Mobile car stereo installer

Daily drivers wanting better sound or Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus owners of older cars with worn-out factory radios.

A flat labor fee per job, plus a markup on the equipment and wiring parts you supply. Add-ons like sound deadening and camera installs raise the ticket.

• Basic car electrical and wiring know-how
• Careful dash and trim removal without damage
• Clear communication with customers
• Quoting jobs accurately

• General liability and garage keepers-type coverage for working on customers' cars, check with an insurance agent
• Check with your city or county about a business license and any rules on working from vehicles in driveways or parking lots
• Risk of damaging airbags, trim or the car's electronics, learn vehicle-specific wiring and disconnect the battery properly
• Some states require sales tax registration for the equipment you sell, check your state's revenue department

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the tools, equipment and insurance you choose. These are estimates. There is no shop rent because you work at the customer's location.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many installs you book, the types of jobs and the hours you put in. You can start at around 10 hours a week.

Check general liability and garage keepers-type coverage with an insurance agent, plus your city or county rules on business licenses and working from driveways or parking lots. Also check whether your state requires sales tax registration for equipment you sell.