Mobile car servicing at customers' homes

Busy drivers, families, small businesses with a few vans or cars, and people who find garage visits hard to fit in.

Fixed prices for service packages (for example an interim or full service) plus parts, with repeat bookings each year.

• Vehicle mechanical knowledge
• Honest, clear quoting
• Organising a diary and routes

• Motor trade insurance and public liability cover, check what each policy covers when working on customers' cars
• Disposing of used oil, filters and fluids legally, check whether you need waste carrier registration and how to use an authorised disposal point
• Check whether your council or the customer's landlord or housing association allows car work on driveways or private roads
• Working safely: use proper axle stands or ramps, never rely on a jack alone
• Weather and warranty questions, make sure you use correct parts and keep records so you don't invalidate a customer's warranty

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your tools, vehicle and insurance. These are estimates, so price up your equipment, parts stock and cover before you launch.

Check what motor trade and public liability policies cover when you work on customers' cars. Also check whether you need waste carrier registration for used oil and fluids, and whether your council, landlord or housing association allows car work on driveways.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on how many jobs you book and your area. It is revenue, not profit, and can start from around 15 hours a week.