Mobile generator service and repair
Service, repair and sell portable and standby generators at customers' homes, farms and worksites.
- C$5k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A van-based service that maintains and repairs portable and standby generators on site: oil and filter changes, spark plugs, carburetor cleaning, battery checks and load testing. You can also supply portable units and arrange standby installs with a licensed electrician.
Your first three steps
- Check which brands offer dealer or service-agent programs in your province and ask about training and warranty work
- Equip a vehicle with tools, a load tester and common parts, and get commercial general liability insurance
- Offer pre-winter service checks to neighbours, farms and cottage owners, and build a list for annual maintenance plans
Who pays
Homeowners (especially in rural areas and storm-prone regions), farms, contractors, small businesses and cottage owners.
How it makes money
Hourly or flat-rate service visits, annual maintenance plans, parts mark-up and commission or margin on units you supply.
Skills that help
- Small engine repair
- Basic electrical knowledge
- Diagnosing faults
- Clear customer communication
Watch out for
- Connecting a generator to a building's wiring usually needs a licensed electrician; check your provincial rules before offering installs
- Natural gas or propane connections may need a gas fitter certification, check your provincial regulator
- Commercial general liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire
- Carbon monoxide and fire risks, follow manufacturer guidance and document your work
- Demand is seasonal and spikes after storms, so plan cash flow for quiet months
- Safe handling and disposal of fuel, oil and batteries, check municipal rules
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile generator service?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your van, tools and testing equipment, parts stock and whether you also supply portable units. Insurance is an extra cost to plan for.
How much can a mobile generator repair business make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,500 to $10,000, depending on your service area, how many jobs you take on and whether you sell units. Demand is seasonal and can spike after storms, so plan cash flow for quiet months.
What should I check before servicing generators in Canada?
Connecting a generator to a building's wiring usually needs a licensed electrician, so check provincial rules before offering installs. Natural gas or propane connections may need gas fitter certification. Also check liability insurance, WCB/WSIB if you hire, and municipal rules on fuel, oil and battery disposal.
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