Mobile Small Engine Repair Business

Landscaping companies, property managers, farms, rental businesses and homeowners with large ride-on mowers or standby generators.

Service call fee plus labor and parts, and recurring maintenance contracts with landscapers and property managers.

• Mechanical repair across several brands
• Time and route planning
• Clear quotes and invoicing

• General liability and commercial vehicle insurance, check your personal auto policy does not exclude business use
• Check with your city or county about business license requirements and your state about sales tax on parts
• Safe transport of fuel and fluids, check local hazmat and disposal rules
• Workers' compensation insurance once you hire a helper
• Some work is outdoors in all weather and breakdowns can cost you travel time

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the van or truck, tools and parts inventory you set up. These are estimates, so your total will depend on what you already own.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your route, the number of jobs and the types of customers you serve. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week, before costs.

Check that your personal auto policy does not exclude business use, and ask about general liability and commercial vehicle cover. Also check city or county business license rules, state sales tax on parts, local fuel transport and disposal rules, and workers' compensation if you hire help.