Some people love being on the go, experiencing new places, and networking. The best mobile business ideas all require traveling. 

Want to know the best part? Every mobile business idea on this list has the potential to make you rich! Find out how number 13 on our list made a 19-year-old a millionaire.

We discuss the characteristics of a mobile business and different types of mobile business ideas, then give you examples of different types of mobile businesses.

What is a Mobile Business?

There are a couple of things that people can mean when they talk about a mobile business model. It can mean either:

• A portable business that doesn’t have a fixed location, either because it goes to customers’ homes or because it operates out of a truck, cart, or other vehicle
• A business enabled by wireless technology like a smartphone app or Bluetooth connection, also known as an m-business

Many businesses fit both of these definitions, while other mobile businesses are just one or the other. What all mobile business ideas have in common, though, is that they don’t rely on a traditional brick-and-mortar storefront to connect with customers. 

Types of Mobile Businesses

Even beyond the two broad categories of mobile businesses above, there are many different forms this type of venture can take. Some of the most common include:

• In-home mobile service business – These mobile businesses travel to a customer’s home to provide a service. Examples include house cleaning, interior designers, private chefs, pet sitting, or other businesses that serve customers in their own homes.
• Business truck – Running out of a truck or cart is an obvious way to turn a business mobile. This is the best option when the business requires equipment that’s otherwise not easily portable, like a food truck or mobile pet groomer.  
• Pop-up business – These businesses interact with customers face-to-face outside their homes in a temporary location, like a short-term stay in a commercial space or a booth at a market, fair, or festival. 
• App-based business – These can be businesses that customers engage with only online, like an SaaS company or a mobile company that allows customers to book a service through an app, such as a shuttle or delivery service business. 

Whatever type of business you open, mobile businesses offer a lot of benefits. They often have a lower initial investment, for one thing, since you don’t need to worry about a commercial space. It’s also very convenient for customers to have a business come to them and lets small business owners go where their customers are rather than needing to attract customers to a specific location. 

Wondering how to start a mobile business? Check out the options on this mobile business ideas list to learn about some of the best mobile businesses to start.

Top 2 Most Profitable Mobile Business Ideas

#1. Mobile Car Detailing

• Average Annual Revenue: $73,100
• Average Profit Margins: 16.1%
• Startup Costs: $500-$5K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.0%
• Best for: Car lovers and experts, detail-oriented entrepreneurs with customer service skills

A mobile car wash or detailing business hits the sweet spot for many aspiring entrepreneurs. It’s affordable to start, doesn’t require special licensing or experience, and is a convenient way to offer customers an in-demand service. 

If you want to offer even more value to customers (and diversify the revenue streams in your business plan), you can offer other vehicle services, like a mobile oil change business or on-site car wrapping. 

You can also make substantial revenue from just offering mobile detailing services. GoDetail was started with $500 and now makes more than $900,000 in revenue, with 60% margins. Hear how Alan Tursunbaev started his mobile business in this interview:

#2. Vending Machine Business 

• Average Annual Revenue: $182,100
• Average Profit Margins: 4.3%
• Startup Costs: $2K-$10K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.5%
• Best for: People with strong networking and sales skills, system-oriented entrepreneurs who like driving, those looking for flexibility and passive income potential

Vending machines are almost like money printers—as long as you have the right machines in the right locations. Adam Hill, who makes over $58K a month in vending machine revenue, says a single machine can earn upward of $2,000 a month. Now imagine having two, three, four of those.

The best part is you can operate your vending machine business from virtually anywhere. All you need is enough space to store your snacks, drinks, or whatever else you’re selling. Intrigued?

We were, too! We pestered Adam until he agreed to spill the beans and take us behind the scenes of his vending machine empire. Sign up for a free 10-day trial to access his vending masterclass.

You can also hear his insights in this video interview: 

9 Mobile Service Business Ideas

#3. Mobile Pet Grooming Services

• Average Annual Revenue: $73,533
• Average Profit Margins: 11.5%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.1%
• Best for: Dog lovers and experts, salon and grooming professionals, empathetic and detail-oriented entrepreneurs with strong customer service skills

There are millions of pet owners in the United States, and that number grew substantially during the pandemic. That’s part of what’s grown the pet grooming industry to more than $5.3 billion in 2021, and it’s projected to continue growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.09% through 2030. 

A mobile pet grooming business is a unique and convenient way to tap into this fast-growing niche market. It gives busy pet owners an easier way to take care of their animals on their own schedule. Any time you can make customers’ lives easier, you’re on your way to running a successful business. 

There are a few ways to start a mobile pet grooming business. One option is to buy a business truck where you groom the animals. You can also schedule time in an apartment building common area or other communal space close to your customers, which can be one way to save money on the initial investment if you’re starting with a tight budget. 

#4. Cell Phone and Electronics Repair

• Average Annual Revenue: $560,320
• Average Profit Margins: 5.7%
• Startup Cost: $500-$5K
• Time To Revenue: 1-3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.4%
• Best for: Electronics experts, DIY makers and fixers, repair pros, and system-oriented entrepreneurs with a sharp eye for detail

People today rely on their electronic devices more than ever before—and have more of them. This has driven steady growth in the electronics repair and maintenance industry, a sector that’s expected to more than double in value over the next 10 years. 

Operating as a mobile business is an excellent way to stand out in this niche. Instead of customers needing to take their broken phone or device to a shop, you go to them and either fix the device on-site or pick it up and bring it back when it’s repaired.

Joe’s is a device repair service that was started with about $45 and grew to seven figures of revenue in less than five years. Part of this growth was driven by offering mobile repair services in addition to in-store services. Find out how Joe Pilat grew his business in this interview:

Another way to grow your repair business revenue is by offering other electronics-oriented services. For example, you could provide mobile tech support for businesses with remote workers, or buy broken electronics then repair and flip them for a profit. 

#5. Mobile Bike Repair Services

• Average Annual Revenue: $726,530
• Average Profit Margins: 4.5%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.2%
• Best for: Mechanics, avid cyclists, hands-on and mechanically minded entrepreneurs

Between rising fuel costs and growing interest in sustainable living, bikes have seen a resurgence in popularity. While cars are still the most common form of transportation, 11% of U.S. commuters biked to work in 2023, roughly double the figures from 2019, and that doesn’t include the millions of people who ride a bike for fun. 

Those figures put a bike repair service among the most profitable mobile business ideas to start today. Bike repair equipment and spare parts are portable enough to offer mobile bike services using a personal vehicle if you don’t have the budget to invest in a truck. 

#6. Airport Shuttle Service

• Average Annual Revenue: $1,522,430
• Average Profit Margins: 6.9%
• Startup Costs: $100K-$3.5M
• Time To Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 6.7%
• Best for: Skilled drivers with strong organization and time management skills

The air travel industry is back in full swing, and that presents an opportunity for prospective mobile business owners: getting people to and from the airport. 

Even people who normally drive or take public transportation often seek out a designated shuttle service for trips to the airport. For longer trips, it’s often cheaper to pay for a shuttle than for parking, while luggage can be a hassle on subways or buses.

The main expense to start an airport shuttle service is the vehicle you’ll use. If you’re just buying one, it’s often best to invest in a passenger van that will accommodate multiple travelers with their luggage. A solo entrepreneur can start off with a single van then reinvest their profits into more vehicles as they grow their mobile business.

#7. Cleaning Business

• Average Annual Revenue: $74,880
• Average Profit Margins: 6.7%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$30K
• Time To Revenue: 1-6 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2% 
• Best for: Detail-oriented and organized entrepreneurs, neat freaks, people who like working with their hands

The demand for cleaning services has skyrocketed in recent years. Between Airbnb and Vrbo creating an enduring need for rental-specific cleaning services and people’s heightened requirements for hygiene and cleanliness brought on by the pandemic, the industry is on track to be worth more than $10 billion by 2026 (seriously!).

Cleaning services have transitioned from a luxury to a need, and that shift is allowing cleaning business owners to achieve six- and seven-figure earnings quickly. Our friend Chris Mondragon, for example, is pulling in over $125K a month from his cleaning business, Bumble Bee (formerly Queen Bee) Cleaning.

If you’re after a mobile business idea, this is definitely one to look into as you won’t need an office, just enough space to store your cleaning supplies. In collaboration with Chris, we created a cleaning business masterclass that takes you from A to Z and covers everything you need to get started.

Chris also talks about starting Bumble Bee Cleaning in the YouTube video below:

#8. Clothes Cleaning Services

• Average Annual Revenue: $311,220
• Average Profit Margins: 22.1%
• Startup Costs: $100K-$3.5M
• Time To Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -0.1%
• Best for: System- and detail-focused entrepreneurs

If you’re looking for mobile business ideas with a low barrier to entry, a laundry or dry cleaning service can be a great option. Individuals aren’t the only customers who will appreciate the convenience of pickup and drop-off laundry. You can also find customers in other local businesses that use towels and linens, like restaurants and Airbnbs. 

The cost to start a mobile laundry service can be as low as $2,000 or as high as $35,000 or more, depending on the size of your business and the services you offer. If you have the budget, investing in one or more commercial washers and dryers will allow you to clean more clothes faster, though you can start off using your home equipment or even a public laundromat if you’re starting on a shoestring. 

#9. Delivery Services

• Average Annual Revenue: $131K
• Average Profit Margins: 3.6%
• Startup Costs: $100-$9.5K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 6.7%
• Best for: Organized and system-driven entrepreneurs with strong communication and customer service skills

Online shopping exploded during the pandemic, and while the eCommerce share of the retail sector has cooled from its 2020 peak, consumers still appreciate the convenience of at-home delivery. 

Starting a mobile business in delivery services isn’t just a way to capitalize on this trend, but it also lets you help other local businesses get their products to customers. That was Adam Haber’s goal when he started Trellus, and in less than two years they’ve made more than 35,000 deliveries for their more than 300 merchant partners. Hear how he built his company in this podcast:

There are also lots of unique mobile business niches that you can focus on as a delivery company. Some of the most in-demand options include: 

• Becoming a personal shopper 
• Grocery delivery business
• Courier service for packages and important documents
• Print delivery service
• Newspaper or magazine delivery

#10. Party Bus Business

• Average Annual Revenue: $689,656
• Average Profit Margins: 8.8%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.7%
• Best for: Outgoing and social entrepreneurs, people with event planning and party planning experience

Do you like to party? Why not take that on the road? Starting a party bus is a unique mobile business idea with the potential to be very profitable. The average party bus rental costs about $700 for a four-hour trip, and you can grow that revenue even further if you have multiple buses people can rent. 

You can have a lot of fun getting creative with a party bus business. If you live in a city with an active nightlife, you can offer bar crawls or brewery tours as part of the package. You can also change up the decorations to offer theme parties, or partner with other local businesses like wineries or distilleries for mobile tastings. 

#11. Mobile Yoga Business

• Average Annual Revenue: $243,063
• Average Profit Margins: 7.2%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.8%
• Best for: Yogis, fitness instructors, physical fitness trainers

Yoga and Pilates are popular forms of exercise for many Americans. Tech companies, music festivals, and affluent people all have yogis come out to their sites to help people stay in shape in a manner that helps build self-control and confidence without straining the body too hard.

The average studio makes $143K per year, according to IBIS World Report OD4185.

6 Mobile Truck Business Ideas

#12. Mobile Coffee Business

• Average Annual Revenue: $865,800
• Average Profit Margins: 5.8%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
• Best for: Baristas, customer service pros, morning people, coffee lovers with strong time management and communication skills

A good portion of the population starts every day with coffee, so why not start a business that brings their favorite beverage right to them? Like a food truck, a coffee truck or coffee cart is much cheaper and easier to start than a brick-and-mortar cafe and can be a great small mobile business on its own or as a gateway to starting your own permanent space.

The main expense to start a mobile coffee business is the truck itself. You can save money by instead starting with a coffee trailer, which you can get for as little as $10,000 if you buy one used.

#13. Truck Delivery Service

• Average Annual Revenue: $131K
• Average Profit Margins: 3.6%
• Startup Costs: $100-$9.5K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 6.7%
• Best for: Commercial drivers, people with strength and stamina who like physical work

We mentioned delivery services as a business idea earlier, but doing it with a full truck expands your options and is enough of an industry on its own to warrant a separate section. 

A trucking service can be either local or nationwide, depending on the scope and size of your business. Having a large truck lets you haul heavy, large objects that most people can’t move on their own—things like heavy machinery, appliances, or furniture. 

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to start a trucking business, either. Mikael Sant started Sant Lines when he was just 19 and brought in $150,000 in revenue in his first three months. Hear how he got started in this interview:

#14. Mobile Billboard Trucks

• Average Annual Revenue: $697,840
• Average Profit Margins: 13.5%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: -7.3%
• Best for: People with sales and marketing skills, proficient networkers, advertising professionals

Cars are still the most popular way to get around in the United States. People spend a lot of their time on the road. This is what makes billboard trucks a great mobile business idea, giving other local businesses a new way to get their brand in front of customers.

Outdoor advertising, like mobile billboard trucks, has seen an 11% increase over the past five years, and that trend shows no signs of stopping. The best part is you can combine a billboard business with another mobile business idea, like a delivery service, to get even more revenue out of every trip your drivers take.

#15. Mobile Hair Salon Truck

• Average Annual Revenue: $51,380
• Average Profit Margins: 5%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.9%
• Best for: Beauticians, barbers, hair stylists, style and fashion experts

If you love cutting and styling hair, starting your own mobile salon can be an excellent mobile business idea. Running your business out of a truck lets you use the same chairs, sinks, and other equipment you would in a brick-and-mortar while also giving you the flexibility to go to customers where they are. 

A mobile salon can also operate in a range of niches. For example, you can specialize in doing hair for special events, like proms or weddings. 

Now, unlike many of the mobile business ideas on this list, you do need a cosmetology license to legally operate a mobile salon. Make sure to research the licensing requirements for your state when you’re writing your salon’s business plan.

#16. Mobile Farmers Market Truck

• Average Annual Revenue: $112,644
• Average Profit Margins: 3.4%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.8%
• Best for: People with strong networking skills, entrepreneurs passionate about sustainability and farm-to-table food

Turning a truck into a mobile farmers market lets you bring people fresh vegetables, fruit, and meats straight from the farm, and that’s a win-win. You can support local farmers, help people eat healthier, and grow your own business, all at the same time. 

The first step to starting a mobile farmers market is to connect with the local farms that will provide your inventory. While you’re writing your business plan, decide if you’ll buy their products wholesale or sell their products on a commission basis.

#17. Mobile Clothing Boutique

• Average Annual Revenue: $141,492
• Average Profit Margins: 5.3%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.5%
• Best for: Fashion designers, stylists, people with retail experience, business acumen, and communication skills

The eCommerce fashion industry is booming, especially resale and secondhand apparel, a sector that grew by 24% just in 2022. The main downside of online fashion stores is that customers can’t feel the clothes or try them on before they buy. 

Mobile boutique stores are the best of both worlds. Customers can get up close to the clothes and make sure they fit, just like in a brick-and-mortar retail boutique store. At the same time, operating as a mobile business means you don’t have to rent or buy a storefront in a high-traffic area to connect with buyers. 

The first thing to decide when you’re writing your business plan is whether you’ll focus on new or second-hand clothes. You can also make your items available for people who can’t get to your truck by pairing your mobile boutique offerings with an eCommerce storefront. 

Mobile Businesses for Corporate Events

#18. Food Truck Business

• Average Annual Revenue: $41,040
• Average Profit Margins: 6.4%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 3+ months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2%
• Best for: Chefs, bakers, cooks, and others with restaurant industry experience, foodies with customer service skills

Like catering, food trucks are a more affordable way to start your own business in the restaurant industry. While a new food truck can cost $100,000 or more, you can find used trucks for half that price or less or start with a food cart if that’s still outside your budget. 

Kyle Gourlie started his food truck, the Vet Chef, in 2016, and within a year was already one of the most popular trucks in Western Washington. Learn how he grew his food truck business in this interview: 

#19. Mobile Photography Services

• Average Annual Revenue: $50K
• Average Profit Margins: 7.3%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$10K
• Time To Revenue: 1-6 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.3%
• Best for: Photographers, videographers, and visual artists who are excellent communicators

A photography business is a natural fit for a mobile business model because most of the things people want to have photographed don’t happen in a studio. Running a mobile business lets you keep costs low while meeting your customers where they need you. 

Like other options on this list, there are a lot of niches you can focus on in this industry. The event photography business has rebounded from its 2020-21 slump, and taking photos for weddings and corporate events can be a highly lucrative business in 2024. 

Another way to differentiate your photography business is to offer drone photography services that let you take sweeping panoramas and overhead shots. This opens up potential clients like real estate agents who need full shots of properties they’re listing. 

Mile High Productions turned their expertise with drone photography into a $35,000-a-month business. You can hear how they started and grew in this YouTube interview:

#20. Catering Services

• Average Annual Revenue: $124,410
• Average Profit Margins: 5.5%
• Startup Costs: $1K-$100K
• Time To Revenue: 6-18 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.0%
• Best for: Cooks, chefs, and foodies with strong communication and customer service skills

When people need to feed the attendees at corporate events or special events like a wedding, a catering service is the go-to way to do it. It’s also one of the most affordable ways to start your own business in the food industry. The average initial investment for a catering business is $30,000—not chump change, by any means, but much lower than the 6- or 7-figure investment to start a brick-and-mortar restaurant. 

A mobile catering business can take a few forms. Many mobile caterers rent commercial kitchen space to prepare the food. Others may use on-site kitchens in event spaces or at customers’ homes, or use mobile kitchens similar to food trucks.

The right option for you will depend on your startup budget, the type of food you make, and the kinds of events you plan to cater. These are all questions to ask yourself as you’re writing the business plan for your new mobile food business. 

#21. Event Planning

• Average Annual Revenue: $34,380
• Average Profit Margins: 12.2%
• Startup Costs: $500-$5K
• Time To Revenue: 3 months
• Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.0%
• Best for: Strong networkers, great party planners, outgoing and social entrepreneurs

Event planning is a great mobile business. An event planner can organize music events, corporate events, sporting events, weddings, and other parties. The largest segment of the industry is corporate events. Make sure you have connections with other professionals in the corporate events sector if you are going to plan events, as you’ll be responsible for hiring them.

Hit the Road and Make Some Money

Now that you have some mobile business ideas, it’s time to take one of them and turn it into a career. Check out our business hub or sign up for the UpFlip Academy for more in-depth walkthroughs on how to start a mobile business.

Which mobile business idea sounds best for you?