Mobile minor body repair

Private car owners, used car dealers, rental fleets, property managers and small businesses with work vehicles.

A fixed price per repair, quoted after a photo or a quick look. Dealers and fleets can give repeat work at agreed rates.

• Sanding, filling and paint matching
• Using spray equipment safely
• Giving clear quotes and keeping customers informed

• General liability and garage keepers insurance, since you work on other people's cars
• Check EPA rules for painting and your local air quality rules before you spray anywhere
• Check whether your state requires auto body repair registration, even for mobile work
• Some HOAs, apartment complexes and cities restrict spraying on site, so ask first
• Weather and dust affect paint quality, so plan jobs around them

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your van, spray and sanding equipment, paint supplies and insurance. Costs vary with whether you buy used or new equipment and how much stock you carry.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many jobs you complete, your prices and your area. Plan on at least about 15 hours a week. Weather and dust can affect paint work and scheduling.

Check for general liability and garage keepers insurance, EPA painting rules and your local air quality rules before spraying. Check whether your state requires auto body repair registration, even for mobile work, and ask HOAs, apartment complexes or cities about on-site spraying limits.