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50 Profitable Mobile Business ideas You Can Start With Little Money

Are you sociable and friendly? Do you like meeting new people? Can you sell? If YES, here are 50 best mobile business ideas for first time entrepreneurs to start.

Today more and more traditional businesses are now going mobile as technology is shrinking. There is a growing need for mobile services.

Individuals and businesses are both searching for services that offer the added convenience and time savings that mobile businesses provide.

Some mobile ventures are operated only part time. Others are home-based. In addition, many established companies choose to provide mobile services in addition to what they already offer in order to increase their revenue stream.

There are lots of benefits to owning a mobile business; you just need to decide which one is right for you. Here are fifty mobile business ideas from which you might choose to start, run, and make money while on the road:

Best Mobile Business ideas

  1. BECOME A MOBILE AUTO MECHANIC

Specialized knowledge is definitely required for this particular mobile business idea. As is some specialized equipment. Mobile mechanics are required to fix all manner of problems, from flat tires to busted starters. They can charge a premium for services, as well as a call out charge.

Mobile mechanic as the name implies is operating your mechanic services on the go. It means that even if you don’t have a mechanic workshop, you can still move around to help people fix or service their automobile in their homes, offices, and even on the road when you are called upon to do so.

Starting a mobile mechanic career requires low startup capital and it is a very profitable venture because you would have eliminated the cost of renting and maintaining a workshop/garage. So make do with this type of business if you want to make profit.

  1. BECOME A MOBILE MASSEUSE

Massaging the skin also helps with blood circulation which helps to rejuvenate the skin; you could start a mobile massaging business.

Sourcing for high worth clients who will not want to visit a massage parlor can be profitable if you adopt the right strategy and you are good at what you do.

  1. MOBILE MANICURIST

The world has become a busy and fast paced one, many people are finding less time to visit beauty salons due to tight schedules, and this has therefore opened a new door of a new career, which allows the manicurist to come to you with their tools instead of you going to them.

Mobile manicurist are springing up all over the country, they come to provide the customers with services they need, it entails the same job description of a manicurist or nail technician but it is done in the comfort zone of the customer instead of the usual salon.

  1. MOBILE MAKE-UP ARTIST

Being a makeup artist is a prestigious one, the profession is an award winning profession in the entertainment industry, but it original home is the beauty care industry.

Makeup artistry is an industry that actually pays quite well. You can make a large amount per hour, which will add up to a substantial annual income, especially if you widen your skill set and offer editorial, evening, and other year-round makeup services.

The best part of working as a makeup artist is that you’ll get to leave your clients with a smile on their face and will get to make people feel beautiful; a really new and booming mobile business idea.

Most are using the mobile cosmetologists for events such as proms, weddings and other social gatherings. They normally offer a myriad of services from manicure, pedicure to brow threading and waxing.

  1. MOBILE HAIRDRESSING

Just like brushing your teeth and wearing clothes, having our hair done has become an essential requirement of modern society.

Our looks dictate how serious and responsible we are to other people; we need to look well-groomed for both social and business reasons.

Because these hair grooming services cannot be easily done at home, most people have to visit a beauty salon at least once every month.

So going into hair grooming services is a lucrative business in the world today since the world population is made up of young people who are very conscious about how they look.

The services rendered by salons; highlights/foils, weaving and braids; hair & scalp treatments; hair extensions (including wigs, artificial and human hair), relaxers and perms; color jobs, shampoo and conditioning; curling, reconstructing and permanent waving.

Starting a hair salon does not require huge startup capital. So far you are good at what you do; people will keep on coming back.

  1. MOBILE CELL PHONE REPAIR

Hands up if you own a cell phone or tablet? OK maybe hands up if you don’t would be a better question to ask. I’m sure at some time in the life of your personal electronic devices; it’s been dropped, kicked or immersed in liquid. Previously your only option was to send it off to the manufacturer for repair or purchase a new one.

Now one phone call and 30 minutes to an hour later your phone is as good as new, all while you were at work or watching your favorite TV show. You can start a mobile phone repair now as nobody want to wait for days till they can have their mobile devices.

  1. MOBILE TUTORING

Thought your proficiency in high school algebra was all for naught? Think again: As a tutor, you could help others bone up on their studies. Whether it’s reading, writing or arithmetic, help your students reach the top of their class with a little experienced guidance and support.

Work with students in their homes, and you don’t need an office to work out of. Get helpful insight on different teaching methods and learning approaches.

Many parents struggle with their children’s homework and therefore can’t help them. Many will be willing to pay for someone who understands or even teaches certain subjects.

If your skills are marketing, and you are not the math whiz you thought you were consider being the middle man, by hiring college kids or teachers to do the actual tutoring. Split the profit with them, 80-20 and you will see a really nice little income.

  1. MOBILE DETAILING

Take your business on the road, and clean up on profits as a mobile car-wash and detailing pro. Let a little soap and water do wonders, along with a few rags, brushes, and elbow grease; then drive home sales by marketing your services to car dealers, rental fleet owners, and corporations.

9. MOBILE COFFEE BUSINESS

Many companies and firms hire mobile coffee vendors to make cappuccinos and lattes for our open house guests. We paid them a flat fee up front, so the coffee was free to guests. Of course, coffee vendors can charge by the cup, but they can alternatively charge an hourly rate.

Sell coffee from a mobile kiosk, a truck or a cart – and you don’t have to wait for your customers to find you because you can go to them. Find coffee drinkers at shopping malls, farmer’s markets, city music events, busy street corners, etc.

  1. MOBILE CAR DETAILING

There are a variety of different types of auto detailing businesses that you can start, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money.

You can start small, work part-time if you want, and you get the added benefit of a flexible work schedule. There are three types of detailing opportunities: mobile, express and site-based.

Mobile businesses are quicker and easier to launch, and also the most cost effective way to enter the business. You also have the option of working as an Express Detailer at a car wash or auto dealer. This can give you a consistent flow of customer traffic without having to spend a lot of effort advertising.

  1. MOBILE SPA

If you are interested in opening your own beauty salon, but don’t have the money to invest in a storefront, furniture and monthly utility bills, why not go mobile?

There are plenty of customers who would be interested in saving travel time and get the convenience of staying home with their kids.

With a mobile spa, you also don’t have to keep regular hours or hire additional employees. You can easily work part time if you want to – or exclusively on weekends or in the evenings if you have a day job.

There are also some great deals on portable styling stations on eBay for nail supplies or cosmetics. A mobile spa can offer several types of services, including hair, nail, massage and even spa services for kids and pets.

  1. ICE CREAM TRUCK BUSINESS

I’m sure we all have seen and been to an ice cream truck before. Some basic ones will serve prepackaged ice cream while more state of the art trucks boast many flavors and soft serve ice cream.

Businesses that have a tradition of thriving in any economy are ones that offer a low-priced product or service that is seen as a “mini-indulgence”. Something like a cappuccino, a manicure or ice cream/frozen yogurt falls into this category.

Ice cream trucks have been around a long time and still offer the added convenience of “delivery” to customers. As a mobile business, ice cream trucks offer business owners the benefit of low-overhead.

An entrepreneur can start an ice cream truck business with one vehicle and grow his or her operation to several vehicles over time and literally double or triple business profits.

13. COVER LETTER/RESUME SERVICE

Not everyone knows how to look good on paper. With your editing and basic layout skills, a laser printer, and some high-quality stationery, you’re set to start showing clients how to put their best foot forward in their resumes and cover letters–and how to get in the door of potential employers’ businesses for an interview.

  1. MOBILE HUMAN RESOURCE BUSINESS

Whether you have experience in human resources or have the technical aptitude to come up with appropriate apps, starting a mobile business may just fit your profile.

With companies opening their doors for freelance opportunities, you can help them out in, recruiting employees, monitoring their employees with your management skills, ensuring a high performance level among employees, or better still; you can come up with a product that boosts employee productivity.

  1. MOBILE TRANSLATOR

If you look online, there are countless of opportunities for individuals who know two or more languages. What this mean in essence is that there is certainly a great demand for interpreters and you can take advantage of this opportunity by pooling a team of translators together.

The good thing about this business is that you don’t need an office location; all you need is just a mobile phone, a computer, access to the internet and a list containing the contacts of translators; that will execute your tasks.

  1. FREELANCING

With the increasing demand for freelance jobs and work at home opportunities, you can make money out of it. In fact, there are a lot of freelance services you can offer and some of them are writing services, SEO, tutoring, web design and development, database administration, data entry, etc. You can set up a team of freelance workers and manage job hunting for them.

However, the catchy fact about this business is that your team of freelance workers don’t have to work from a centralized location; they can work from their individual homes.

All you have to do in this case is to set up your own site, act as a mediator between client companies and freelancers; and make your money.

  1. MOBILE CONSULTANCY BUSINESS

Yes, you can start a consulting business. With the advent of the internet and the web, the world is now a global village where you can do business with anyone without being limited by border.

You can start a mobile consulting business armed with only your laptop and an internet connection and offer advice to anybody in the world.

You can also serve as a mobile consulting group depending on your particular expertise. All you need to do is to choose a communication platform that will be beneficial to you and your clients.

  1. PRIVATE INVESTIGATION

Blaze your own entrepreneurial trail while following others’ footsteps-literally. As a private investigator, make your mark in the industry by keeping a keen “eye” on other people’s activities. Clients include attorneys gathering evidence for a case, or individuals seeking information about a significant other.

  1. MOBILE PET GROOMING

Snip, clip and brush your way to success as a mobile pet groomer. Fido and his owner will both appreciate the convenience of a “doorstep” doggie-grooming service.

With the proper training and experience, a van and some grooming tools, start barking up the right tree by marketing your business in your neighborhood and others.

  1. MOBILE LOCKSMITH

You hold the keys to success as a mobile locksmith. For best results, be ready for 24-hour action with a cell phone and van. With some training and basic equipment, you’ll have this business mastered–lock, stock and barrel, UN locking cars, homes and businesses.

It’s a lucrative business. If you’re skilled enough, safe cracking has the potential to be ridiculously profitable with many customers willing to split the proceeds of mystery safes.

  1. MOBILE CATERING BUSINESS

Start a Mobile catering business; you have a large resource of potential customers. The hard part may actually be narrowing down your “target market” to focus on a particular niche. Will you be catering large corporate events? Weddings? Small private parties?

Family dinners? Start by deciding what you like best – and when you like to work (weekends, evenings, holidays, Monday-Friday…). Make your business one that you’ll truly enjoy. Then you can focus on meeting the needs of your particular clientele.

  1. GENERAL CONTRACTOR

People skills are essential in this business. If you can pool human resources together, you can take advantage of this opportunity from the top 10 mobile business ideas.

There are many individuals out there who are into contract execution, yet they don’t have an office or operate from a single location.

For instance, getting interior decoration contracts, supply contracts, real estate development contracts, etc. are some businesses you can engage in without needing an office space.

  1. MOBILE PERSONAL TRAINER

Personal trainers don’t have to work in gyms. They can visit clients in their homes or even work outdoors in parks. Find out how to start your own personal training business quickly with the instructions in this book.

Get sample forms, checklists and contracts, with insider advice from the field. Avoid common mistakes and start generating business faster.

  1. PET SITTING

When it comes to creature comforts, most canines would choose their own backyard over a kennel any day. Thanks to pet sitters–who take care of pets while their owners are out of town or busy–Fido can have his kibble at home. This business isn’t just for the dogs, however; gear your services toward all creatures great and small for maximum profits.

  1. MOBILE RESOURCE CENTRE

Many small businesses cannot afford to have or maintain a human resource department. By being mobile a single human resource professional can cover 4-5 (maybe more) small business on a rotating basis or 30-40 on a demand basis.

Some companies are unwilling to put big money on a function that they may not be able to use or manage full time. They would rather outsource these services and such services include IT consulting, human resource projects, marketing and financial functions. You can make yourself and your team available for such services.

  1. COMPUTER CONSULTANTS

In today’s computer-based society, computer “downtime” can be both costly and aggravating. As a repair professional–equipped with some basic diagnostic equipment and technological savvy–you can get clients’ computers back up and humming again.

Computer consultants assist clients in the trouble-shooting, training, purchasing, and set-up of their computer systems and related software.

You can also network with other consultants to refer one another; according to each of your computer knowledge specialties and business concentrations.

Best customers are busy people, small business owners, and organization directors who cannot afford full-time technological employees.

Market your services through local business owners’ organizations and referrals from satisfied customers. Emphasize how your services can grow your clients’ profits and improve their operations’ efficiencies.

  1. DISC JOCKEY

Are you always the one spinning the tunes at parties and various get together? If yes then maybe you should consider setting up a mobile DJ business.

Mobile disc jockeys play all types of music geared to their audiences’ preferences, and to accompany special celebrations like weddings, birthdays, award ceremonies, and other social events.

You should know the current hits and trends in music. Strive to work and communicate with your clients in providing the best music for their occasions.

Work part-time to build your business and to acquire the money to invest in quality equipment. Learn how to mix and spin your music, working as an assistant or enrolling in courses.

Research the background of your music to ensure it is appropriate for your listeners. Develop your own style and show personality.

  1. PRESSURE WASHING

A popular mobile business ideal; all that is required is a pressure washer and a few specialized attachments. Mobile pressure washers can clean anything from wooden decks, concrete driveways to vinyl siding. Contract s with business in the area to maintain the parking lots and parking stones will yield good results.

  1. MIDWIFE/ INFANT HOME CARE

This is another mobile business idea that does require specialized training. Being a mobile midwife is a great service for moms to be that require the extra little personal service, add ones such a baby proofing can be added to increase revenue.

Make new babies’ homecomings from the hospital less tiresome for parents by providing the in-home care and support they need.

Preparing meals, diapering the baby, and providing light housekeeping are all a great relief to proud-but occasionally exhausted-new parents.

  1. DOG WALKING

A really easy mobile business idea to get into is the dog walking business. All that’s required is a love of pets and some decent walking shoes.

Charge a flat fee plus a time based pricing increments (15 minute intervals), larger dogs generally require walking for longer periods of time.

People really love their pets and this is a growth market with lots of expansion opportunities. Regular exercising of dogs helps them stay healthy and eliminates many bad behaviors due to their inactivity.

Professional dog walkers exercise one to several dogs at a time for their clients, walking regular routes and/or taking them to dog exercise areas.

Having previous education and experience in training dogs will help you handle a variety of dog breeds, plus qualify you as an expert.

Before starting, consult with business experts such as an accountant for business management software recommendations; and a lawyer and an insurance agent for liability contracts and protection.

Market with referrals, a website, and free online classified ads. Consider offering add-ons like pet-sitting, pet transportation, and other related services and/or products.

  1. MOBILE INSTRUCTION

Equip a new or used vehicle to travel to teach your talents or skills to prospective students of all ages. Tutor remedial and/or advanced students in various subject areas: teach music lessons; have a physical education bus with fun movement activities and equipment; and/or instruct pupils in other special areas of interest.

Market to: schools; pre-schools; special needs, child care and after-school care agencies; community youth and home-schooling groups; interested parents; and mature adults. Certification in your areas and teaching experience are important in qualifying you to instruct your students.

  1. MOBILE NOTARY

Everyday individuals, businesses, lawyers, real estate and insurance agencies, and institutions need notaries’ services. Notaries witness the signing of important documents that require signatures, making them legally binding.

Travel to your clients’ offices and homes for their conveniences. Your state will inform you how to become a qualified notary and what you are permitted to do with your notary seal.

Advertise with direct mail pieces to prospective clients; having signs outside your home office (where permitted) and on your vehicle; placing classified ads; and using online mobile notary directories. Many notaries also offer other related services, such as process serving and delivering legal documents.

  1. PERSONAL ASSISTANT

Lots of professionals need a PA, but not full time. Many savvy Pa’s have formed companies charging a set fee normally double the regular going PA rate for, on demand personal assistants.

Some having as many as 20-30 clients that require help from 1 hour a week to several days monthly. Time is booked in advance and at different rates depending on time of day and time of month.

  1. GARDENING

Cutting grass and pulling weeds, probably the most recognized mobile business idea out there. Can also be more expensive to get into the majority, generally a trailer, several lawnmowers and trimmers are needed. Will always be in demand, as lives get more hectic and people have less time.

Owners of residential and vacation homes, rental properties, businesses, and municipalities are just some of your many potential lawn-care and garden clients.

You can offer strictly lawn mowing or add additional services such as fertilizing, shrub pruning, planting flowerbeds, and other landscaping jobs as a package deal. Survey other services in your area to find a market niche not being served. A background in horticulture is helpful.

  1. MOBILE ACCOUNTING

Very similar to HR, many small businesses cannot afford or warrant an accounting team, but require more than a regular account.

Mobile accountant services can be on demand or scheduled in an advance. They can take care of monthly and quarterly reports or such things as payroll.

  1. MOBILE DECORATING

If you have artistic talent and a creative flair, owners of businesses and homes, brides, and individuals will hire you to decorate their store windows, properties, and venues for seasonal displays and celebratory events.

Some (decorative) window painters make $5,000 or more over the winter holidays. Most professionals specialize in the types of decorating they do.

Some will partner with other services to offer joint packages. You can volunteer to decorate for non-profit events or places, so potential customers will see your work. Market your services with a portfolio of your work, business cards, and referrals from satisfied customers.

  1. MOBILE CLEANING SERVICES

The need for cleaning homes, and office and institutional-related buildings will always be in demand. Rent or invest in equipment to clean carpets, windows, air ducts, gutters, and other specific items; or offer general janitorial services.

Choose to start your own service; or invest in one of the many available cleaning business opportunities and franchises. Survey your proposed target market area to see what current cleaning services competitors are offering.

Investigate if you can make money by supplying a smaller, related niche type of cleaning service to an untapped customer base.

Offer packages of combined services like cleaning out gutters and installing covers over them; or cleaning and selling related products.

  1. MOBILE PARTY ORGANIZER

Do parents a favor and plan their next children’s party. From hiring Sesame Street character look-alikes to coordinating games, decorations and food, you’re sure to be the life of the party by allowing parents to relax and have fun, too.

Plan birthday, holiday, and religious-ceremony celebrations. Many parents can be in need of this special service mostly during the summer when kids are on holidays, offer parents and children’s relatives celebration packages for children’s birthdays and special occasions. You can provide games, party favors, and the entertainment; or subcontract others for your clients.

Theme parties are popular. Experience with children is a must, including knowing what activities are appropriate for the age of the children whom you will be providing your services.

Market your business with ads in parenting magazines; posting flyers at schools and at child-care centers; and through clients’ referrals.

  1. MOBILE FOOD VENDORS

For many labeled the “roach coach”, food trucks in the last few years have exploded in number and in the quality of food they serve. From sushi to gourmet vegetarian food. Food trucks now serve just about everything and anything imaginable.

Using a food preparation equipped vehicle, you can sell breakfast, lunch, and even special suppers; as well as ethnic foods to customers on the street, at their workplaces, or at special company and community events or sporting venues. Business, food, and operating licenses are necessary.

Franchise options are available, too. Naturally, you will need culinary and food preparation skills. Many owners offer their own specialty food and sauces.

Office buildings, constructions sites, and shopping districts are good places to sell your foods. Use social networking sites to let customers know where and when your vehicle will be on a daily basis.

  1. BABYSITTING

Often thought as the favored way for 14 year old girls to make a few dollars. However parents are increasingly looking toward early childhood development professionals to watch the kids while they are at work or socializing. Some focus on Math, English or even foreign language skills.

I’m sure most everyone has encountered most of the above mobile business at some point in their life, some you may have even used.

  1. COURIER SERVICES

Need something delivered by a certain time? Call a courier. Smaller more time sensitive courier companies are doing great in larger cities where time and not price are the driving force behind your courier choice. Often riding custom made push bikes, which zip through traffic on route to their destination.

  1. RESTAURANT AND PIZZA DELIVERY

If you do not have time to go grab a meal at the restaurant; then mobile food deliveries do the trick. Thanks to restaurant deliverers, busy professionals can order their meals from local restaurants.

By collecting a delivery charge and tip, operators get a good taste of entrepreneurial success. You could also think of starting a pizza delivery business with your truck.

You could either choose to make the pizzas yourself or purchase from other pizza outlets on demand. For this business, you would need a dedicated phone line and a website for people to place their orders. You should also figure out how you would take payments for your services.

  1. PERSONAL SHOPPER

Calling all shopaholics, here’s one business where you can truly shop till you drop without spending a penny of your own! Personal shoppers-who may also perform other errands, such as picking up prescriptions or buying groceries-can never complain about a lack of things to do.

This involves helping people purchase stuffs from the shopping mall and delivering same to their doorsteps or helping people who do not have cars to deliver stuffs that they buy from the malls to their homes conveniently.

  1. MOBILE PHOTO STUDIO

Have you also considered converting your truck into a mobile photo studio? This is a very lucrative business and a lot of people would really love the idea of being able to take studio photos at any point in time. A good place to get high patronage is in student campuses, public parks or camping sites.

  1. MOBILE APPLIANCE REPAIR SERVICES

Appliance repair services involves helping people to repair faulty heavy weight appliances that cannot be easily move around, or helping them pick such appliances up, drop them off for repairs and help them to drop such appliances off after repairs. A typical example of such heavy weight equipment is a freezer or an air conditioning unit.

  1. MOBILE CAR WASH

The first reason why we encourage you start your own mobile car wash business today is because of the rapid rise in the number of car owners. As the economy recovers and booms, more people will become car owners and they will need to get their car washed.

Most car owners are busy individuals, leaving them no time to wash their cars on their own. The mobile car wash business can be started in any country, so whether you are in Nigeria, Ghana, Canada, U.K, etc. you can do this business.

In fact, the potentials of this business multiply especially in regions with bad roads and dusty climate. The capital required to start this business depends on the scale and approach you intend to apply.

You can even kick off this business with almost no money by going to your neighbors’ houses or clients’ houses in the early hours of the morning to wash and clean their cars.

  1. MYSTERY SHOPPING

You will be required to dine or shop at restaurants or retail outlets as an ordinary patron and then give a verbal or written report to owners or managers on customer service and food quality.

Other mystery shopping opportunities are reviewing the quality of care at hospitals or reporting on the service from collection agency representatives.

In addition, you may be asked to do undercover surveillance of staff (if theft is suspected). Some states view mystery shoppers as private investigators, in which case you will need a license.

  1. PACKING/UNPACKING SERVICES

For people or businesses moving to new premises. You need to be organized and efficient at packing and labeling, have good communication skills and be good with dealing with stressful situations.

Target homeowners, businesses and rental accommodation. Use fliers to advertise your services. Think about supplying the packaging materials as well.

  1. FLIER DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

All you need is a telephone and good walking shoes. You can employ casual employees to help scale your business. Research what the current flier delivery services are charging.

Flier distribution is a very easy business as all you have to do is to keep on passing on the fliers and you are also advertising your own services to potential clients.

  1. MOBILE BARTENDER

You will need some start-up capital to invest in purchasing your mobile bar (or you could build one) and stock. Research what licenses or certification you may need. Choose a catchy fun name for your business that is easy to remember.

Advertise your services to local event planners and use social media. Today we are seeing more and more small businesses trying to expand their customer base by becoming mobile. Convenience-craving consumers are always looking for a way to do things better, faster and cheaper.

Often, that means turning to a specialty-services entrepreneur who knows how to get the job done right. You can specialize in one or more of the above listed mobile business and earn a good living for yourself.