Windshield repair for fleets and dealerships
Repair chips on a regular schedule for car lots, rental companies and delivery fleets that have many vehicles.
- $1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
7,201 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.4% in a year
NAICS 811122 “Automotive glass replacement shops”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
Windshield chip and crack repair done in bulk at businesses with many vehicles, such as dealerships, rental agencies and company fleets. You visit on a set schedule and fix whatever has been damaged.
Your first three steps
- Take a windshield repair course, buy a professional kit, and practice until you can repair quickly and consistently
- Make a one-page price sheet with volume rates and a few before-and-after photos
- Visit local dealerships and fleet offices, and offer a free trial visit to repair a handful of vehicles
Who pays
Used and new car dealerships, rental car companies, delivery and service businesses, and fleet managers.
How it makes money
Per-repair price agreed in advance, often at a volume rate, or a monthly visit arrangement. Repeat contracts give steadier work than one-off customers.
Skills that help
- Consistent, quick repair technique
- Professional sales and follow-up
- Scheduling and basic invoicing
Watch out for
- General liability insurance, and many business customers will ask for a certificate of insurance before you start
- Workers' compensation insurance once you hire helpers
- Check with your city or county about a business license, and with your state about any sales tax on the service
- Slow-paying business customers, so agree payment terms in writing
- Relying on one or two big accounts is risky if they leave
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: windshield repair for fleets and dealerships
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 fleet windshield repair business?
Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your equipment, vehicle and insurance. These are estimates. Many business customers will also ask for a certificate of insurance before you start work.
How much can you earn repairing windshields for fleets and dealers?
Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many accounts you win and how often you visit them. These are estimates, and relying on one or two big accounts is risky if they leave.
What should I check before starting this business?
Check general liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire helpers. Ask your city or county about a business license, and your state about sales tax on the service. Agree payment terms in writing with business customers.
Similar car and vehicle ideas
Mobile RV pre-purchase inspector
Travel to dealers and private sellers to inspect motorhomes and trailers for buyers before they commit.
- $1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile pre-purchase car inspector
Drive to used cars for buyers and give them an independent condition report before they pay.
- $1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online auto body parts broker
Take parts orders from body shops online and have suppliers ship direct, with no warehouse needed.
- $1k-6k
- Side hustle
- Online
Mobile car window tinting
Fit tint film to cars at customers' homes and workplaces from a van or trailer.
- $1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online auto accessories wholesale supplier
Sell car mats, covers and lights in bulk to small shops and garages from home, with little or no stock.
- $1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Specialty and enthusiast vehicle sourcing broker
Track down hard-to-find classic, truck or enthusiast vehicles for buyers and earn a fee on each match.
- $1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Photo: geraldoswald62 on Pixabay