Mobile Car Wash Startup Checklist

To help you get ready to launch your new mobile car wash and detailing business, we've prepared a startup checklist to help you keep track of certain startup tasks.

This isn't an exhaustive list but it should get you started in the right direction. Simply fill in the blanks with any other important startup tasks you want to track that may be applicable to your specific business.

The way to read this list is pretty simple. The time values next to each task correspond to the time before your launch. In other words, if a task has a 2 week lead time, you should complete the task no later than 2 weeks before your grand opening.

Activity	Lead Time
Get your personal finances in order	3 months
Complete your feasibility study	2 months
Establish your personal support network	2 months
Complete your business plan	2 months
Interview and choose an accountant	6 weeks
Interview and choose a lawyer	6 weeks
Form your business entity	5 weeks
File for employer identification number	5 weeks
File necessary licenses and permits	5 weeks
Open a business checking account	4 weeks
Apply for a business credit card	4 weeks
Set up your company financial books	4 weeks
Buy office equipment	3 weeks
Advertise in the Yellow Pages*	3 weeks
Apply for merchant credit card account	3 weeks
Order equipment and supplies	3 weeks
Purchase necessary business insurance	3 weeks
Formalize your service menu and pricing	2 weeks
Build and launch your business website	2 weeks
Purchase company signage	2 weeks
Hire and train employees (if necessary)	1 week
Complete wash and detailing dry run	1 week
Opening day!

* Please note, the timing for Yellow Page ads is tricky. Since the Yellow Pages are only printed once or twice per year, you may have to wait a while to get your ad inserted. While you may consider submitting your Yellow Page ad request much earlier in the process, you will still need to have a company name in place to use in the ad.

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