AD | It’s sad but true, countless industries suffered when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Although many have started to recover, just as many are still struggling to come back. Transportation businesses in particular have been hit hard, especially if there are still restrictions in place. Some business owners have had to shift their focus entirely to cover their costs in the meantime. Luckily, there are lots of money-making mobile businesses that can thrive in just about any economy.
What are Mobile Businesses?
A mobile business is one that doesn’t need a fixed location, it can operate from anywhere and at any time. So, that could be from a vehicle, such as a van or truck, or a customer’s home. Or even an online business, thanks to the Internet and the massive growth of social media. And the pandemic has seen a huge increase in new mobile business ideas coming to the fore during the last couple of years, a trend that’s almost certain to continue. So, if you’re looking to set up your own business, here are five of the best mobile businesses you can start today!
Remote Fitness
Although many gyms are starting to open back up and allow gym-goers back in, people are still doing their best to social distance and stay away from crowds. If you’re passionate about fitness, you may be able to turn it into a business.
You don’t have to go into personal training either. As long as you have the credentials and the experience, you can offer fitness classes to small groups. If you’re into Yoga, Pilates, Barre, or any other type of workout you can take on the road, you might want to consider those. Alternatively, you could offer a mobile gym.
Food Truck Business
People will always need food, even during a pandemic. If you have some great recipes or a love for food, or perhaps a specific type of food such as gluten free foods, why not consider starting a food truck business. Food trucks can be quite profitable, especially if you have great-tasting food at affordable prices.
The ability to move around to find the best locations is also worth a mention. You can even offer your food truck for hire and cater small events and weddings – although you’ll likely to need catering insurance as well as your liability insurance.
Mobile Pet Grooming
Most pet lovers want to look after their fur babies and prevent skin issues and potential injuries. However, pet grooming may sometimes take a backseat, especially during a pandemic.
If you know how to groom pets, are willing to get trained, or to hire a knowledgeable groomer, a mobile pet grooming business can be quite profitable.
Mobile Catering Business or Cafe
If coffee is more your thing, you can look into having a mobile cafe rather than a food truck. People love coffee (and tea), and if you’re able to provide great quality coffee, and maybe pastries and cakes, you might have a good business on your hands.
You can carry some portable seating around with you to give patrons a spot to sit and chill for a bit as they enjoy their coffee, though chances are many people will take their coffee to go. And you can differentiate yourself by offering a value proposition, such as using recycled packaging, or using only ethically sourced ingredients.
On-Demand Tech Support
If you know your way around certain devices, you can offer mobile tech support. You won’t need much equipment or space to maintain and repair gadgets, computers, consoles, smart home systems, and home theatre systems. Plus you can offer setup or troubleshooting services too.
Final Thoughts On Setting Up Mobile Businesses
Transportation-related businesses can still be profitable during COVID. Other small business ideas and mobile business examples you could consider include: a mobile hair salon, musician, masseuse, mechanic, beauty therapist, nail technician, photographer, DJ, tutor, handyman, cleaner, gardener.
Whatever mobile business services and skills you plan to offer, when you’re starting out, make a business plan that includes all your start up costs. And use social media to your advantage too. Make sure you’re giving excellent customer services and then ask for testimonials and recommendations from your first clients. While you need time to get established, there’s really no reason you can’t set up and run lots of successful mobile businesses from home – just don’t forget to get the right licences, permits, and insurance coverage – good luck!
Do you know anyone who runs their own mobile business? Is this something you’ve ever considered doing? If so, which of the mobile businesses listed above would you like to try? Or are there any other mobile business ideas you’d recommend?
* This is a sponsored post – please see my Disclaimer.
Some fantastic ideas here! I love supporting wee businesses like these, they always feel more personal!
Emily x
Thank you, Emily, that’s lovely to hear! x
Hi Lisa! 🙂
Thanks for your informative post. 🙂
No problem, glad you found it helpful.
These are some great ideas and it’s great to know that there are still so many options for people even after the pandemic and how much it affected businesses. The online space really is fantastic for opportunities!
I know, I think online businesses have so much more flexibility, we can pivot far more easily if we need to, luckily!
Seems like COVID has skyrocketed the upsurge of mobile businesses. It’s the future of many businesses because it can be very cost effective. Thanks for sharing
Yes, absolutely. Mobile businesses won’t be right for everyone but it’s definitely a good option for lots of us.
These are great mobile business starters, the one advantage of starting a mobile business is that it can start anywhere, anytime! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Yes, that’s right, they’re extremely flexible 🙂
Great post! As a consumer, I’ve always appreciated the convenience of a mobile business such as a dog groomer, I just wish the price points weren’t so out of reach compared to a brick and mortar dog grooming business.
Crystal | http://www.amazingbaby.app
That’s interesting, I have to say my experiences of mobile businesses vs. bricks and mortar businesses have been very much in mobile businesses’ favour!
These are some amazing suggestions! My uncle has a small ice cream truck he takes to weddings and I know he really enjoys the flexibility it gives, and he earns a lot from it too! Thank you so much for sharing x
Ohhhhh, a mobile ice cream truck sound amazing, Ceri, absolutely perfect – who doesn’t love ice cream! x
It always amazes me just how many options there are for businesses — I love the idea that things move with the tech/times and can be utilized by just about everyone!
Yes, I mean the Internet has completely transformed things for so many businesses, hopefully for the better for most of us.
Mobile businesses certainly have a lot of appeal! Though I am not currently looking to experiment, I love the idea of a mobile cafe as it just sounds so quaint and perfect as a set-up for a book character. 🙂
I can see you running a mobile cafe and writing your poetry in between clients, Jaya!