Business services ideas for people who work out and about

85 ideas

If you would rather be visiting clients than sitting at a desk all day, these 85 business services ideas are built around getting out the door. Some are hands-on and equipment-based, like a mobile printer and copier service or a local shredder dealer with on-site service.

Swipe through these ideas →

Under 1k1k to 5k5k to 20kOver 20kFrom homeOwn premisesOnline
Security patrol officer walking past a commercial building at dusk.

Mobile security patrol service

Drive set routes past small businesses, lots and neighborhoods, checking property and reporting what you see.

  • $3k-15k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
11,104 US businesses with employees in this field, +4.2% in a year

Event and venue security team

Supply licensed guards for parties, markets, bars and local events, paid by the shift.

  • $2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
11,104 US businesses with employees in this field, +4.2% in a year
An agent handing house keys to a tenant in front of a rental home.

Rental leasing agent (tenant placement only)

Find and screen tenants for landlords for a one-time fee, with no ongoing management.

  • $1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
163,894 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.0% in a year
Agent showing a commercial lease to clients in front of an empty office.

Office finder for small businesses (tenant rep)

Help small companies and startups find, tour and negotiate office leases in your city.

  • $1k-4k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
163,894 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.0% in a year

Leasing agent for small office building owners

Fill vacant offices for local landlords by marketing spaces, showing them and closing leases.

  • $1k-4k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
163,894 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.0% in a year
Broker showing a white sailing yacht to a prospective buyer at a marina.

Independent yacht broker under an established firm

Help owners sell and buyers find yachts, working as an independent agent under an existing brokerage and earning commission.

  • $1.5k-6k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
4,246 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.7% in a year
Digital calipers, micrometers and gauges laid out on a workbench for measuring parts.

Local measuring instruments supplier for shops and labs

Supply measuring tools and gauges to local machine shops, labs and contractors, with calibration help and fast delivery.

  • $5k-25k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
2,392 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.1% in a year
Rows of commercial washing machines and dryers in a laundrette.

Mobile coin laundry machine installer and repairer

Install and repair coin-operated washers and dryers for laundromats and apartment buildings.

  • $5k-20k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
5,296 US businesses with employees in this field, +18.1% in a year
A digger and generator parked on a construction site for hire.

Mini equipment rental with delivery

Rent out a few compact machines and trailers to contractors and homeowners, and deliver them to the job site.

  • $15k-60k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
5,495 US businesses with employees in this field, +8.2% in a year
Stack of sanding discs and grinding wheels displayed on shop shelves.

Mobile abrasives supplier for local trades

Stock a van with sanding discs and grinding wheels and deliver to shops and job sites.

  • $8k-30k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
9,605 US businesses with employees in this field, +6.0% in a year
Heaps of sorted scrap metal stacked in an outdoor recycling yard.

Mobile scrap metal buyer and hauler

Collect scrap from contractors, shops and households, sort it, and sell it on to a local scrap yard.

  • $1.5k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
7,744 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.2% in a year
Uniformed security guard standing at a building entrance checking access.

Small security guard company

Win a few local contracts and staff them with licensed guards, starting by working some shifts yourself.

  • $3k-15k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
11,104 US businesses with employees in this field, +4.2% in a year
Local business owners chatting and exchanging contacts at a networking breakfast.

Local business networking group

Run a regular meeting where local owners swap referrals, paid for by monthly or annual membership fees.

  • $300-2.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
14,855 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.2% in a year
A technician servicing a commercial espresso machine in a cafe kitchen.

Mobile coffee machine install and repair

Install, maintain and fix espresso and drip machines at cafés, offices and restaurants.

  • $3k-12k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
5,296 US businesses with employees in this field, +18.1% in a year
Rows of cleaning product bottles and drums stacked in a chemical distribution warehouse.

Local cleaning supply delivery

Buy cleaning products in bulk and deliver them to local cleaning firms, shops and offices.

  • $3k-15k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
8,845 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.2% in a year
Notary stamping and signing a legal document on a desk at an office.

Mobile notary public

Travel to homes, offices and hospitals to notarize documents for people who can't easily come to you.

  • $200-1k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
5,776 US businesses with employees in this field, +10.9% in a year
Smiling estate agent handing house keys to a new homeowner.

Full-time residential real estate agent

Help local buyers and sellers with home sales as a licensed agent, earning commission when deals close.

  • $2k-8k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about
163,894 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.0% in a year

Part-time real estate agent

Keep your day job and help friends, family and your network buy or sell homes on evenings and weekends.

  • $1.5k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
163,894 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.0% in a year

Rental and leasing real estate agent

Match renters with apartments and houses, and help landlords fill vacancies, earning fees when leases are signed.

  • $1.5k-5k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
163,894 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.0% in a year
An adviser discussing insurance paperwork with a couple at a desk.

Local life insurance agent for your community

Meet clients face to face and build a referral network in your area, selling life insurance from several insurers.

  • $1k-5k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
133,728 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.0% in a year
Forklift operator moving pallets in a busy warehouse.

Small used-forklift rental fleet

Buy a few used forklifts and rent them by the week or month to local warehouses and builders, delivered to their door.

  • $20k-60k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
10,248 US businesses with employees in this field, +6.8% in a year
Rows of labelled archive boxes on shelves in a secure records storage facility.

Records storage with pickup and delivery

Collect boxed files from local offices, store them in rented secure space, and bring them back when needed.

  • $3k-12k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
2,670 US businesses with employees in this field, +4.0% in a year
Assessor with clipboard examining storm damage to a house roof.

Independent insurance field adjuster

Inspect damaged homes and vehicles and write up settlements for insurers, paid per claim.

  • $1.5k-6k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
4,934 US businesses with employees in this field, +8.3% in a year
Technical floor plans and drafting tools spread across a drawing table.

Measured surveys and as-built drawings

Visit homes and buildings, measure them up, then draw accurate existing-condition plans for owners and contractors.

  • $1.5k-8k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
2,963 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.7% in a year

About these ideas

Others lean on your judgment and local knowledge, such as an independent insurance field adjuster or a commercial space leasing agent. They suit people with experience in a trade, sales, property or office operations who want to serve other businesses directly. Before you choose, think about your vehicle and equipment costs, how far you are willing to travel, and whether the work needs a license, certification or insurance in your state. Start by talking to a few potential customers to see what they would pay for.

More ideas

Questions

Do I need a license to start an out-and-about business services company?

It depends on the work and your state. Fields like insurance adjusting, real estate leasing, auctioneering and appraisal are often regulated, so check with your state licensing board and local city or county office before taking clients.

What should I budget for a mobile business services business?

Think about a reliable vehicle, fuel, tools or equipment, and business insurance. Some ideas need a van full of gear, while others mostly need a phone and a laptop. Price out your own setup before committing.

How do I find my first business clients?

Start with people you already know, past employers and local companies that use the service you offer. Visit offices in person, join your local chamber of commerce, and ask early customers for referrals. Check any contract terms before you begin work.