Mobile vehicle lettering and graphics installer

Tradespeople, delivery and service companies, small fleets and local sellers who want their vehicles to work as advertising.

Fixed price per vehicle covering design, materials and fitting. Fleet work and referrals from local trades give repeat jobs.

• Precise hands-on application
• Design and measuring
• Customer service
• Planning work around weather

• Commercial general liability insurance, plus cover for customers' vehicles while you work on them
• Vinyl needs mild temperatures and dry surfaces, so winter jobs may need a heated indoor space
• Some vehicles have complex curves, so quote carefully and start with simple lettering
• Check rules on markings for commercial vehicles with your province, if relevant to your customers
• Client logos may be protected, so confirm clients have the right to use them
• Check municipal rules for working on customers' premises

Estimates typically put startup costs at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your tools, design software, vehicle and insurance. Printing is outsourced to a trade supplier, which keeps equipment costs lower.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many vehicles you letter and how complex the jobs are. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week.

Check commercial general liability insurance, plus cover for customers' vehicles while you work on them. Also check provincial rules on commercial vehicle markings, municipal rules for working on customers' premises, and whether clients have the right to use their logos.