Business Set-Up Checklist: Essential Equipment for Your Detailing Business

Below is a comprehensive checklist of the essential equipment needed to get your detailing business up and running, along with cost estimates to help you plan your investment.

1. Van

Your van is your mobile workshop. It needs to be large enough to carry all your equipment but not so big that it’s difficult to manoeuvre in residential areas or car parks. The Renault Trafic or Ford Transit Custom is ideal for most mobile detailers, offering the perfect balance between size, load capacity, and fuel efficiency.

• Cost: £10,000 (used) to £25,000 (new)
• Why It’s Essential: Your van projects your business's professional image, helps with organisation, and ensures you have enough space for water tanks, pressure washers, and other necessary equipment.

2. Water Tank (250-400 Litres)

A water tank is essential for mobile detailing as it allows you to work independently of your clients' water supply. The ideal size for a mobile detailing van is 250-400 litres, which offers enough water for multiple jobs without being too heavy.

• Cost: £100 to £250
• Why It’s Essential: Having your own water supply ensures you can complete jobs efficiently without needing to rely on your client’s water. This enhances your professionalism and reduces inconvenience for the customer.

3. Generator (2.5-3kva)

A generator is crucial for powering your equipment when working at remote locations or where electrical power is unavailable. A 2.5-3kva generator provides enough power to run your pressure washer, vacuum cleaner, and other essential tools.

• Cost: £400 to £800
• Why It’s Essential: A generator allows you to run all your powered equipment on-site, making you fully independent. Investing in a reliable model will ensure you don’t experience breakdowns that can slow down your work.

4. Pressure Washer (Kranzle K7)

A high-quality pressure washer is a must-have for any detailing business, and the Kranzle K7 is one of the best on the market. It’s more expensive than standard options, but its durability and performance make it worth the investment. This unit will handle the toughest jobs and last for years.

• Cost: £900 to £1,200
• Why It’s Essential: A reliable pressure washer is critical for achieving a professional-level clean. The Kranzle K7 will handle regular heavy-duty use, helping you deliver consistent, top-quality results.

5. Pressure Hose on Reel

A pressure hose on a reel might seem like a luxury, but it’s one of the best ways to improve your efficiency. Reeling in and out your pressure hose quickly allows you to set up and pack away faster, saving time on each job.

• Cost: £100 to £200
• Why It’s Essential: Time is money in detailing. A pressure hose on a reel helps you get in and out of jobs more efficiently, meaning you can handle more clients each day.

6. Vacuum Cleaner

A professional-grade vacuum cleaner is essential for interior detailing. You’ll want one that’s powerful enough to handle everything from light dust to deep-seated dirt in carpets and upholstery.

• Cost: £100 to £300
• Why It’s Essential: Clean interiors are a huge part of the detailing process. A strong vacuum cleaner will help you tackle dirt, pet hair, and debris quickly and effectively.

7. Extraction Machine for Mats and Upholstery

For deep cleaning carpets and upholstery, an extraction machine is an excellent tool. It uses water and cleaning solutions to remove deep-seated dirt and stains, leaving surfaces looking like new.

• Cost: £300 to £600
• Why It’s Essential: Clients expect a professional-level clean, especially for interiors. An extraction machine ensures you can remove stubborn stains and leave car interiors spotless, which can set you apart from the competition.

8. Extraction Machine for Mats and Upholstery

A steam cleaner is an incredibly versatile tool in a detailer’s arsenal. It can be used for cleaning hard surfaces, killing bacteria, and loosening grime in areas that are hard to reach with traditional cleaning methods. It’s especially useful for sanitising interiors.

• Cost: £100 to £400
• Why It’s Essential: Steam cleaners allow for deep cleaning without the need for harsh chemicals. This is particularly appealing to clients who are concerned about eco-friendly cleaning methods or those with allergies.

9. Products

Your choice of detailing products can make or break the quality of your work. You’ll need a range of products for different surfaces, including exterior cleaners, polishes, waxes, and interior treatments. Brands like Auto Finesse offer a great range of professional-grade products.

• Cost: £300 to £800 (initial stock)
• Why It’s Essential: Using high-quality products improves the finish of your work, whether you’re polishing paintwork or conditioning leather interiors. Good products also last longer and go further, saving you money in the long run.

10. Ancillaries – Buckets, Wash Mitts, Drying Towels, Pads, etc.

The small tools and accessories you use during the detailing process are just as important as the larger pieces of equipment. Having the right wash mitts, drying towels, buckets with grit guards, and polishing pads will improve the quality of your work and ensure you don’t damage the vehicle’s paintwork.

• Cost: £150 to £400
• Why It’s Essential: Proper equipment ensures a professional-level clean and protects the vehicle from scratches and swirls. Always invest in high-quality towels, mitts, and pads that won’t degrade quickly or cause damage.

Estimated Costs Breakdown

Here’s a rough estimate of the total cost to of all the essentials for getting your detailing business up and running:

Total Estimated Cost:

• Minimum: £12,450
• Maximum: £29,950