What a mobile dog grooming business costs in Australia
Mobile grooming is one of the strongest small mobile businesses in the country: $80 to $150 a groom, repeat clients, and a vehicle instead of a lease. Here is what the vehicle actually costs.
Trailer or van
| Path | Cost | Financed, per week |
|---|---|---|
| Bare wash trailer (no hydrobath) | from $8,650 | from $45 |
| Fully fitted grooming trailer (hydrobath, table, dryer) | $29,000 to $32,000 plus GST | $145 to $160 |
| Van conversion (used van plus professional fitout) | $35,000 to $90,000 | $175 to $445 |
| Purpose-built grooming truck | from $120,000 plus GST | from $595 |
The van path breaks down as a used van at $20,000 to $50,000 (new $40,000 to $70,000) plus a professional fitout, table, tub, water, heating and power, of $15,000 to $40,000. The trailer path is cheaper and keeps your existing car working; the van is one vehicle to park and insure.
The published startup range
Australian guides put a full mobile grooming start at $40,000 to $80,000 including the vehicle, insurance ($1,500 to $3,000 a year), qualifications and registration, with the wide market range $35,000 to $130,000. The franchise route runs far higher, around $167,000 to $208,000 for the best-known national brand. Against $80 to $150 per groom, a $32,000 fitted trailer at about $160 a week pays for itself inside the first two grooms each week.
Financing it
Trailers, vans and fitouts all write as business equipment, and the vehicle plus fitout can carry one facility. Property-backed borrowers generally price around 6% to 9% p.a. and non-property-backed deals around 9% to 13%, with approvals commonly back in 24 to 48 hours. Run your build through the repayment calculator, or see trailer finance.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a mobile dog grooming trailer cost?
Fully fitted Australian grooming trailers with hydrobath, hydraulic table and dryer run $29,000 to $32,000 plus GST. Bare wash trailers start around $8,650 and purpose-built trucks from $120,000.
Trailer or van for mobile grooming?
The trailer is cheaper and uses your existing car; the van is one self-contained vehicle. Van conversions cost $35,000 to $90,000 all-in versus about $32,000 for a top-spec trailer.
What does it cost to start mobile dog grooming in Australia?
Published guides say $40,000 to $80,000 including vehicle, insurance, qualifications and registration. Franchise routes run $167,000 plus.
Can I finance the trailer as a new groomer?
Yes. Grooming trailers and vans write as standard business equipment, and new ABNs are workable with a deposit or bookings behind the plan.
From trailer quote to weekly number
Tell us the trailer or van build and we will come back with the weekly repayment, usually within a day.
This article is general information only and not financial, credit, or tax advice. Ventas Asset Lending is a finance broker, not a lender. Approvals are subject to lender assessment. Consider your own circumstances and speak to a qualified professional, including your accountant for any tax questions.