Mobile car scratch and bumper repair
Fix scuffs, scratches and bumper damage at customers' homes and workplaces from a van.
- C$4k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
Small cosmetic paint repairs done on site: scuffed bumpers, scratches, stone chips, mirror caps and alloy wheel refinishing, with colour matching and blending into the panel.
Your first three steps
- Take a refinishing or smart repair course, or work for a body shop first to build hands-on experience
- Price out a van setup with a compressor or portable spray equipment, paint mixing supplies and safety gear
- Visit used car dealers and rental firms near you and offer a trial repair at a fair price
Who pays
Car owners, used car dealers, car rental and leasing firms, and small fleet operators who want quick repairs without leaving a vehicle at a shop.
How it makes money
Fixed price per repair, usually per panel or per wheel, with extra for larger jobs. Dealer and fleet contracts bring repeat work.
Skills that help
- Colour matching and spray technique
- Surface prep and sanding
- Quoting jobs and customer service
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance and cover for the vehicles you work on
- Provincial and municipal rules on spraying outdoors, paint waste and VOC limits, check with your provincial environment ministry
- Whether autobody work is a regulated or certified trade in your province
- Weather and winter: paint needs mild, dry conditions, so plan for a rented heated space in cold months
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: mobile car scratch and bumper repair
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile car scratch repair business?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your van, equipment, paint supplies and insurance. Costs vary with how much you buy new and how you set up your mobile workspace.
How much can mobile car scratch and bumper repair earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many repairs you complete and the customers you serve, such as car owners or dealers. This is revenue before costs. Plan for at least 15 hours a week.
What rules should I check before starting mobile car paint repair in Canada?
Check provincial and municipal rules on outdoor spraying, paint waste and VOC limits, and whether autobody work is a regulated or certified trade in your province. Also check insurance and plan for winter weather.
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Photo: MertSabanci on Pixabay