Detail Garage franchise startup costs run $50,000–$120,000 for a mobile and retail auto detailing supplies store. The concept sells professional detailing products, tools, and equipment direct to consumers and detailing professionals — a hybrid retail and B2B model.
Detail Garage is an auto detailing supplies retail franchise founded by Larry Kosilla and backed by the Chemical Guys brand ecosystem. As of 2026, Detail Garage operates 100+ locations across the United States offering professional-grade car care products, detailing tools, polishers, ceramic coatings, and accessories to both consumer enthusiasts and professional detailers. The retail format combines a storefront or inline shop with education programming — classes, detailing demonstrations, and product training — that build community and differentiate from pure e-commerce. The B2B component (selling to detailing shops, mobile detailers, and car dealerships) creates recurring wholesale revenue above the consumer retail baseline. Prospective franchisees must review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) filed under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436).
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:
Detail Garage charges a 6% royalty on gross sales plus marketing fund contributions. Revenue streams include: retail product sales to consumers and enthusiasts, professional and wholesale accounts (detailing shops, mobile operators, car dealerships), detailing classes and events, and accessories and tool rentals. The Chemical Guys product affiliation provides brand recognition and a deep SKU catalog that reduces supplier fragmentation for franchisees.
Detail Garage is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. Financing paths:
Retail detailing supply concepts at the $50K–$120K investment level typically target break-even within 12–24 months. Operators who actively develop the professional B2B account base — mobile detailers, detail shops, and dealerships — accelerate payback above the consumer retail baseline. Detailing class programming drives foot traffic and repeat purchases. Locations adjacent to car enthusiast communities, car washes, or high-density automotive retail corridors perform strongest.
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.
ClearValue Lending works with automotive retail and specialty franchise operators on SBA 7(a), inventory, and working capital financing. Apply for franchise financing at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender.
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:
Most Detail Garage loans are structured as SBA Express term loans covering franchise fee + leasehold improvements + initial inventory + technology + working capital in a single facility. At $50K–$120K total cost, the loan amount after 10–15% equity injection runs $42K–$108K. 7-year terms are typical for mixed startup loans at this investment tier. If the service vehicle or display equipment is financed separately via equipment loan, the SBA Express covers the remaining components. See SBA 7(a) vs. business term loan for the structural comparison.
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $50,000–$120,000. The franchise fee is $25,000. Initial inventory, leasehold improvements, and fixtures are the primary cost drivers beyond the franchise fee.
Detail Garage sells professional-grade car care products, detailing chemicals, polishers, buffers, ceramic coating kits, tools, and accessories — primarily from the Chemical Guys product ecosystem. Both consumer enthusiasts and professional detailers are target customers.
Yes. Detail Garage is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) and SBA Express cover franchise fees, build-out, inventory, and working capital. Apply at ClearValue Lending for matched lender routing.
Both. The B2B professional account component — selling to mobile detailers, detail shops, and car dealerships — is a key revenue layer above consumer retail. Operators who develop professional accounts typically accelerate break-even compared to consumer-only retail.
SBA SOP 50 10 7 sets a minimum global DSCR of 1.15×. For startup franchise loans at the $50K–$120K range, SBA Express lenders typically require 1.25× on a projected pro forma. Lenders weight the B2B professional account pipeline — signed contracts or letters of intent from detailing shops or dealerships — as DSCR-stabilizing evidence. Consumer retail alone is harder to project; B2B recurring accounts strengthen the case. Source: SBA SOP 50 10 7 (sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs).
SBA SOP 50 10 7 requires the borrower to contribute equity from non-borrowed funds. At the $50K–$120K investment range, startup franchise equity requirements typically run 10–15% of total project cost — $5,000–$18,000 in liquid capital injected into the deal. SBA Express streamlines the process for this investment tier. The injection demonstrates owner-at-risk commitment and is verified at closing through bank statements. Source: SBA SOP 50 10 7.