Mobile paintless dent repair

Car owners with door dings and small dents, used car dealers, rental fleets, and people getting a car ready to sell or return at the end of a lease.

Fixed price per dent or per panel, based on size and location. Dealer and fleet work can bring repeat jobs at lower prices per car but steady volume.

• Patience and a steady hand
• Good eye for light and reflections on panels
• Customer service and clear quoting
• Willingness to practice for months

• Skill takes real practice, so expect slow and imperfect early jobs
• Not every dent can be fixed without paint, such as cracked paint or stretched metal, so be honest when quoting
• General liability insurance and garage keepers coverage, check what you need when working on customers' cars
• Check your city or county for a business license and any rules on working at customers' homes or in parking lots
• Weather and lighting affect mobile work, so plan for a covered space or indoor jobs

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on tools and your vehicle. Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many jobs you win. Both are estimates, and revenue is not profit.

Skill takes real practice, and you should be willing to practice for months. Expect slow and imperfect early jobs. You also need a steady hand, a good eye for light and reflections on panels, and clear quoting.

Check what general liability and garage keepers insurance you need when working on customers' cars. Check your city or county for a business license and rules on working at homes or in parking lots, and plan for weather and lighting.