Start a mobile windscreen chip repair business

Everyday drivers, small business fleets, car dealers, rental companies and sometimes insurers or glass shops that subcontract repairs.

A fixed price per chip repair, with a lower price for extra chips on the same vehicle. Fleet and dealer contracts bring repeat work.

• Steady hands and attention to detail
• Basic vehicle knowledge
• Customer service and clear quoting

• Public liability insurance, and check whether you need cover for work on customers' vehicles
• Repair limits: chips or cracks in the driver's line of sight or near the edges may need a full replacement, so check the rules and guidance for your state
• Weather, as resin curing and working outdoors can be tricky in rain, so consider a gazebo or portable cover
• Check whether insurers or glass shops need you to hold specific qualifications before they send work

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the repair kits and equipment you choose, your vehicle setup and any weather cover such as a portable gazebo.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how many hours you work, your area and whether you get work from fleets, dealers or glass shops. Revenue is not the same as profit.

Check public liability insurance, including cover for work on customers' vehicles. Check repair limits for your state, as chips or cracks in the driver's line of sight or near the edges may need a full replacement. Also check whether insurers or glass shops require qualifications.