Automotive detailing is said to have started in Southern California and has rapidly spread across the United States in recent years. It is estimated that there are over 50,000 detailers cleaning up from coast-to-coast with average annual sales of approximately $100,000.

This type of business can be started on a part-time basis and can easily lead into full-time once list of clientelle is built up. It requires relatively low start-up capital with a strong will, determination and stamina.

Since people are having less spare time to devote attention to their vehicles, personal automobile detailers fill a great need in the marketplace.

Here are some reasons someone might want to hire an auto detailer:

• White-collar professionals with disposable income like executives, doctors, and lawyers that really don't want to do the work themselves.
• Working parents that just don't have the time to take care of their vehicles. However, they still would like it to look nice.
• Owner of luxury vehicles that do not have the time to keep their vehicle looking its best.
• With a tough economy, people are keeping their vehicles longer and want to take great care of them.
• People who would prefer to be doing something else rather than washing, waxing and buffing their vehicle.
• Auto body shops where they most likely contract their labor instead of hiring a full-time dedicated staff to detailing.

Automotive detailing is the process of bringing the vehicle to it finest appearance potential inside and out though washing, waxing and polishing the exterior from the top to the wheels and thoroughly cleaning the inside.

• Hand washing with specific detail to removing tar, bugs, etc.
• Hand drying with a soft cloth like a chamois.
• Using a clay bar to remove any pollutants like paint splatters, etc.
• Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors.
• Hand waxing and buffing with an automatic rotary buffer the entire surface of the vehicle.
• Hand waxing and polishing wheel rims.
• Applying rubber protectant to tires.
• Polishing all exterior chrome fixtures.

• Vacuuming floor and seat coverings.
• Floor and seat shampooing and/or steam cleaning.
• Applying protectant to leather seat coverings, dashboard, etc.
• Cleaning of ashtrays, pockets, pedals and door jams.
• Cleaning and polishing interior mirrors.

Professional Carwashing & Detailing magazine says the hourly pay for a detailer ranges from $15 to $75. National Detailing Systems estimates an independent auto detailer can earn $30 to $60 per hour, or $1,000 to $1,500 per week.

When starting out, it may be wise to begin on the lower end of the pay scale and as you build a reputation you can gradually raise your rates.

When providing quotes to potential customers, estimate how long it will take to complete the job times the hourly rate at which you would like to be paid.

Example: Say you want to begin with $30 dollars per hour and you estimate it will take you 3 hours to finish the job from beginning to end, your estimate would be $90. 

• Water tank and sprayer since you will not be able to depend on using a hose at the location.
• Electric generator to be able to plug in vacuums and buffing equipment.
• Cleaning supplies like soap, wax, cleaners.
• Vacuum, electric buffer, brushes and whisk brooms.
• Washing and drying supplies like towels, sponges, a chamois, etc.

Distributing business cards and fliers are a couple of ways to let people know about the service that you offer. If you have a word processing program like MS Word, you can create and print them yourself. If not, you can go to a printing company and have it done.