5 Auto Detailing Business Success Stories [2024]

Updated: November 19th, 2023
Start An Auto Detailing Business

Starting an auto detailing business is a great way to start your own business and get in on the action. Auto detailing is one of the fastest-growing industries in America, and it’s only going to get bigger as people want their cars to look like they just came off the showroom floor. Plus, you’ll be satisfied knowing that you’re helping people take care of their most prized possession: their car!

Auto detailing business is a low barrier to entry entrepreneurship opportunity and can be mobile or operate from a physical location. To start an auto detailing business, find a strategic location and invest in modern equipment and technology.

Here are some real life success stories of starting a auto detailing business:

1. Fresh Look Mobile Auto Detailing ($60K/year)

Matt Paskow, a former sales executive in the technology industry, started Fresh Look Mobile Auto Detailing after growing tired of the uncertainties of corporate layoffs. With a passion for car detailing and a desire for more control over his future, Matt recognized the opportunity to provide convenient and high-quality auto detailing services to busy professionals in North County, San Diego. By focusing on SEO, Google My Business, and Google AdWords, Matt has been able to attract customers and build a successful business that generates $5,000 per month.

How much they make: $60K/year
How much did it cost to start: $2.5K
Current team size: 1

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I Left Tech & Built My Own Car Detailing Business [My Hobby]

Learn how former tech salesman, Matt Paskow, left the industry to start Fresh Look Mobile Auto Detailing, a profitable mobile auto detailing business generating around $5k per month that focuses solely on SEO, Google AdWords, and Google My Business for marketing.

About
Matt started Fresh Look Mobile Auto Detailing almost 3 years ago
Revenue
Matt grew the business to $5K/month
Costs
It cost Matt $2500 to start the business
Read by 3,803 founders

2. Belk Mobile Detailing ($240K/year)

Josh Belk, the founder of Belk Mobile Detailing, came up with the idea for his business after being inspired by his passion for cars and his brother's constant cleaning of his own vehicle. They saw an opportunity to provide mobile automotive detailing services and decided to start their own business together. With an average of $8,000 in revenue and 60-80 vehicles detailed per month, Belk Mobile Detailing has found success in serving professionals, business owners, busy moms, and people looking to sell their vehicles.

How much they make: $240K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 3

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How We Started Our $96K/Year Mobile Auto Detailing Business

Belk Mobile Detailing, a mobile automotive detailing business, generated an average of $8,000 over the past 12 months, detailing 60-80 vehicles per month and is set to break a record for their highest sales month yet, having done over $15k in sales for April, 2022.

About
Josh started Belk Mobile Detailing over 4 years ago
Revenue
Josh grew the business to $20K/month
Costs
It cost Josh $500 to start the business
Read by 3,032 founders

So... can you actually make money with a auto detailing business?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

  1. Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
  2. Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
  3. Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

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3. Wolf's Auto Detailing ($36K/year)

Joey Sanchez, the founder of Wolf's Auto Detailing, came up with the idea for his business while working for a company that overworked him. Realizing his passion for cars and the satisfaction he got from detailing them, he decided to quit his job and start his own auto detailing business. With a focus on quality work and convenience, Wolf's Auto Detailing has achieved success, making $3,000 a month by working only three days a week.

How much they make: $36K/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 1

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How I Started A $36K/Year Auto Detailing Business Working 3 Days Per Week

Joey Sanchez turned his love for car detailing and buying and selling cars into a successful mobile auto detailing business in Phoenix, Arizona, making $3K a month working only 3 days a week, with plans to eventually open a shop location.

About
Joseph started Wolf's Auto Detailing almost 3 years ago
Revenue
Joseph grew the business to $3K/month
Costs
It cost Joseph $5000 to start the business
Read by 3,022 founders