Have you been thinking about starting your own small business but aren’t sure where to begin? One of the best ways to kick off a new small business is to set up a mobile service business. Running a mobile service lets you bring your skills right to your customers’ doorsteps, saving them time and making their lives easier.
In this article, we’ll explore creative mobile business ideas to kickstart your success, from mobile pet grooming services to event planning. We’ll break down the startup costs, business models, and what’s required to get each type of business up and running.
The benefits of a mobile business model
Running a mobile service business is an excellent way to start your own business without a great deal of expense. Here are the main benefits to choosing a mobile business.
- Low startup costs
When your business is mobile, you don’t need to find permanent premises or spend a lot of money on major equipment. You just need a reliable business vehicle that’s big enough to transport your tools, and somewhere to store them securely.
- Flexible schedule
One of the major benefits of a mobile business is flexibility. You make your own schedule and work when and where you want. Start part-time and build up as your customer base grows, or jump in full-time right away. Either way, you’re in control of your hours and workload.
- Low business overheads
With a mobile business, there’s no need to pay for retail space or utilities. Your only real overhead costs are vehicle maintenance, insurance, and business supplies, which are relatively low. More of the money you make can go right into your own pocket.
- Loyal customers
Everybody appreciates a service provider that comes to their door. By running a mobile business, you’ll save your clients time and money that they’d otherwise have to spend on getting to your premises. This helps build customer loyalty and increase your client base.
Mobile tech support services
Computers and mobile devices are now essential for work, education, healthcare, and daily tasks. People increasingly need help with devices, software, and connectivity in their homes and businesses, and many small businesses and individuals need on-site tech support.
There are a range of services you could deliver as a mobile support technician. You’ll need to be well-versed in multiple operating systems and devices, but many resources are available online to help you learn technical and customer service skills.
Onsite computer repair
As a mobile computer repair tech, you travel to your customers to diagnose and fix issues with PCs, laptops, tablets or other tech. Services like virus removal, data backup or upgrading software are always in demand. Many people need help setting up new devices, transferring data, and learning basic computer skills, and you can offer emergency on-call services to fix critical issues.
Mobile phone repair
As more people rely solely on their smartphones, mobile phone repair is a growing field. Offer services like screen replacement, battery replacement or fixing issues with buttons and charging ports. You’ll need to purchase replacement parts and tools, but it’s still an affordable type of business to start.
Smart home installation and troubleshooting
Smart home devices are increasingly popular, but a lot of people aren’t sure how to set them up or use them. You can help clients set up or fix issues with smart home devices like thermostats, lights, speakers and security systems. You’ll guide them through connecting platforms like Alexa or Google Home, and ensure all devices are functioning properly.
Wifi network setup and maintenance
Many small businesses and households struggle with spotty wifi coverage or other network issues. As a mobile wifi expert, you can evaluate their network needs, install additional access points or routers and optimize network performance.
Mobile pet care services
Lots of people have pets that they love dearly, but they don’t always have time to train them or groom them. Working as a mobile pet services provider means that you can help them enjoy their pets without feeling overwhelmed by the work involved. All you really need is a love for animals and some experience, which you can gain as your business grows.
Mobile pet grooming
As a mobile groomer, you travel to your clients’ homes to bathe, brush, trim, and style their pets. A mobile grooming business requires just a few basics: a converted van or trailer, grooming equipment, and a generator. Pet owners who use mobile grooming services tend to be very loyal. Once they find a groomer their pet loves, they’ll keep coming back, so building up a base of regular customers in your area is key.
Mobile pet photography
As a mobile pet photographer, you travel to your clients’ homes or locations of their choice to take professional photos of their furry friends. You can book sessions on weekdays, weekends, evenings or whenever works for you and your clients, which makes it ideal as a side business. To get started, you really only need a camera, lenses, a computer, and editing software. You can build up your gear over time as your business grows. Marketing your services on social media and through your website is inexpensive.
Pet photography is a niche market, so you can establish yourself as an expert in the field quite quickly. Pet owners are passionate about their animals and willing to invest in high-quality photos of them. You can charge premium rates, especially as you build up experience and your portfolio.
Mobile dog training business
A mobile dog training business offers basic obedience training, behavior modification for issues like aggression or anxiety, or more advanced training like agility or trick training. You’ll work with dogs and their owners in their own homes or yards, so dogs can learn in a familiar, low-stress environment. It also gives you the flexibility to train multiple dogs each day across a wide service area.
This type of business requires patience, communication skills, and a real love of dogs. The equipment you need is fairly minimal, including treats, clickers, leashes, and toys, so your main startup costs will be liability insurance, marketing materials, and possibly a training certification. Start small by serving a few clients a week around your current work schedule. As your business grows, you can take on more clients, raise your rates, hire other trainers, and expand into new areas.
Mobile hair and makeup salon
As the name suggests, a mobile hair and makeup salon comes directly to you for any event or special occasion. Whether it’s for a wedding, prom, or just a night out on the town, a mobile salon can provide full hair and makeup services wherever clients need them. The largest expenses are equipment, product inventory, marketing, and hiring qualified stylists, and a mobile salon can build a large, loyal clientele quickly.
Styling for weddings and lifecycle events
Brides want to look their best on the big day but may not want the hassle of going to a salon. Mobile salons eliminate that stress by providing on-site beauty services. They can style the bride’s hair and do her makeup, as well as provide services for the bridesmaids and mothers of the bride and groom. For proms and homecomings, groups of friends can get ready together with the help of a mobile salon.
Corporate events
Mobile salons also serve corporate clients by providing styling and touch-ups at conferences, parties and meetings, as a perk for attendees. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes the event feel more polished and luxurious. The salon can do quick hairstyling, makeup refreshes, beard trimming and other mini makeovers to have all the guests looking photo-ready.
Local businesses
Some mobile salons partner with local businesses like spas, gyms, boutiques and photographers to provide add-on services for their clients. The salon may rent space from the business or pay a percentage of sales to set up their salon. Clients of the host business then have the option to book hair and makeup styling to enhance their experience. It’s a win-win partnership that generates more revenue for both businesses.
Mobile auto detailing
Getting into the auto detailing business is a great way to tap into the lucrative mobile service industry. As a mobile detailer, you travel to your customers’ locations to detail their vehicles. However, it can be physically demanding work, and you’re exposed to the elements while detailing vehicles on location. Seasonality may also impact your business, with lower demand in winter months in some areas.
Invest in the right materials
To start a mobile auto detailing business, you’ll need supplies like car wash soap and wax, polishes and buffing compounds, air compressors, vacuums, brushes, and more. You should also get business licensing and insurance, so that your business is legally registered and you have protection in case of accidents or mistakes.
Offer a range of services
Market your services to local car dealerships, auto repair shops, and directly to vehicle owners. Build a professional website to help establish your business and allow customers to schedule appointments. Offer different packages at varying price points, from a basic wash and wax up to complete interior and exterior detailing.
Mobile personal training
As a personal trainer, starting a mobile personal training business allows you to provide your services directly to clients in their homes or private gyms. This type of business has low startup costs since you don’t need a commercial space. However, you will require fitness equipment, liability insurance, and a reliable vehicle to transport your gear.
Decide on the services you’ll offer
Some services you can provide include:
- In-home fitness assessments to determine current fitness levels and health risks.
- Custom meal planning to complement training programs.
- Group training for families, friends or coworkers.
- Corporate wellness programs for local businesses.
- Personalized workout videos for clients to do on their own between sessions.
Market your business
Promote your mobile service on social media, at local gyms and fitness centers, and through your current client base. Offer discounts and promotions to new clients to grow your business, but keep your rates in line with other personal trainers in your area. You can raise your rates as you grow your experience.
Set your business up for success
Determine how many clients you want to take on, your service offerings, and marketing strategies. Stay up-to-date with the latest exercise techniques and equipment. Continuously improving your skills through courses and certifications will allow you to better serve your clients and charge higher rates.
Mobile notary public services
As a mobile notary public, you travel to your clients to officially witness documents and take oaths or affirmations. Many businesses and individuals need documents notarized, and you can build a steady client base by offering your mobile notary services. Some additional services you might provide include loan signings, oaths of office, and taking acknowledgments.
You will need to become a commissioned notary public in your state, which requires taking a course, passing an exam, and obtaining a surety bond. Once your business is up and running, market your services to local law firms, real estate agents, banks, and title companies. You can also offer mobile notary services at places like farmers markets, co-working spaces, and business networking events.
Mobile massage therapy
As a mobile massage therapist, you travel to your clients at their homes or offices. All you need is a portable massage table, some essential oils and lotions, and your skills, so the startup costs for this business are relatively low. You’ll also need liability insurance in case of any injuries.
To get started, you’ll need proper training and licensing. Most areas require massage therapists to have a license or certification. Once you’re up and running, you can promote your mobile massage therapy services to local spas, gyms, physical therapy clinics, and event venues. You can also market directly to individuals on community Facebook groups, NextDoor, and at local businesses.
Corporate events, conferences and meetings are another opportunity, because you can set up a booth to give seated massages to event attendees. You can also contact local event planners to see if they need massage vendors for their events, and attend seasonal events like farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and health fairs.
Your new mobile service business is waiting for you
The mobile service industry continues to grow, with options like tech support, event planning, mobile hair salons, and more. Whatever kind of mobile business you’re interested in, the most important next steps are drafting your business plan and evaluating startup costs. Starting any business is challenging, but armed with the knowledge from this article, you’re ready to research the options and make your mobile business idea a reality.
