Mobile lawn mower servicing and repair

Homeowners, older people who can't move a heavy mower, small landscapers and gardeners, and holiday let owners.

A fixed price for a standard service, plus parts and labour for repairs. Add a call-out fee for longer distances and offer a discount for servicing several machines at once.

• Mechanical aptitude with small engines
• Diagnosing faults methodically
• Clear, honest customer communication

• Public liability insurance, and check whether you need cover for customers' machines in your care
• Safe handling and storage of petrol and oils, and correct disposal of old oil and fuel (check waste carrier rules with the Environment Agency or your equivalent)
• Electrical safety when repairing mains-powered tools, check what training or testing you need
• Seasonal demand, which is busiest in spring and early summer

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on your tools, parts stock, vehicle set-up and insurance. Costs vary with how much you buy new and how well equipped your car or van needs to be.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many jobs you take on and your pricing. These are estimates only, and demand is seasonal, being busiest in spring and early summer.

Check public liability insurance and whether you need cover for customers' machines in your care. Also check safe handling and storage of petrol and oils, waste carrier and disposal rules for old oil and fuel, and what training or testing you need for mains-powered tools.