What do you get when you buy a mobile detailing business?

A shop-based detailer hands over a building, a lease and a sign. A mobile detailer hands over something much lighter: a vehicle, a kit and a set of customers who expect the same person to arrive. That changes what you are buying. You receive things you can drive away, and things that cannot be seen at all, such as habits and trust.

The van, the rig and the power supply

Inspect the vehicle as you would any commercial vehicle, then look at what is bolted inside it. Water tanks, pressure washers, generators, vacuums and polishers wear out at different speeds. Ask whether the rig works from the client’s own water and power or carries its own, and who maintains it. Confirm the vehicle and each major item are owned outright or whether a lender holds a claim on them.

Bookings and repeat clients

The booking calendar is the closest thing to a storefront. Ask to see how jobs arrive: online requests, referrals, text messages, dealer or fleet accounts. Find out which clients are one-time and which book on a regular rhythm. Check that the booking tool, phone number and social accounts belong to the business and will transfer to you, rather than sitting in the owner’s personal name.

How much is the owner

In a one-van business the owner often does the work. If customers book the owner by name, the business may shrink when they leave. Ask whether any staff are trained to the same standard, and whether the seller will ride along for a handover period. Our guide to buying an auto detailing business covers the wider checks.