How to Start a Mobile Services Business

Last Updated: February 14, 2023

A mobile service business is a business that travels to its customers. There are many types of mobile businesses, and many traditionally office-centered businesses venture into mobility in order to promote to a broader customer base, provide for greater customer convenience and cut down on the overhead involved with maintaining a stationary storefront or office space. If you are interested in owning or operating your own mobile business, follow these steps to get up and running.

1

Choose a focus area for your business.

Assess your talents, interests and experience. Starting a business in services you are already familiar with, comfortable in and good at is ideal.
- Determine the practicality of taking your business on the road before committing to a focus area. You need to consider the cost and feasibility of transporting whatever equipment you will need to make your mobile service jobs run smoothly.

2

Size up the competition.

Find your potential competitors and study their moves. Cancel out ideas that you don't feel you'd be able to gain a competitive edge in and study the business practices of the apparent successes. Not only is this a good way to narrow down your options, but it is also a way to get ideas for how and how not to run your own business.

3

Expand your education.

Money isn't the only investment you'll need to consider. Education is just as important. Learn as much as you can about the industry you are going into, and about running a small business in general. Check out books from the library, attend trade shows and seminars, sign up for some courses at your local community college or technical/vocational school and ask other, non-competing, mobile service business professionals about how they do business.

4

Come up with a name.

Decide on catchy and appropriate business name. Make sure you don't choose a name that's already in use. It's also a good idea to make sure your business name is something people can easily search for online without having to wade through pages of search results. Once you have a name, you will need to register it with your government's business regulatory agency.

5

Obtain all required licenses.

Find out which licenses are required by your government's business regulatory agency. This may be as simple as paying for a general business license, or you may be required to complete other licensing requirements as dictated by your specific mobile service.
- For example, if you plan on opening a mobile lunch service, not only will you need a business license, but you will also need a food handler's license and an association with a licensed commissary.^{[1]
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6

Establish business travel accounts.

Don't fly by the seat of your pants. Setting-up business accounts with airline/hotel booking companies is a good way to keep track of travel expenses associated with operating your mobile business.

7

Mobilize your technology.

Besides a cell phone, you should have access to the internet wherever you go. You'll need to be able to send and receive emails, monitor your website, monitor social media, and communicate with employees while you are travelling.^{[2]
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8

Advertise your mobile services business.

Once you're ready to start meeting with clients, it's time to advertise. There are many ways to advertise your business:
- Create a website: Having a website is beneficial for any business, regardless of the industry. Use your web address on all of your marketing materials.
- Take out print ads. Create ads in local newspapers, lifestyle magazines, and industry-specific trade publications.
- Vehicle advertising: Make sure the vehicle you use for your mobile business has a bold, clear display advertising your business. Include your contact information, including a mobile telephone number that you can be reached at even while you're on the road between jobs.
- Social media branding: These days, your branding on social media is everything. Use social media to create marketing campaigns, network with other professionals, and develop relationships with new and potential clients.

Community Q&A

Question

Do I still need a physical address for my business if I work out of my truck?

Community Answer

I do believe that for tax purposes you must provide a physical address. I would strongly suggest a P.O. box. I would never let people find out where your truck is stored, unless properly protected.
Question

Is insurance a mandatory part of mobile repair service in California?

Community Answer

In some industries it may be, it is generally a good idea to discuss any regulatory and licensing concerns with an attorney familiar with small business law. More importantly, having a general liability insurance policy for your business is almost always a good idea, unless you have enough liquid cash to afford covering expenses of an accident during a job (for example, a maid service that accidentally damages a tile flooring which costs $2000 to repair). If this only happens once in a few years, you may not see a reason, but it is about the transfer of risk.
Question

Which company should I use to find money for a start up business?

Community Answer

If you need a significant amount of startup capital, you will likely need to approach a lot of sources. Unless you have perfect credit and verifiable income that would not be lost once you start your business, you will likely be denied by most organizations. Start with small local banks and credit unions, and come with a proper business plan and 100 day plan, as these people are more likely to respond to reason.