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Business Preparation Office Setup
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Assuming you are starting your mobile car wash and detailing business with yourself as the only employee, consider converting a room in your home as an office. Not only will you avoid the extra expense associated with leasing office space, you will also be entitled to numerous home office deductions.
With a home office, your clients will obviously be calling you at your home. Make sure to always maintain a professional image and try, at all costs, to avoid distractions such as barking dogs, crying babies, loud washing machines and the like while you are on the phone with customers.
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If you start a home based mobile car wash and detailing business you will also need space to store your equipment, and your washing and detailing supplies. This is where your insurance agent and accountant will come in handy. Your insurance agent will provide you guidance with the proper coverage for your equipment. Most homeowner policies limit the amount of business inventory you can claim. Your accountant will help you understand additional deductions you can take from your home office by using part of your home for business storage.
In terms of office equipment, you will need the following:
- Cell Phone – Some may choose to use their cell phone as their primary phone.
- Computer – If you aren’t comfortable with computers, you should definitely start learning. You will need a computer to create invoices, manage your books (if you do them), update your business plan, create marketing flyers, respond to e-mail – the list is endless. If possible, we recommend buying a laptop since it provides you with a lot more mobility.
- Printer – You should invest in a quality printer – laser, if possible.
- Fax Machine – Faxes aren’t as prevalent as they once were but you will still need a way to send and receive faxes. Many printers now have the capability to send and receive faxes. You may also want to sign up for an email fax service. These services send the fax to your email account when you receive one and also allow you to send faxes from your computer.
- Answering Service – This is an optional service but may come in handy when you are out on jobs. Some answering services can tie right into your calendar and even make appointments for you!
Since you'll be on the road most of the day, try to limit the amount of money you spend on your home office. This is cash you can use for detailing supplies and equipment.
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