Mobile car valeting

Busy households, professionals who park at work, small businesses with a few vehicles, and people selling a car.

Fixed price packages (for example mini valet, full valet) with add-ons such as machine polishing or pet hair removal. Regular customers can book monthly or every few weeks.

• Attention to detail
• Using polishers, steam and wet-vac machines
• Reliable and good with customers
• Booking and route planning

• Public liability insurance, and check whether you need cover for customers' vehicles in your care
• Check with your council about rules on washing cars on the street and on run-off into drains
• Check whether you need a waterless or water-recovery method for some sites, such as flats or workplaces
• Risk of damaging paint or interiors, so test products first and use the right ones

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £800 to £5,000, depending on your vehicle, machines and products. Starting small and adding kit as bookings grow can help keep early costs down.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £600 to £4,000, depending on how many cars you valet and the services you offer. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week, so it can start part time.

Check public liability insurance and whether you need cover for customers' vehicles in your care. Check with your council about rules on washing cars on the street and run-off into drains, and whether some sites need a waterless or water-recovery method.