Mobile paintless dent repair

Car owners, small fleets, used car dealers, leasing and rental companies, and garages that want a quick repair without paying for a respray.

Fixed price per dent or per panel, depending on size and position. Regular trade work from dealers and fleet managers can fill quiet days between private customers.

• Patience and a steady hand
• Good eye for light and panel shape
• Customer service and clear quoting

• Public liability insurance, and check whether you need cover for customers' vehicles in your care
• Not every dent can be fixed this way: cracked paint, sharp creases or aluminium panels may need a body shop, so be honest when quoting
• Skill takes time to build, so expect slower and less profitable jobs at first
• Work is weather dependent unless you have a covered space or use a unit; check any rules on working on residential streets or customers' premises
• Register as self-employed with HMRC and check if a home or vehicle insurance policy needs updating for business use

Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on your tools, vehicle and training. These are estimates. Also check whether your home or vehicle insurance policy needs updating for business use.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many jobs you take and your customers. This is an estimate. Skill takes time to build, so expect slower and less profitable jobs at first, from about 12 hours a week.

Check public liability insurance and whether you need cover for customers' vehicles in your care. Register as self-employed with HMRC. Be honest when quoting, as cracked paint, sharp creases or aluminium panels may need a body shop. Also check rules on working on residential streets or customers' premises.