Mobile hose and fittings service van
Drive to farms, shops and job sites with hoses and fittings, cut to length and made up on the spot.
- $15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
9,605 US businesses with employees in this field, +6.0% in a year
NAICS 423840 “Industrial supplies merchant wholesalers”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A van stocked with bulk hose, couplings and fittings, plus a crimping machine, so you can supply and assemble replacement hoses at the customer's location. This helps when equipment is down and they can't wait for a delivery.
Your first three steps
- Visit local farms, repair shops and contractors to learn which hoses and fittings they replace most often
- Ask hose and fitting manufacturers or wholesale distributors about opening a trade account and what they require
- Price a used or new van setup with a crimper and a starter stock, and get quotes for insurance
Who pays
Farms, contractors, landscapers, repair shops, fleet operators and small industrial sites near you.
How it makes money
You earn a markup on hose and fittings, plus a charge for assembly and call-out. Repeat accounts with local businesses give steadier income.
Skills that help
- Mechanical know-how and comfort with tools
- Knowing hose types, pressure ratings and fittings
- Reliable customer service when equipment is down
Watch out for
- General liability and product liability insurance, since a failed high-pressure hose can cause injury or damage
- Always match hose, fittings and pressure ratings correctly, and keep records of what you assemble
- Check your state's sales tax rules and whether you need a resale certificate to buy stock
- Check city or county business license rules and any commercial vehicle rules for your van
- Starting stock ties up cash, so begin with the most common sizes
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: mobile hose and fittings service van
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile hose service?
Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your van, the stock you carry and your crimping equipment. These are estimates. Beginning with the most common sizes can help limit cash tied up in stock.
How much can a mobile hose and fittings service earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your area, customers and how many call-outs you handle. That is an estimate of revenue, not profit. Around 25 hours a week is a typical minimum.
What should I check before starting a mobile hose service?
Check general liability and product liability insurance, since a failed high-pressure hose can cause injury or damage. Also check that hose, fittings and pressure ratings match, your state's sales tax and resale certificate rules, and local business license and commercial vehicle rules.
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Photo: jackmac34 on Pixabay