Mobile glass and mirror repair business
Drive to homes and small buildings to measure, replace and install glass panes, mirrors and tabletops.
- $4k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
6,945 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.8% in a year
NAICS 238150 “Glass and glazing contractors”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A van-based service that replaces broken window panes, cracked mirrors, shower enclosures and glass tabletops at the customer's location. You measure on site, order cut glass from a local supplier or cut simple pieces yourself, then fit it.
Your first three steps
- Work or train with a glazier or glass shop to learn cutting, handling and installation
- Find a local glass supplier that will cut to size and set up a trade account
- Get insurance and a van rack, then introduce yourself to landlords and property managers in your area
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, property managers, small contractors and local shops.
How it makes money
A quoted price per job covering materials, labor and a service call fee, plus higher-value work like custom mirrors and shower doors. Repeat work from landlords and property managers helps keep jobs steady.
Skills that help
- Accurate measuring
- Safe handling of glass
- Basic carpentry and fitting skills
- Quoting and customer service
Watch out for
- General liability insurance, and check whether your state or city requires a contractor or glazier license for the work you plan to do
- Workers' compensation insurance once you hire anyone
- Safety: cuts and heavy panes cause real injuries, so use proper gloves, eye protection and lifting aids
- Building codes may require tempered or safety glass in some locations such as doors and shower areas, so check with your local building department
- Breakage and measuring mistakes can eat into profit, so confirm sizes before ordering
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: mobile glass and mirror repair
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 glass repair business?
Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your vehicle, tools, handling gear and insurance. These are estimates, so price out your own setup before committing.
How much can a mobile glass repair business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $2,500 to $12,000, depending on the jobs you take, your area and your hours. The estimates assume at least about 15 hours a week. Measuring mistakes and breakage can eat into profit.
What licenses and rules apply to mobile glass repair?
Check whether your state or city requires a contractor or glazier license for the work you plan to do. Also check general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and local building codes on tempered or safety glass in doors and shower areas.
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