Food trucks have exploded in popularity in recent years and offer a unique, potentially lucrative alternative to brick-and-mortar restaurants. Foodt ...
40 Unique Mobile Business Ideas for the Modern Entrepreneur
Written by: Esther Strauss
Esther is a business strategist with over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, executive, educator, and management advisor.
Edited by: David Lepeska
David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.
Published on June 30, 2022
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Thanks to wireless devices and technologies, it’s now possible to make good money from just about anywhere. If you’re an entrepreneur, you can take your business on the road, take your services directly to clients and gain an edge over your competitors.
Besides food trucks and retail shops on wheels, there are so many mobile business possibilities — such as a mobile tire service, oil change business or mobile waxing service. Check out our list of great mobile business ideas to kickstart your entrepreneurial adventure.
1. Catering
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A catering business is inherently mobile as it involves preparing food at a central location and delivering it to various event venues. You will be constantly on the move, especially during peak event seasons.
Ensure you have a reliable vehicle and portable cooking equipment. Familiarize yourself with local health regulations and secure necessary permits. Starting this business requires strong organizational skills, a passion for food, and the ability to manage logistics efficiently.
2. Dog Walking
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Dog walking is the epitome of a mobile business, requiring you to visit clients’ homes and walk their dogs in different neighborhoods or parks. Your day will involve significant time outdoors, moving from one location to another.
Love for animals is the most important aspect. Get certified in pet first aid and consider insurance to cover liabilities. Building trust with your clients and their pets is another important thing, so strong interpersonal and communication skills are beneficial.
3. Moving Company
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This business demands high mobility, involving the transportation of goods from one place to another. Most of your time will be spent on the road and physically moving items.
Invest in reliable transportation and moving equipment. Obtain necessary licenses and insurance. Physical fitness and good organizational skills will help manage the demands of packing, loading, and unloading.
4. Cleaning Business
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A cleaning business involves traveling to different residential or commercial locations to provide cleaning services. Your workday consists of moving between multiple locations, depending on the number of clients.
Purchase quality cleaning supplies and equipment. Understanding different cleaning techniques for various surfaces is essential. Marketing your services effectively and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness will help in retaining clients.
5. Courier Service
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As a courier, your job is to deliver packages, documents, and other items, requiring constant travel throughout the city or beyond. Your day will largely be spent on the move.
Reliable transportation and an in-depth knowledge of local routes are essential. Time management skills are crucial to meet delivery deadlines. Ensure you have the necessary permits and insurance.
6. Car Transport
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This business involves the transportation of vehicles between locations, either for dealerships, auctions, or individual owners. It requires spending long hours on the road, often traveling to different states or regions.
You’ll need a specialized vehicle like a trailer or a tow truck. Knowledge of vehicle maintenance and the ability to drive long distances safely are important. Obtain the appropriate driving licenses and insurance coverage.
7. Personal Training
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Personal trainers often travel to clients’ homes, public parks, or gyms, making this a highly mobile profession. Your schedule will vary, with significant time spent commuting between clients.
Certification in fitness training is essential. Develop personalized training programs and stay informed about the latest fitness trends and health issues. Building a strong personal rapport can lead to referrals and long-term client relationships.
8. Professional Organizing
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Professional organizers help clients declutter and organize their homes or offices, requiring you to visit various locations. Much of your day will involve traveling to and from clients’ spaces.
An eye for detail and a knack for creating orderly systems are key. Patience and strong interpersonal skills will help you manage client expectations and encourage lasting changes.
9. Pet Transport
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This service specializes in the safe transport of pets, often to and from veterinary appointments, grooming sessions, or across state lines. Your workday involves extensive travel to meet client needs.
Understanding of pet behavior and comfort with animals is essential. Invest in suitable transport crates and vehicle modifications to ensure pet safety. Obtain the necessary certifications and insurance.
10. Coffee Cart
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Operating a coffee cart allows you to move to different high-footfall areas throughout the day or seasonally. This mobility lets you capitalize on various markets and events.
Before starting, you need to have knowledge of coffee preparation and maintaining equipment. Obtain necessary health permits and choose strategic locations to maximize visibility and sales. Satisfied customers will come back, so good customer service is very important.
11. Circus
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A circus is a quintessential mobile business, typically traveling from town to town to perform. The setup, performances, and takedown all require movement and logistical planning.
Invest in portable equipment and tents. Organizing a crew with diverse skills in performance, rigging, and animal handling is crucial. Obtain necessary entertainment permits and insurance for different locations.
12. Snow Plowing
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Snow plowing requires moving to different locations to clear snow from roads, driveways, and parking lots. The business is seasonal and highly dependent on local weather conditions.
Reliable heavy-duty plowing equipment and a robust vehicle are essential. Understand weather patterns and develop efficient routes. Secure contracts with residential and commercial clients before the winter season.
13. Party Bus
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Operating a party bus involves driving groups to various entertainment destinations. The business thrives on mobility, transporting clients during celebrations and events.
A well-equipped bus with entertainment systems and comfortable seating is key. Licenses for vehicle operation and liability insurance are important. Focus on marketing to event planners and social groups.
14. Personal Shopper
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As a personal shopper, you will travel to various shopping venues to pick items according to clients’ preferences. Mobility is central to meeting client demands across different locations.
Develop a keen eye for fashion and product quality. Establish strong relationships with stores and understand client preferences. Efficient time management and interpersonal skills will boost client satisfaction and retention.
15. Mobile Tutoring
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Mobile tutoring can involve visiting students at their homes or conducting sessions in public spaces like libraries. Flexibility and mobility allow you to cater to clients in various settings.
Solidify your expertise in specific academic subjects. Develop personalized lesson plans and keep up with educational standards. Building trust with parents and students is essential for referrals and consistent engagements.
16. Food Truck
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A food truck offers the ability to sell food at various high-traffic locations, events, or festivals. The truck itself is the mobile base of operations.
Invest in a reliable truck and necessary kitchen equipment. Obtain food service licenses and health department certifications. Effective menu planning and quick service are key to attracting and serving customers efficiently.
17. Mobile Detailing Business
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This business entails traveling to client locations to provide detailing services for vehicles. Your mobility allows you to offer convenient service directly at customer homes or workplaces.
Purchase quality cleaning and detailing supplies. Marketing your services effectively and maintaining a high standard of work will help in building a loyal client base. Time management is critical to handle multiple clients in a day.
18. House Painting
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House painting requires moving between various clients’ homes. The nature of the job demands traveling with equipment and supplies to different locations.
Quality painting tools and materials are essential. Knowledge of different painting techniques and finishes can set you apart. Effective communication and time management skills will help meet client expectations and deadlines.
19. Handyman
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A handyman business involves visiting homes or businesses to repair and maintain various fixtures and installations. Mobility is crucial to service multiple clients in different locations.
A broad range of repair/handyman skills is important. Invest in a comprehensive set of tools. Building a reputation for reliability and quality workmanship is key to growing your client base.
20. Dog Training
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Dog trainers often travel to clients’ homes or conduct training sessions in suitable outdoor spaces. Your day-to-day operations involve significant movement to accommodate different clients.
You need to have a deep understanding of animal behavior and training techniques. Certification from a recognized dog training institution can bring credibility. Patience and consistency are key in achieving successful outcomes with pets.
21. Medical Transporation
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This business focuses on transporting patients to medical appointments, particularly those who are elderly or have disabilities. The service requires constant travel to various pickup and drop-off points.
Vehicles must be equipped with necessary medical and accessibility equipment. Drivers should have training in basic medical care and patient handling. Compliance with health and safety regulations is essential for operating legally and safely.
22. Mobile Oil Change
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A mobile oil change service involves visiting customers at their homes or workplaces to perform vehicle maintenance. This business model relies heavily on the ability to move easily between various locations.
Invest in portable oil change equipment and supplies. Knowledge of different vehicle types and their maintenance needs is crucial. Effective scheduling and reliable service are key to building a steady clientele.
23. Dump Truck
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Operating a dump truck business entails transporting materials like sand, gravel, or demolition debris from one site to another. Your work will require constant travel between pickup and drop-off points.
Secure a sturdy and reliable dump truck. Understanding the construction and landscaping markets in your area can help in finding business opportunities. Licenses and compliance with safety regulations are essential.
24. Personal Chef
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As a personal chef, you travel to clients’ homes to prepare meals, either on a regular basis or for special occasions. This job requires mobility to shop for ingredients and transport your cooking equipment to various locations.
Culinary expertise and a broad repertoire of recipes are essential. Build personalized relationships with clients to understand their dietary preferences and needs. Time management and cleanliness are also highly important.
25. Junk Removal
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Junk removal services involve traveling to residential or commercial locations to haul away unwanted items. This business is based on the ability to move large volumes of materials to disposal sites or recycling centers.
A robust vehicle capable of hauling heavy loads is necessary. Understanding local disposal regulations and recycling options can improve service offerings. Effective marketing and reliable service are key to growth.
26. Plumbing
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A plumbing business requires traveling to clients’ homes or businesses to install, repair, or maintain plumbing systems. Each job site is different, necessitating mobility and flexibility.
Proficiency in various plumbing techniques and a good understanding of local building codes are essential. Investing in quality tools and ongoing training can keep you competitive. Good customer service and prompt response times are crucial for reputation.
27. Mobile Dog Grooming
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Mobile dog grooming involves visiting clients at their homes to groom their pets. This service provides convenience to customers by eliminating the need for them to travel.
Equip a vehicle with grooming supplies and equipment. Skills in pet handling and grooming techniques are necessary. Patience with animals and the ability to calm anxious pets are important traits.
28. Towing Business
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A towing business involves moving disabled, illegally parked, or impounded vehicles to a designated location. Constant readiness to travel to various locations is required.
Reliable towing vehicles and equipment are essential. Obtain the necessary permits and insurance. Quick response times and knowledge of local roads can give you a competitive edge.
29. Senior Transportation
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This service specializes in transporting senior citizens to appointments, shopping, or social events. It involves regular travel to and from clients’ residences and their destinations.
Vehicles must be comfortable and equipped with accessibility features. Drivers should have training in first aid and senior care. Patience and a friendly demeanor can make a significant difference to clients.
30. Roadside Assistance
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Roadside assistance services require traveling to the location of stranded motorists to provide help like tire changes, jump starts, or minor repairs. This role demands being on call and ready to move out quickly.
Knowledge of basic vehicle mechanics and a well-equipped vehicle are necessary. Quick response times and efficient service are important for customer satisfaction and retention.
31. Taxi
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Taxi service is entirely based on mobility, with a significant amount of time spent on the move.
Reliable and comfortable vehicles are important. Good knowledge of local geography and traffic patterns can reduce travel time and increase efficiency. Excellent customer service and the ability to handle different types of passengers are crucial.
32. Mobile Tire Service
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A mobile tire service brings tire installation, repair, and maintenance directly to the customer’s location. This business model is built on the ability to quickly move to where the client’s vehicle is parked, whether at home, work, or roadside.
Invest in portable tire changing and balancing equipment. Knowledge of different types of tires and vehicles is essential. Efficient scheduling and rapid response capabilities can set your service apart from stationary shops.
33. Personal Driver
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Operating as a personal driver involves transporting clients to various destinations based on their individual schedules and needs. The job requires spending most of the day on the move, driving in different traffic conditions.
A comfortable, well-maintained vehicle and excellent driving skills are mandatory. Discretion and reliability are valued traits. Knowledge of local routes and the ability to adapt to schedule changes are crucial for success.
34. Pool Cleaning
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Pool cleaning services require visiting homes or commercial properties to maintain and treat swimming pools. The job involves regular travel to client locations with necessary cleaning equipment and chemicals.
Understanding of pool chemistry and filtration systems is important. Invest in reliable pool maintenance tools. Offering regular maintenance schedules can provide steady income and client loyalty.
35. Mobile Waxing
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Mobile waxing services offer the convenience of professional hair removal at the client’s preferred location, such as their home or office. This business involves traveling with all necessary waxing supplies and equipment.
Training and certification in esthetic treatments ensure safe and hygienic service. Privacy and comfort are key concerns for clients, so creating a portable setup that ensures these is vital. Building a reputation for professionalism and discretion can attract a loyal clientele.
36. Grocery Delivery
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This service involves picking up groceries from stores and delivering them to customers’ doorsteps. The business model is centered on frequent travel between grocery stores and residential areas.
Efficient route planning and a reliable vehicle are essential. Understanding customer preferences and providing excellent communication and service will enhance customer satisfaction. Timeliness and accuracy in order deliveries are crucial.
37. Hot Dog Cart
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A hot dog cart can be moved to various high-traffic locations such as parks, events, and street corners. The mobility of the cart allows you to take advantage of different markets and customer bases throughout the day.
Secure the necessary health permits and a vendor license. Choose strategic locations with high foot traffic. Offering a variety of condiments and quality hot dogs can attract a wider audience.
38. Gutter Cleaning
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Gutter cleaning businesses require traveling to residential or commercial properties to clear out gutter debris. This service involves moving between multiple locations daily.
Safety equipment and proper ladders are essential. Familiarity with roofing and gutter systems can prevent damage and accidents. Offering seasonal cleaning packages can provide regular business opportunities.
39. Carpet Cleaning
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Carpet cleaning involves visiting homes or businesses to clean carpets and upholstery with specialized equipment. The service requires transporting these machines and cleaning agents to various locations.
Invest in professional-grade carpet cleaning machines. Knowledge of different carpet materials and stain removal techniques is crucial. Offering flexible scheduling and maintaining high standards will help in gaining repeat customers.
40. Driving School
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A driving school typically involves using a vehicle equipped for instruction to teach students how to drive. This requires traveling to pick up students and conducting lessons on various roads and conditions.
Reliable dual-controlled vehicles and certified driving instructors are vital. Understanding of local driving laws and road test requirements is important. Patience and clear communication skills are essential to effectively teach new drivers.
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