Sample Auto Detailing Business Plan

Are you looking to start your own auto detailing business? With careful planning and preparation, launching an auto detailing business can be a great way to turn your passion for cars into tangible success. 

Writing a plan for an auto detailing business can be time-consuming, but if done right, the result will be worth all of your hard work, since the business plan is an effective roadmap to reaching your goals faster and helping to avoid costly mistakes. 

Getting started writing a car detailing business plan can be difficult, especially if you have never put one together. To help you get started, I’ve put together this sample car detailing business plan template that you can download, so you can begin right away. 

Related: Guide to starting an auto detailing business

—————–

Executive Summary

Mission Bay Detailing is a new detailing business based in San Diego, California. Started by John Smith, John has over 10 years of experience in the automotive industry and has a passion for cars that drives him to provide exceptional service to customers.

By offering convenient auto detailing services in our shop and mobile detailing services anywhere throughout San Diego, our service is perfect for anyone short on time that needs their car, truck, or motorcycle cleaned by experts. We offer a variety of services, such as interior and exterior detailing, paint correction, waxing, polishing, and more. Our commitment to quality means that each job is done right the first time.

Mission Bay Detailing has also partnered with several car dealerships in the area to provide mobile detailing services. 

Mission Bay Detailing is requesting a $28,400 small business loan. The total project will require an initial investment of $38,400 to cover startup expenses. The majority of the funds will be used to purchase a vehicle, equipment, and supplies necessary for providing detailing services, such as a pressure washer, polisher, carpet extractor, towels, waxes, cleaners, and more. The owner will invest $10,000 in personal funds.

Related: Guide to starting an auto detailing business

Company Description

Mission Bay Detailing is a San Diego-based car detailing service that was founded by John Smith, a highly experienced automotive professional with over 10 years in the industry. Our mission is to provide exceptional detailing services to customers who are short on time and convenience. We are committed to providing only the highest quality of service to our customers, and have partnered with several car dealerships in the area to provide services for their customers as well. 

Products and Services

Mission Bay Detailing offers a wide variety of services, including interior detailing, exterior detailing, engine detailing, paint protection, ceramic coating applications, and more. We will use the best tools and highest-quality products available to ensure that our clients always get the best results.

Management

Business Structure

Mission Bay Detailing is organized as a California Limited Liability Company. All relevant business licenses and permits have been registered. 

Related: Learn more about choosing a legal structure. 

Owner Bio

John Smith, the business owner, has been in the automotive detailing business for over 10 years. With an emphasis on quality work and exceptional customer service, John was able to work his way to being the lead detailer for a local car dealership and increasing sales for his department. 

Employees

John Smith will be the lead detailer and will be assisted by two additional detailers that he has trained to provide the same level of service as he does. Starting out, the detailers will work 40 hours a week at $25 per hour, plus bonuses. 

During peak periods, independent contractors will be hired to assist with customer jobs. 

Location

Mission Bay Detailing plans to open a physical location at 111 Mission Center Road, in a leased facility that offers two bays and office space. This facility is conveniently located near car dealerships and professional offices, making it easy for customers to find our shop and for our team to quickly reach our customers with the mobile service. The monthly lease is $3,000 per month. 

We will be open seven days a week from 9 am-5 pm to serve our customers and ensure their satisfaction with our services. We will also provide emergency mobile detailing services on a case-by-case basis. 

With its convenient location, Mission Bay Detailing will become the area’s most sought-after auto detailing service in San Diego County!

Marketing Plan

Mission Bay Detailing will be marketing its services through a variety of channels, including direct mailings to local car dealerships, print and online advertising, social media campaigns, and more. We will also focus on building relationships with our customers by offering discounts and specials to returning customers. Additionally, we will partner with local car clubs and organizations to participate in events and giveaways.

Related: Low cost car detailing advertising ideas

Target Market

The customer demographic for Mission Bay Detailing is primarily comprised of individuals in San Diego county who own or lease a vehicle and local car dealerships. While we work with individuals who want a simple wash and detail to keep their vehicle looking its best, our ideal customer is an individual with a luxury vehicle that expects the highest quality of detailing. Car dealerships are another important customer as they bring a high volume of car detailing. 

Pricing

Mission Bay Detailing is committed to providing high-quality auto detailing services at an affordable price. Our prices will depend on the size, condition, and type of car being detailed by our experienced technicians. We offer packages that range from a basic interior clean to a full exterior and engine detail. 

The average customer is expected to spend an average of $200 per visit on basic detailing services. Our basic interior package includes vacuuming and dusting of the interior, cleaning windows and mirrors, and a light shampooing of the upholstery. The basic exterior package includes washing, waxing, wheel detailing, tire dressing, glass cleaning, and more. We also offer higher-priced packages that include engine detailing as well as ceramic coating applications. 

We will also provide discounts and specials to returning customers to ensure they remain satisfied with our services. 

We are confident that our pricing model is competitive and will help us attract new customers while also keeping existing clients loyal to our business.  

Competition

Mission Bay Detailing has several competitors in the San Diego area, but there are three in particular that offer similar services and price points.

The first competitor is Auto Shine Detail, which provides full-service auto detailing in the San Diego area. Auto Shine Detail offers a range of services from basic exterior washes to complete interior detailing.  

The second competitor is Spotless Shine Detail, which offers a variety of auto detailing packages including basic exterior washes, interior detailing, and specialty services such as engine cleaning and waxing. 

Finally, the third competitor is Clean-N-Shine Detail, which specializes in eco-friendly auto detailing solutions. Clean-N-Shine Detail offers a variety of detailing services, from basic exterior washes to interior detailing. 

Mission Bay Detailing plans on differentiating itself from these competitors by offering more personalized services and higher quality results at competitive prices. Additionally, Mission Bay Detailing intends to build customer loyalty by providing excellent customer service and cultivating relationships

Financial Plan

Please note that the sample financial plan below is very basic and the bank will need to see more detail on your sales projections. For more information, check out our guide on creating financial projections

Startup Costs

The startup cost for Mission Bay Detailing includes funds to purchase a vehicle, equipment, and supplies necessary for providing detailing services. 

Vehicle – 2020 work van – $25,000

Equipment – $4,000
– Air compressor & hoses – $500
– (3) Vacuums – $300
– Carpet steamer- $800
– (3) Pressure washers -$1000
– Polisher & buffers -$600
– Tools – $200
– Shelving – $600

Cleaning Supplies (brushes, rags, wax, shampoo, etc.) – $1,000

Working Capital (to cover deposits, the first year of business insurance, marketing, and first month of salaries) – $8,400

Total Startup Costs – $38,400

Sales Projections

Mission Bay Detailing’s financial plan is based on conservative yet optimistic assumptions of growth in the market and steady customer demand for detailing services. We anticipate that revenues will steadily increase over the next three years as we establish ourselves in the San Diego market and build a loyal customer base. 

Year 1: In year one, our sales projections are $680,000. 

Projections are broken down by individual and dealership revenues. 

For individuals, we assume 2 cars per day, 5 days per week at $200 per customer, which is a total of $500,000 in annual revenue.

With commitments already in place, we project $15,000 per month in dealership revenues. 

Year 2: In year two, we expect sales to increase by 20% to $816,000. 

Year 3: In year three, our sales projections are projected to rise 10% to $897,600. 

Annual Expenses

• Lease: $36,000
• Utilities: $3,600
• Vehicle Expenses: $2,400
• Insurance: $3,600
• Payroll: $104,000
• Payroll taxes (15% of wages): $15,600
• Advertising: $12,000
• Supplies: $12,000
• Miscellaneous: $6,000
• Loan: $28,400 (5 years at 8%) – $6,910

Expenses are projected to increase by 3% annually.

Total Expenses: $202,110

Annual Sales: $680,000

Net Profit: $477,890