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How to Start a Car Washing Business for Kids

Kids love to make money - and have fun doing it. Especially in the summertime, a car washing business can be the perfect way for kids to earn a bit of extra pocket money. All it takes to get this business off the ground is a few cheap materials, a dollop of enthusiasm, and some creative advertising.

Gather your friends - the more the merrier! More washers mean less work for everyone. It also means you'll split the money more ways, though, so keep that in mind when you invite others to help out.

Find a good location for your car wash. If you can find a place close to a busy street, you'll be able to attract more customers. Make sure that you won't flood any gardens, though; a large, paved area is the ideal. Check with the owner of the property before planning the car wash.

Advertise. Print out flyers and plaster them anywhere that's legal - lamp posts, public message boards, and trees owned by members of your group. Most importantly, create a very large, clear sign to direct cars. Place the sign on a busy street, and make sure there are arrows pointing your customers in the right direction.

Use the hose to fill up several large buckets with soapy water. Keep rags or sponges handy.

Research to find out the going price for a car wash in your area. Keep a locked box to store the money you raise. One person should be responsible for the box at all times.

Tip

You can offer interior cleaning as well. You will need access to a vacuum and some higher quality cleaning supplies to offer this service. Advertising is key in this type of business. Ask local publications and newsletters if you can write an article about your small business. This will give you free advertising, and it will grab customers' attention.

Warning

Make sure your car wash is in an well-lit area. Stick together, and never leave one person alone. Make sure the windows are completely closed before dousing the car with water.

Writer

Keren (Carrie) Perles is a freelance writer with professional experience in publishing since 2004. Perles has written, edited and developed curriculum for educational publishers. She writes online articles about various topics, mostly about education or parenting, and has been a mother, teacher and tutor for various ages. Perles holds a Bachelor of Arts in English communications from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.