Hand car wash on a rented site

Local drivers, taxi and delivery drivers, small fleets and shoppers using nearby shops.

Set fee per wash with menu prices for different vehicle sizes and extras. Volume matters, so a busy location and quick, consistent service are key.

• Managing a small team and rotas
• Consistent quality control
• Basic bookkeeping and customer service

• Planning permission and the site's permitted use, so check with your local council
• Wastewater and drainage rules: you may need an approved drainage arrangement or discharge consent, check with the council and environmental regulator
• Public liability and employer's liability insurance once you hire staff
• Right to work checks and employment law, as some hand car washes have faced scrutiny over worker treatment
• Rent and lease terms, which can be costly if trade is slow

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on the site, the equipment and drainage arrangements, and your lease terms. Rent can be costly if trade is slow, so check the terms carefully.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on location, pricing, footfall and staffing. The estimate assumes at least about 40 hours a week, and rent and wages come out of that revenue.

Check planning permission and the site's permitted use with your local council, plus wastewater and drainage rules, including any approved drainage arrangement or discharge consent. Also check right to work and employment law, and arrange public liability and employer's liability insurance.