What Are The Best Products To Start A Detailing Business?

Starting an auto detailing business involves having an assortment of quality tools, chemicals, and supplies to clean and maintain both the interior and exterior of vehicles. Below is a comprehensive list of essential auto detailing tools along with product recommendations based on their reliability, effectiveness, and popularity. Please note that prices can vary based on location, retailer, and availability, so these are approximate estimates as of the knowledge of this post.

Interior Detailing Tools and Products:

1. Portable Vacuum Cleaner:

   • Recommended Product: RIDGID 4 Gal. Portable Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum.
   • Approximate Cost: $100.

1. Steam Cleaner:

   • Recommended Product: McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner.
   • Approximate Cost: $200.

1. Carpet Extractor:

   • Recommended Product: Mytee Lite 8070 Carpet Extractor.
   • Approximate Cost: $800.

1. Brushes and Applicators:

   • Recommended Product: General Brushes & Applicator Set.
   • Approximate Cost: $20.

1. Microfiber Towels:

   • Recommended Product: Autofiber / Rag Company Professional Grade Microfiber Towels.
   • Approximate Cost: $18 for a pack of 12.

1. Interior Cleaners and Conditioners:

   • Recommended Product: P&S Express Interior Cleaner,  Leather Conditioner.
   • Approximate Cost: $30.

Exterior Detailing Tools and Products:

7. Pressure Washer:

   • Recommended Product: Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer.
   • Approximate Cost: $150.

7. Foam Cannon:

   • Recommended Product: MJJC Adjustable Foam Cannon.
   • Approximate Cost: $65

7. Car Wash Soap:

   • Recommended Product: Turtle Wax PRO Pure Wash. 
   • Approximate Cost: $22.

7. Buckets with Grit Guard:

   • Recommended Product: Heavy Duty Detailing Bucket with Grit Guard.
   • Approximate Cost: $65.

7. Wash Mitts:

   • Recommended Product: Microfiber Car Wash Mitt.
   • Approximate Cost: $15.

7. Clay Bar:

   • Recommended Product: Synthetic Clay Bar.
   • Approximate Cost: $30.

7. Polisher:

   • Recommended Product: Maxshine Random Orbital Polisher.
   • Approximate Cost: $130.

7. Polishing Pads:

   • Recommended Product: Buff and Shine Polishing Pads.
   • Approximate Cost: $38.

7. Compound & Polish:

   • Recommended Product: 3D One - All In One Compound & Polish.
   • Approximate Cost: $25.

7. Wax/Sealant:

   • Recommended Product: Turtle Wax Seal n Shine Sealant
   • Approximate Cost: $15.

7. Microfiber Drying Towels:

   • Recommended Product: The Rag Company or Autofiber Drying Towels.
   • Approximate Cost: $30.

Additional Supplies:

18. Gloves:

    • Recommended Product: Venom Steel Nitrile Gloves.
    • Approximate Cost: $30.

18. Utility Cart:

    • Recommended Product: Rubbermaid Commercial Utility Cart.
    • Approximate Cost: $200.

Estimated Total Cost:

This list brings the approximate total to around $2,133.

Remarks:

Remember that this list is a starting point and you may need to add or adjust according to your business needs and preferences. You'll also need to consider operational costs such as insurance, permits, and possibly a vehicle, as well as ongoing costs for consumables like cleaning products.

p.s. If you are looking for the foremost destination for automotive detailing content check out the Detailing Discord. 

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