Small self-service car wash site

Local drivers, ute and 4WD owners, caravan and boat owners, and people without space to wash a car at home, such as renters and apartment dwellers.

Customers pay by the minute or per wash cycle at the bay. Extra income can come from vacuum bays and vending machines for cleaning products.

• Basic mechanical and plumbing know-how
• Organising suppliers and contractors
• Managing a budget and site upkeep

• Development approval or planning permission from your local council, which can take months and varies by area
• Wastewater and stormwater rules: check trade waste agreements with your water utility and requirements from your state environment authority
• High upfront cost and a long payback period, so test your numbers carefully
• Public liability and property insurance, plus cover for vandalism and equipment breakdown
• Electrical and plumbing work must be done by licensed tradies, check your state's licensing body
• Cash handling, theft and vandalism risks at unattended sites

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $250,000 to $500,000, depending on the site, number of bays and equipment. It is a high upfront cost with a long payback period, so test your numbers carefully.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on location, number of bays and how busy the site is. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week.

Check development approval or planning permission with your local council, which can take months. Also check trade waste agreements with your water utility, state environment authority rules, and licensing for electrical and plumbing work through your state's licensing body.