Cost to Start a Detail Garage Franchise in 2026

Per the current FDD filed under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436), total estimated initial investment for a Detail Garage franchise runs $50,000–$120,000. The range reflects lease terms, market, buildout scope, and initial inventory depth:

• Franchise fee: $25,000
• Leasehold improvements and store build-out: $5,000–$25,000 (modest fit-out; detail supply retail does not require heavy construction)
• Fixtures, shelving, and display systems: $3,000–$10,000
• Initial product inventory (Chemical Guys lines + accessories): $8,000–$20,000
• POS system and technology: $2,000–$5,000
• Signage and branding: $2,000–$6,000
• Initial marketing and grand opening: $3,000–$8,000
• Training and travel: $2,000–$5,000
• Working capital (3 months): $5,000–$15,000
• Miscellaneous startup costs: $2,000–$6,000

Detail Garage is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. Financing paths:

• SBA 7(a) loan: Covers franchise fee, leasehold improvements, fixtures, inventory, technology, and working capital per the SBA 7(a) program. The $50K–$120K range fits SBA Express and standard 7(a) structures.
• SBA Express loan: Faster approval for qualified operators at the lower end of the investment range — streamlined up to $500K.
• Inventory financing / line of credit: For managing seasonal SKU depth and stocking new Chemical Guys product launches.
• Working capital line: Covers the ramp period before professional account revenue stabilizes.

Detail Garage suits operators with automotive enthusiasm, retail, or wholesale distribution backgrounds. Prior professional detailing experience is helpful but not required — the franchisor provides product and sales training. Strong B2B outreach skills accelerate professional account development. Financial benchmarks typically include net worth of $75K–$100K and liquid capital of $35K–$50K. Markets with active car culture, detailing professional communities, and limited Chemical Guys retail presence offer the strongest opportunity.

Detail Garage is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, enabling SBA-approved lenders to process applications without SBA independently reviewing the franchise agreement. At $50K–$120K, this investment fits SBA Express — faster approval, reduced paperwork. Here is what lenders evaluate:

• DSCR 1.25×+: SBA SOP 50 10 8 requires a minimum global DSCR of 1.15×; Express lenders for startup retail/service franchises typically require 1.25×. The DSCR is projected from a pro forma — lenders look for signed B2B account LOIs or pipeline documentation (mobile detailing shops, dealerships) to validate the revenue assumptions beyond consumer retail.
• Equity injection 10–15%: At $50K–$120K total project cost, the equity injection of $5,000–$18,000 must come from non-borrowed funds. SBA SOP 50 10 8 mandates 'owner at risk' capital; source-of-funds documentation (90-day bank statements) is verified at closing.
• Inventory collateral discount: Initial Chemical Guys product inventory ($8K–$20K) is typically discounted 30–50% by lenders as perishable/depletable collateral. The vehicle (if financed separately via equipment loan) provides better collateral quality. Structure accordingly.
• Retail and B2B account mix: Lenders for detailing supply retail prefer a demonstrated B2B professional account strategy — it signals recurring revenue above one-off consumer transactions. Operators who can document a dealer or detailing-shop contact pipeline improve their underwriting position.
• Personal credit and liquidity: 660–680+ FICO is a common SBA Express threshold at this investment level. Liquid capital of $30K–$50K beyond the equity injection is typical for a clean approval at the $50K–$120K range.