Mobile Sharpening Van for Shops and Job Sites

Small contractors, grounds crews, butchers and restaurants, and salons with shears, who want tools back without leaving work.

Price per blade, knife or tool, with a minimum visit charge. Regular route stops with the same businesses build steady income.

• Sharpening a range of tools to a good standard
• Route planning and scheduling
• Building relationships with business customers

• General liability insurance and commercial auto insurance for the vehicle
• Check city or county rules on a local business license and on working from a parked vehicle
• Generator noise and sparks, so check where you can work and keep fire safety gear on board
• Check your state's sales tax rules for service work
• Chasing late payment from business customers, so agree terms up front

Startup costs are typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on the van or trailer, the sharpening equipment you fit and any generator or safety gear. Treat this as an estimate and price your own setup before buying.

Things to check: general liability and commercial auto insurance, city or county business license rules, and rules on working from a parked vehicle. Also check where generator noise and sparks are allowed, fire safety gear, and your state's sales tax rules for services.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your route, prices and how many business customers you serve regularly. Late payments from business customers can affect cash flow. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week.