Mobile lawn mower repair and tune-ups

Homeowners who can't easily haul a mower to a shop, small landscaping crews, property managers and condo boards.

Flat price for a tune-up package, plus labour and parts for repairs. Busiest in spring, with fall work for winterizing and blade sharpening.

• Small engine repair know-how
• Diagnosing faults quickly
• Friendly, clear communication with customers

• Commercial general liability insurance, and check cover for work on customers' property
• Check with your municipality whether you need a business licence for a mobile service
• Safe disposal of used oil, old fuel and batteries, check local rules
• Highly seasonal income in most provinces, so plan for winter (offer snowblower servicing if you have the skills)
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold

As an estimate, startup typically costs around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your vehicle or trailer, tools and parts stock. Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $5,000, depending on the season and how many jobs you take.

Check commercial general liability insurance, including cover for work on customers' property. Check with your municipality whether you need a business licence for a mobile service, and local rules for disposing of used oil, old fuel and batteries.

Income is highly seasonal in most provinces, so plan for winter. Offering snowblower servicing can help if you have the skills. Also check GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.