really looking forward to it used to do it back a few years ago but partner let me down so going solo. Got a 4x4 that has plenty of room to fit my gear (250l tank genny etc). Not much competition over here and I'm only 20 and don't have much outgoings so thought now would be the best time. I only have business insurance that covers public liability etc so pretty sure that's enough correct me if wrong. Love to watch the vids you have defo inspired me to do this to :)

Love to keep us hanging about what you have coming up in other videos init, ( promoting ) at its finest

Ion care about cars but I do like cleaning and seeing how it looks when I’m finished

Great video Dave, not that I’m considering starting a valeting business, but what you put out is compulsive viewing regardless. Really insightful business message that I’d guess can be applied to anything. Great work 👍🏻

Yes passion for cars even on the days you don’t wanna work will get yah out of bed 💪🏻

Nice one Dave, as always sound advice. Ppl should take all you've said onboard and realise its pretty damn hard work.

Good call on the insurance. I have this for my insurance which I use when I'm photographing on site in case of trips etc.

Good video, some excellent points. Here’s my tuppence 😁 1. Absolutely bang on with regard to the van. I started my business over a year ago in the boot of my car. As I grew the business I ended up buying a lockable box trailer and still use that to this day. Other than occasionally struggling to park on customers’ property, it’s a great option and I have no intention of buying a van. 2. Water and electricity - Although I’m in Northern Ireland where water is charged at a fixed rate to all households (not individual usage), it has never been an issue or a concern. I inform all customers that I will need access to a water tap and electricity within relative reach of the vehicle and not once has this ever been a problem. Some of my customers even have their own extension leads and hose reels prepared for me to save me the hassle of using my own. In my opinion, as long as your customer is made aware that you will require water and electricity and you have factored this into your pricing then this shouldn’t be a problem. If it is a problem then that customer is probably not worth your time and effort. 3. Have other income sources. January was a very poor month for me. I lost 21 days of trade due to poor weather condition. This was okay because I have multiple income sources. Look into delivering parcels for Amazon, food on Just Eat, groceries on Beelivery and so on. These self-employed driver jobs are a fantastic way to keep the money coming in when you simply can’t do the valeting work.

GREAT advice! Thanks!

i dont care about the small things my work my sweat and my passion and drive will come good in the end i am gonna be starting out soon thats what matters and i can only hope my cliants or cliants will realize that in the quality of my work and i wont take anything less than perfection i dont care where ita a vw polo or a ferrari the work is the same .😊

I do like watching you and your Dad, you do have to get him out of the house sometimes😂😂I don't think I will ask my gardener to clean my cars. I will leave it to me or send it to get them detailed 😎

Woah! I was looking at a review for my Karcher power washer I just ordered, guess I should start my cleaning business now xD

Personally I have not been able to make it work. It is not a get rich quick sceem and you will make loses however if you can break even then I would say you have done well. I had difficulty trying to keep the costs down and public opinion is £10-15 is the expected norm for an exterior wash and polish based on mid size vehicle & for an extra £5 have the inside vacuum cleaned. The market is saturated but this guy is sharing valuable information for example why everyone is hell bent about a van with water purifier and pumped system always blows my mind. You don't need fancy branded polishes or waxs but a decent quality product will suffice. Remember people have different expectations and that will be your hardest lesson. Critical clients can often make you feel like you suck at the job, but reality is you probably done remarkably good one. Its hard work and you will get aches and pains especially in the colder months. For me i had to leave it as my bills just where not getting paid how ever you are you own boss and you do meet nice people and i love being outside but just not when it very cold. I wish everyone the best best of luck in the valeting/detailing world survival of the fittest polish your way to success take care all.

Definitely glad to see the truth being told !!

Ab Another awesome video Dave, informative and very useful as always thanks bud

I’m 37 and will be returning from the military next year. I’m more fit than 95 percent of 18 year old today.

Iv'e always wanted to start a car detailing business, now after watching your videos I want to do it even more. Are you hiring people by any chance?

great vid, ready to put the work in and get my business started.

Great video !!

Hello Dave,great video,worth knowing to do get into the mobile side of it.

Hey legend 🙌 Yes you’ve grafted for it fair play 👏 Great video mate. 👍

this is some good advice, i am gonna have to listen twice

That’s some real talk thanks bro

As you mentioned, there have been lots of FB posts asking about starting out and others finishing. It's been a perfect storm mixed with a world that couldn't have been imagined a few years ago. If someone had suggested everyone go home and work there for 2 years, they would have been escorted from the building! Lots of people who have been detailing as a business for years have had to finish so what chance does someone thinking they can start from scratch have? Even suppliers like Bouncers who make great products closed and that was before the worst of the financial situation bit. Who is going to pay for a detail when they struggle to pay for everything else?

Very honest vídeo! I LOVE cars and motorcycles, but being a music professor i find difficult to coordinate it with the hobby (or possible job) of car detailing... Cheers from Neuquén!

Awesome video and love the positivity! Keep up the great work!

I have a deal with Arnold Clark so I clean the cars they get so they can sell it for more and I do it cheaper than the previous one

5 days a week is what I do now and I'm 52 no weekends whatsoever unless it's big money

I’m a window cleaner, have been for 8 years but don’t enjoy it. I enjoy cleaning cars so combining both. At the moment Jan to April seem to be the hardest months.

Flyers work .. most men with expensive cars are older and dont use social media. Obviously you need to advertise on social media aswell though

Great video I’ll be doing a similar garden break down for anyone wanting to start and gardening business I’ll also explain how I started and what’s involved Like you said it’s not easy and Mother Nature can be your worst enemy sometimes

Dave power tools hmm, only joking, I must say that fiat 500 is well cool ( for a fiat ) anyway, you deserve it mate plus back in the good books with the misses, keep up the good work

Very good video. I retired a few years back when I turned 60 and thought about auto detailing as a business to make some side money. However, while I love cleaning my cars, I don't like doing interior work. Why? Well, I am not as nimble as I was when I was younger BUT, I am 6'6" and getting in and out of cars, especially the small ones, is a PITA! The good thing about being tall and cleaning cars, is that I rarely have to use a step stool to wash the roofs of my cars. Hahaha

Detailing isnt simple at all.... I'll just say that... Business is business and you must market yourself along with skill...

This is mainly on mobile valeting. What about detailing with an indoor unit?

Hrmm, not sure that you need to have a passion for actual cars? I'm just thinking the passion for make something look good again 😍 No matter the cars design or brand. At least that counts for me. Making a car (any brand) looking nice and smooth again, really is satisfying 😁 (just ought to state that for those who watch this vid). You're SO good covering and talking about the details!!! I'm really impressed in the whole starting a company-topic! I'm leaning back here thinking "wow, that makes sense". I have a question: Car care products you recommended, are any of those either "green", sustainable or biodegradable? I love this video so freakin' much!

Glad I stuck doing it just as a hobby

Right on bro!🔥😎👍🏼

I live in Florida perfect weather Question ❓ who are your clients cheap or expensive cars

Great advice Dave, just hope that it's not as easy as it looks, lot of cowboys out there.

We got a kranzle off someone who sold up for £200 😂 2 years in still going strong 🙌👍

not easy work too but love doing cars

I wana be a mobile valeter. Do you think only offering exteriors is a huge mistake? Idea being volume and cutting cost to customer. Undercut the market by doing £50 jobs and doing 6 or 7 a day as opposed to £150 for in and out and only doing 2 or 3.