Ignore anyone telling you that you can start a legitimate mobile detailing business for under $1,000. It's technically true only if you already own half the equipment. A realistic, self-contained solo setup in Canada runs $3,500 to $8,000 CAD, broken down roughly like this:
- Vehicle: $0 if you're starting with your own SUV, hatchback, or truck (most people should). A dedicated used cargo van comes later, once revenue justifies it.
- Pressure Washer: $400 to $650. An electric unit like the Active 2.0 Full Pressure Washer Kit is ideal for mobile work. Detailing only requires roughly 1.5 to 2.5 GPM at moderate pressure, not a 4,000 PSI contractor unit that will strip trim and chew through your water supply.
- Wet/Dry Vacuum: $150 to $300.
- Chemicals & Consumables: $200 to $500 to start (full list below).
- Towels, Mitts, Brushes & Bottles: $150 to $300.
- Insurance, Registration & Software: Approximately $800 to $1,500 per year for liability insurance plus provincial business registration.
A water tank and generator are not week-one purchases. Most residential driveway jobs give you access to an outdoor tap and electrical outlet. Buy the tank and generator in month two or three, when condo lots and commercial accounts begin appearing on your schedule. Buying them on day one is one of the most common wasted-money mistakes in this trade.
Registration, Licensing & Insurance in Canada
- Register your business with your province. Sole proprietorship registration is typically under $100, while incorporation costs a few hundred dollars and can usually wait until revenue justifies it.
- General Liability Insurance is non-negotiable. You're working on vehicles worth anywhere from $40,000 to $150,000. Expect to pay approximately $600 to $1,500 annually. If you'll ever drive a customer's vehicle, even just repositioning it, make sure your policy includes care, custody, and control coverage.
- Municipal Business Licence: Many Canadian municipalities require one, even for mobile businesses. Check with your local municipality.
- Water Runoff Regulations: Some municipalities restrict wash water entering storm drains. Rinseless washing is often the easiest solution and has become a strong selling point for strata and commercial properties.
The Starter Chemical Kit (Under $200)
You don't need forty different chemicals to start. You need one product that excels at each task while keeping your cost per vehicle low. This is exactly what we'd recommend for a new mobile detailer's first order.
- 3D 202 Pink Car Soap
- P&S Xpress Interior Cleaner
- 3D 104 All Purpose Cleaner
- P&S Brake Buster Total Wheel Cleaner
- 3D 901 Glass Cleaner
- 3D 706 Ultra Protectant
- P&S Bead Maker
- 3D 400 GSM Edgeless Microfiber Towels (12-Pack)
- 1600 GSM Twisted Loop Drying Towel
- Premium Wash Mitt
- Carpet Brush
- Chemical Resistant Detail Brush
- Labelled Spray Bottles with Chemical Resistant Trigger Sprayers
This complete setup comes in at under $200 and will comfortably get you through your first several dozen vehicles. As your volume grows, these same products are available in gallon and 5-gallon sizes that dramatically reduce your cost per vehicle. We break down the numbers in our Dilution Ratio & Cost Per Car Guide.
Pricing Packages That Don't Burn You Out
Always price by package, never by the hour, and never lead with your cheapest option. Underpricing is one of the biggest reasons new mobile detailers burn out. It attracts customers who leave the moment someone quotes twenty dollars less while making your hourly earnings unsustainable.
A realistic Canadian pricing structure looks something like this:
- Express Wash & Vacuum (60 to 90 minutes): $120 to $160 for cars, $140 to $200 for SUVs and trucks.
- Standard Full Detail (2.5 to 3 hours): $250 to $350. This should be your flagship package.
- Premium / Showroom Detail (4 to 6 hours): Starting at $400+.
Always include condition surcharges for pet hair, excessive dirt, biohazards, and other heavily soiled vehicles. Make these charges clear before the appointment begins.
Winter Is a Strategy, Not an Off-Season
The detailers who thrive in Canada plan for winter from day one. Focus on interior detailing, salt stain removal, heated garage partnerships, holiday gift certificates, and building spring waitlists throughout the colder months. Your chemical lineup also changes, with greater demand for interior products and rinseless wash solutions for cold weather and water-restricted environments.
Getting Your First 10 Customers
- Detail three friends' or family members' vehicles for free or at cost in exchange for Google reviews and high-quality before-and-after photos.
- Post your before-and-after photos consistently across local Facebook groups, Instagram, and Facebook Marketplace.
- Choose one niche to target first, such as real estate agents, dealerships needing overflow work, or strata property managers, and reach out directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Water Tank and Generator to Start?
Not during your first 60 to 90 days if you're primarily servicing residential driveways with access to water and power. Purchase them once condo parking lots and commercial accounts become a regular part of your business.
How Much Can a Solo Mobile Detailer Make in Canada?
Charging $250 to $350 for a standard detail and completing two vehicles per day allows a fully booked solo operator to gross roughly $10,000 to $14,000 per month during peak season. Your chemical cost per vehicle is surprisingly low. Labour efficiency and booking density are what determine your profitability.
Where Should I Buy Detailing Supplies in Canada?
Buying from a Canadian supplier means paying in Canadian dollars, avoiding surprise duties and brokerage fees, and getting faster shipping. We stock professional brands including 3D, P&S, Koch Chemie, and many more, with free shipping on qualifying orders, gallon and 5-gallon sizes, plus our Chemical Cost Savings Program for working detailers.
Create an account today or contact our team and we'll help you build your first professional detailing kit.
