If you love beautifying cars, and you hate someone else being your boss, then you should surely venture into the auto detailing business. You do not have a lot of money to start the business? Well, a mobile auto detailing business does not require a lot of capital investment. Let's see what it takes to begin this business. Starting an Auto Detailing Business Before you go any further, let me tell you one thing. This business will drain you out, as there is a lot of manual labor involved. You should enter this field only if you are willing to work very hard. Research and Evaluation Once you are sure about your decision to start the business, you should carry out some research, and evaluate your business idea. Many people who skipped this phase, did not last too long in the market. Research makes you think rationally, it is essential (as you may get overwhelmed by your urge to start the business). In your research, you should identify your competitors and note down the services provided by them (you should also note the service charges), isolate your prime area of operation, and also observe the drawbacks in this business. Research will help you evaluate your idea, and help you make a good business plan. The Business Plan A business plan is crucial for any business, and is a precursor to success. You are not working for charity, are you? So, you have to stop acting like an amateur, and start behaving like a professional. Efficiency and effectiveness are the characteristics of a professional, and you can only develop these two attributes if you have a good business plan. Develop a strategy and work with respect to it. Service Vehicle and the Equipment If your business is "mobile", you will obviously need a service vehicle (van/truck). The vehicle should be able to accommodate all the equipment that you will need for the job. Once you have the vehicle, it is time for you to get all the equipment (all cleaning chemicals, wax, polishers, and all other equipment that you will need for cleaning). The best way to attract customers is by showing them your talent, and the best way to do that is to recondition your service vehicle, and let your work speak for you! Note: If you wish to work in areas where there will be no local supply of water and electricity, then you should have a water tank and a generator in your service vehicle. Registration and Other Formalities Register your business, and acquire all permits that you need to run your auto detailing business. Your client will have more confidence in you, if you have all the required licenses. If you do not have the required permits, you might just run into trouble someday. I recommend you do get a liability insurance, as you will be working on someone else's property. Good Marketing Strategy I always say, growth is nearly impossible without marketing. You cannot just start a business and expect to get clients! You will have to invest a lot of time and effort to acquire clients. It all starts with having a striking name for your business. You should use this name and your contact number, on your service vehicle. Use all possible advertising means to attract clients (local newspapers, fliers, Internet, etc.). Offer interesting service packages at reasonable rates, this will help you to get repeat customers and referrals. Do not hesitate to promote yourself on every available platform. Remember, a high quality service will lead to viva voce promotion. If possible, attend some auto detailing training programs before you start your business, and also trying incorporating modern technology in your business (it will help you to increase efficiency). The points mentioned below will help you get a good start. Your future ultimately depends on your work. All the best!