Mobile car scratch and scuff repair business

Private car owners, used car dealers, leasing and rental companies, and local garages that don't do paintwork.

Fixed price per repair, usually per panel or per scuff, with regular work from dealers and fleets adding steady income.

• Patient, careful hand finishing
• Colour matching
• Customer service and clear quoting

• Public liability insurance, and check whether it covers working on customers' vehicles
• Paints and solvents can be hazardous, so check rules on storage, ventilation and protective equipment
• Check with your council and the Environment Agency (or equivalent) about spraying outdoors and disposing of waste
• Weather limits what you can do, so plan for wet days

Startup costs are typically around £2,500 to £9,000, depending on your van, equipment and materials. These are estimates, so price up your own setup and local suppliers before committing any money.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many jobs you take, your local demand and the hours you work. The estimate assumes at least around 12 hours a week. Revenue is not the same as profit.

Check that your public liability insurance covers working on customers' vehicles. Check the rules on storing paints and solvents, ventilation and protective equipment. Also ask your council and the Environment Agency (or equivalent) about spraying outdoors and disposing of waste.