Manufacturing business ideas you run out and about
14 ideas
These 14 ideas take manufacturing to the customer instead of tying you to a factory. Think of a mobile welding and repair fabricator who fixes gear on site, a mobile fastener supply van for tradies, or a mobile hydraulic hose and parts supplier who keeps farms and workshops running.
Mobile food machinery service and repair
Service, repair and install commercial food machines at customers' sites, and supply parts and refurbished units.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile antique and grandfather clock service
Visit homes to service, set up and repair grandfather, wall and mantel clocks that are hard to move.
- A$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile food machine service and repair
Install, service and repair mixers, slicers and packing machines at food producers' sites, and sell spare parts.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile fastener supply van for tradies
Stock a van with screws and fixings and deliver to building sites and workshops so tradies don't lose time.
- A$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile measuring tools supplier
Visit workshops, factories and building sites with a van of measuring tools, and re-order for regulars.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile sail repair and servicing
Repair torn sails, restitch seams and fix covers for boat owners at marinas and yacht clubs.
- A$2k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Craft beer label brewed at a host brewery
Create your own beer brand, brewed in batches at an existing brewery, and sell to local pubs, bottle shops and online.
- A$10k-45k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Local trade supplier to moulding factories
Supply mould consumables and components direct to local plastics, rubber and composite makers.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile welding and repair fabricator
Take a welder and tools to farms, building sites and homes for on-the-spot repairs and small fabrication.
- A$5k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile industrial tools and parts supplier
Drive a ute or van of common tools, consumables and spares to workshops and factories on a regular route.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile industrial tools sales and supply
Visit factories, workshops and building sites with a ute of tools and consumables, and take regular orders.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Industrial vacuum reseller for workshops and contractors
Sell industrial vacuums from established brands to workshops, factories and cleaning contractors, with no big stock outlay.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile rubber parts supplier to trade customers
Visit workshops, farms and factories with a stocked ute or van and supply rubber seals, hoses and sheet on the spot.
- A$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile hydraulic hose and parts supplier
Supply and fit hydraulic hoses, valves and pumps from a ute or van, delivered to machinery operators on site.
- A$25k-80k
- Full-time
- Out and about
About these ideas
They suit practical people who like problem-solving, don't mind driving, and can talk comfortably with trade customers. Before you commit, think about the vehicle and stock you would need, which trade skills or tickets the work might require, and whether insurance covers working on other people's premises. Start by speaking to a few likely customers about what they struggle to get quickly, then compare the ideas by startup cost and the time you can give.
Questions
Do I need a trade qualification to start a mobile manufacturing or repair business?
It depends on the work. Welding, hydraulics or electrical-related servicing may call for particular licences, tickets or training. Check with your state or territory regulator and your insurer before taking jobs, and ask whether your customers expect certain credentials.
What should I check about vehicles and insurance?
Look at whether your vehicle suits the load and any tools or stock you carry, and what registration it needs. Ask an insurer about public liability, tools and stock cover, and whether working on customers' sites or with hot work changes your policy.
How do I find my first trade customers?
Start with workshops, contractors and tradies near you. Visit in person, ask what supplies or repairs cost them time, and offer a small trial. Check whether you need to register for GST or hold an ABN to invoice businesses properly.