You’ve got the van, the tools, and the qualifications. Now you need the one thing that makes it all worthwhile: actual paying customers. Here’s how to get your first 20 clients without spending a fortune on advertising.
You’re sitting in your van, checking your phone for the fifteenth time this hour. You went self-employed three weeks ago. You’ve got a brilliant van, thousands of pounds worth of tools, proper qualifications, comprehensive insurance. You’re ready to work.
And your phone is silent.
This is the bit nobody warns you about when you’re planning your mobile mechanic business. All the advice is about qualifications (got them), equipment (bought it), insurance (sorted). But how do you actually get people to ring you and book work?
Because here’s the brutal reality: you can be the best mechanic in your area, but if nobody knows you exist, you’ll go bust before you get chance to prove yourself.
The good news? Getting your first 20 customers isn’t as hard as it feels right now. It’s not about having a massive marketing budget or being a natural salesman. It’s about being systematic, persistent, and smart about where you invest your time.
This guide shows you seven proven methods that successful mobile mechanics use to get those crucial first 20 clients – the ones who become the foundation of everything that follows. Some methods are immediate (you can start today). Some take a few weeks. All of them work.
Let’s get you booked up.
Why the First 20 Customers Matter So Much
Before we dive into the methods, understand why these first 20 are absolutely critical:
They prove your business works: Until you’ve got paying customers, you’re just someone with a van and tools. Twenty successful jobs prove you can actually run this business.
They provide reviews: Five-star reviews from your first customers attract the next wave. No reviews = no credibility = no bookings.
They generate referrals: Happy customers tell friends, family, neighbours, colleagues. One satisfied customer often leads to 3-5 more.
They build your confidence: After 20 jobs, you know your pricing works, your processes work, and you can handle customer interactions. That confidence is visible and attractive.
They create momentum: Nothing attracts customers like being busy. Once you’re booking 3-4 jobs per week, more work follows naturally.
Your goal isn’t to find customers forever – it’s to find 20 customers who trust you enough to become advocates. Do excellent work for these 20, and they’ll bring you the next 100.
Right, let’s get tactical.
Method 1: Your Personal Network (Target: 5-8 Customers, Timeframe: First Month)
This is where every mobile mechanic should start. You know people. Those people have cars. Many of those cars need servicing or repairs.
Who to Approach
Immediate family: Parents, siblings, in-laws
Extended family: Aunts, uncles, cousins
Close friends: People you genuinely know well
Former colleagues: People from your garage jobs or other employment
Neighbours: Especially if you live in residential area
How to Approach Them
Don’t apologise or be embarrassed. Starting a business is impressive. Most people want to support people they know.
The script (adapt to your style):
“Hi [name], I wanted to let you know I’ve started my own mobile mechanic business. I’m qualified [Level 3], fully insured, and I’m offering mobile servicing and repairs. I’d really appreciate your support whilst I’m getting established. When’s your car due for service?”
For family: Offer mate’s rates (10-20% discount) initially. Not free – you need to cover costs and establish that this is a professional business, not a favour factory.
For friends: “New business pricing” (10% discount). Make clear this is limited-time whilst building your customer base.
For colleagues: Full professional rates. They’re supporting your business, not getting charity.
What to Say When They Hesitate
“I don’t want to be your first customer…”
“I understand, but I’ve got [X years] experience as a mechanic – I’m just going mobile. I’m fully qualified and insured, and I’ll guarantee my work. Plus you know where I live if there’s any problem!” (Said jokingly but making the valid point – they have recourse)
“I already have a garage I use…”
“Fair enough! Could you keep me in mind if they let you down or for your second car? I’d appreciate any referrals too if you know anyone looking.”
“I’ll think about it…”
“No problem. I’m doing [specific service, like oil changes] for £X at the moment if you need that done. Here’s my number – no pressure, just give me a shout if you need anything.”
The Follow-Up
After completing work for personal network:
- Ask for honest feedback (genuinely – you’re learning)
- Request Google review (crucial for building credibility)
- Ask explicitly: “If you know anyone who needs a mobile mechanic, I’d really appreciate recommendations”
- Give them 5-10 business cards to hand out
Expected outcome: 5-8 customers from personal network within first month. These become your foundation.
Method 2: Local Facebook Groups and Community Forums (Target: 5-10 Customers, Timeframe: 2-3 Months)
Local Facebook groups are goldmines for mobile mechanics. People constantly ask for recommendations, post about car problems, and seek local tradespeople.
Finding the Right Groups
Search for:
- “[Your town/area] Community Group”
- “[Your area] Residents”
- “Mums in [Your area]” (massive recommendation-seeking demographic)
- “[Your area] Buy and Sell” or “For Sale”
- “[Your area] Business Networking”
- Local postcode groups (e.g., “RG1 Community”)
Join 5-10 groups covering your service area. Read the rules – most allow business promotion to some degree, but format matters.
How to Use Groups Effectively
Method 1: The Introduction Post (if allowed)
“Hi everyone! I’m [Name], a local mobile mechanic based in [area]. I’ve recently started my own business offering mobile car servicing and repairs in the [area] area. I’m Level 3 qualified, fully insured, and I come to your home/workplace. Happy to answer any car questions – feel free to ask! Here’s my contact: [phone/website]”
Key points:
- Emphasise local (you’re a neighbour, not a corporation)
- Mention qualifications and insurance
- Offer value (answer questions) don’t just sell
- Keep it friendly, not salesy
Method 2: The Helpful Expert
When people post car problems:
“It sounds like your battery might be failing. Have you checked if headlights are dimmer than usual? If you need a mobile mechanic to test the battery and replace if needed, I cover [area] – drop me a message.”
Do this regularly: Answer questions genuinely first, offer services second. You become “the helpful mechanic” in the group.
Method 3: When People Ask for Recommendations
Whenever someone posts “Can anyone recommend a mobile mechanic?”:
“I’m a mobile mechanic covering [area] – Level 3 qualified, fully insured. I’d be happy to help. What work do you need doing? Feel free to message me: [contact]”
Critical: Don’t spam every post. Be selective and professional. Quality over quantity.
What NOT to Do
❌ Post daily advertisements: Groups hate this, admins will kick you
❌ Argue with other mechanics: Makes you look unprofessional
❌ Overpromise: “I can fix anything for half the price!” won’t work
❌ Ignore group rules: Gets you banned
❌ Be pushy: People will remember and avoid you
The Results
Realistic timeline: First enquiry within 2-3 weeks of joining and participating regularly. First booking from groups within 3-4 weeks.
Expected outcome: 5-10 customers from Facebook groups over 2-3 months if you’re active and helpful.
Method 3: Google Business Profile (Target: 3-8 Customers, Timeframe: 2-4 Months)
This is non-negotiable. If you’re not on Google Business, you basically don’t exist.
Setting Up Your Profile
Go to: google.com/business
Create profile: Business name, category (Mobile Mechanic), service area (don’t use physical address if working from home)
Add details: Phone number, services offered, hours of operation
Photos needed:
- Your van (professional, clean)
- You working (shows legitimate operation)
- Equipment/tools (proves professional setup)
- Before/after work examples (with customer permission)
Minimum 10 photos – Businesses with photos get significantly more enquiries.
Service Area Setup
Don’t: List your home address publicly
Do: Select service area (towns/postcodes you cover)
Example: “Mobile mechanic covering Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell, and surrounding areas within 15-mile radius”
Description Writing
Keep it specific and local:
“Mobile mechanic based in Reading, covering Berkshire and surrounding areas. Level 3 qualified with 12 years’ experience. Fully insured. Services include: full and interim servicing, brake repairs, diagnostics, battery replacement, and general repairs. I come to your home or workplace – no need to visit a garage. Call [number] for quotes.”
Include:
- Location and coverage area
- Qualifications
- Main services
- Unique selling point (convenience, transparency, no commission fees)
- Call to action
Getting Those Crucial First Reviews
Ask every customer: “If you’re happy with the work, I’d really appreciate a Google review – it makes a huge difference to a new business.”
Make it easy:
- Send them direct link to your Google Business Profile
- Text them after work: “Thanks for using my service! If you’re happy, I’d be grateful for a Google review: [link]. Cheers!”
The 10-review threshold: Once you have 10+ five-star reviews, enquiries increase significantly. Before that, you’re fighting uphill.
Timing: Aim for 10 reviews within first 3 months. That’s realistic if you ask every customer.
Optimising for Search
Post regular updates: Google favours active businesses. Post weekly:
- “Servicing vehicles in Reading this week – availability Tuesday afternoon”
- “Top tip: Check your tyre pressures monthly, especially in cold weather”
- Before/after photos with brief descriptions
Answer questions promptly: Enable Q&A on your profile and respond within hours.
Update hours/availability: Keep profile current – outdated information kills credibility.
The Timeline
Month 1: Profile setup, basic optimisation, first 3-5 reviews from initial customers
Month 2: 6-10 reviews, starting to appear in local searches
Month 3-4: 10+ reviews, regular enquiries from Google searches
Expected outcome: 3-5 customers in first 2 months, increasing to 5-8+ by month 4.
Method 4: Trader Street Profile (Target: 3-6 Customers, Timeframe: 1-3 Months)
Unlike platforms that charge £1,200+ annually, Trader Street connects you with local customers without commission fees eating your profit.
Setting Up Your Profile
Complete everything:
- Professional photo
- Full service list (be specific)
- Qualifications prominently displayed
- Insurance details
- Service area clearly defined
- Pricing guide (hourly rate + call-out)
- Availability calendar
Write compelling description:
“Level 3 qualified mobile mechanic covering [area]. I bring professional garage-quality service to your driveway – no need to waste time visiting garages. Fully insured with 12-month warranty on all work. I specialise in [services you excel at]. Transparent pricing, honest advice, quality workmanship. All quotes provided upfront in writing.”
The Zero-Commission Advantage
Emphasise in your profile: “Direct pricing – no platform commission fees”
This is your edge. Customers know they’re getting better value (no fees added), and you’re keeping more profit.
Responding to Enquiries
Speed matters: Respond within 2 hours maximum, ideally within 30 minutes.
Template response:
“Hi [name], thanks for getting in touch. I’d be happy to help with [their specific need]. I’m Level 3 qualified and fully insured. For [specific job], my typical pricing is [range] including parts and labour. I’m available [days/times]. Would you like me to provide a detailed written quote? Best, [Your name]”
Follow up: If they don’t respond within 24 hours, send polite follow-up: “Just checking if you still need help with [issue]? Happy to answer any questions.”
Building Trader Street Reviews
After each job completed through platform:
“Really appreciate you using my service through Trader Street. If you’re happy with the work, I’d be grateful for a review on my profile – helps other local people find quality mobile mechanics.”
Expected Results
First enquiry: Often within first week of profile going live
First booking: Within 2-3 weeks typically
Regular enquiries: After 5+ positive reviews (achievable by month 2-3)
Expected outcome: 3-6 customers from Trader Street within first 3 months, increasing as reviews build.
Method 5: Leaflet Distribution (Target: 2-5 Customers, Timeframe: 2-4 Weeks)
Old-school but still effective, especially in residential areas.
Designing Your Flyer
Keep it simple and readable:
Headline: “New Local Mobile Mechanic – Introductory Offer”
Key points:
- Who you are: “Level 3 qualified, 12 years’ experience”
- What you offer: “Full servicing, brakes, diagnostics, batteries”
- Coverage area: “Covering [specific areas]”
- Why choose you: “Come to your home – no garage visit needed”
- Offer: “10% off first service for new customers”
- Contact: Large, clear phone number
Include:
- Photo of you with van (builds trust – you’re real person)
- Qualifications badges (City & Guilds logo, etc.)
- “Fully insured” prominently
Avoid:
- ❌ Tiny text nobody can read
- ❌ Cluttered design
- ❌ No clear contact details
- ❌ Vague pricing (“Call for quote” – give rough prices)
Printing
Quantity: 1,000 A5 flyers
Cost: £30-£50 from online printers (Vistaprint, InstantPrint)
Quality: Full colour, decent paper stock (not photocopied rubbish)
Distribution Strategy
Target residential areas within 3-mile radius of your base:
Method 1: DIY Distribution
Deliver yourself in evenings/weekends. Benefits:
- Free (your time only)
- You see the area (identify affluent streets, types of houses)
- People sometimes answer door and you can briefly introduce yourself
Time: 100-150 houses per hour walking speed
Method 2: Royal Mail Door-to-Door
Pay Royal Mail to deliver with regular post:
- Cost: £35-£50 per 1,000
- Professional delivery
- Reaches everyone in selected postcodes
Which areas to target:
✅ Middle-income residential areas: Cars that need regular servicing, owners who value convenience
✅ Family housing estates: Multiple cars per household, regular service needs
✅ Areas with driveways: Your work is easier, customers understand mobile mechanic concept
❌ Very wealthy areas: Often use main dealers exclusively
❌ Very poor areas: Less regular servicing, more price-sensitive
❌ Apartments without parking: Mobile mechanics difficult in these areas
The Realistic Conversion Rate
1,000 flyers typically generates:
- 5-15 phone calls
- 2-5 actual bookings
That’s 0.2-0.5% conversion – sounds low but it’s normal. You’re doing mass marketing to cold audience.
Cost per customer: £10-£25 acquisition cost (brilliant value)
Timing
Deliver Tuesday-Thursday: Flyers delivered Monday get lost with junk mail. Friday-Sunday people are busy with weekend plans.
Follow up: Be ready for calls when flyers hit. Have phone on, respond immediately.
Repeat: If first 1,000 gets response, deliver another 1,000 to adjacent areas next month.
Expected Outcome
2-5 customers from 1,000 flyers distributed. Repeat monthly in different areas until you’re busy enough.
Method 6: Business Cards Everywhere (Target: 1-3 Customers, Timeframe: Ongoing)
Business cards are cheap and surprisingly effective when deployed strategically.
Card Design
Front:
- Your name and “Mobile Mechanic”
- Phone number (BIG)
- Key services
- Service area
Back:
- Website/email
- Qualifications
- “Fully insured”
- QR code to Google Business Profile (optional but useful)
Order 500-1,000 from online printers (£10-£25)
Strategic Placement
Places that work:
✅ Local shops: Newsagents, corner shops, convenience stores (ask permission)
✅ Community centres: Notice boards
✅ Libraries: Community boards
✅ Gyms and leisure centres: Notice boards
✅ Pubs: Some have business card boards
✅ Doctors’ surgeries: Waiting room boards
✅ Pet shops: Cross-demographic, often have notice boards
✅ Laundrettes: Captive audience waiting
Approach: “Hi, I’m a local mobile mechanic – would it be alright to leave some business cards?”
Most places are fine with it. Leave stack of 10-20, refresh monthly.
Your van: Keep 50 cards in van glove box. Hand them out generously:
- To every customer (give them 3-5 to pass on)
- At petrol stations when chatting to people
- When you see someone with car problems
- At any networking event
The multiplier effect: One person keeps your card, gives one to neighbour, one to colleague. That’s 3 touchpoints from one card.
The Conversation
When handing out cards directly:
“I’m [name], local mobile mechanic. I cover [area] – if you know anyone who needs servicing or repairs, I’d appreciate referrals. Here’s my card.”
Short, friendly, no pressure. You’re just making them aware you exist.
Expected Outcome
Business cards work slowly but consistently. Expect 1-3 customers over 3-6 months from 500 cards strategically placed. Not huge, but essentially free marketing after initial print cost.
Method 7: Strategic Partnerships (Target: 2-5 Customers, Timeframe: 3-6 Months)
This is playing the long game, but partnerships can become significant customer sources.
Who to Partner With
Car valeters/detailers:
- They see customers with cars needing mechanical work
- You refer customers needing cleaning, they refer customers needing mechanics
- Non-competitive, mutually beneficial
Vehicle recovery/breakdown services:
- They recover vehicles but don’t fix them
- You fix vehicles but don’t recover them
- Natural partnership
MOT testing stations:
- They identify faults but many don’t do repairs
- You do repairs but can’t do MOTs
- Symbiotic relationship
Car sales dealers (independent, not main dealers):
- They need pre-sale inspections and repairs
- You provide mobile service to their customers after sale
- Steady work stream
Taxi firms and couriers:
- Fleet vehicles needing regular maintenance
- Downtime costs them money – mobile mechanics minimise this
- Potential contract work
Car lease companies:
- Customers need servicing to lease standards
- Mobile mechanics offer convenience
- Referral opportunity
How to Approach
Research first: Identify 5-10 potential partners in your area.
Initial contact (phone or in-person better than email):
“Hi, I’m [name], a mobile mechanic covering [area]. I work with a lot of customers who also need [their service]. I wondered if we could refer customers to each other? I’m happy to offer your customers a 10% discount as part of the partnership.”
What you’re offering:
- Quality service to their customers (reflects well on them)
- Reciprocal referrals
- Potential discount for referred customers
- Professional, insured service that won’t embarrass them
Follow up with details:
- Your qualifications and insurance
- Service offerings
- Contact details
- Business cards and flyers they can give to customers
Making Partnerships Work
Deliver excellence: When they refer someone to you, do brilliant work. That customer feedback gets back to partner.
Reciprocate actively: Refer customers to them whenever appropriate. Partnerships are two-way.
Stay in touch: Monthly check-in call or coffee. Keep relationship warm.
Track referrals: Know which partners send you work. Focus on those relationships.
Expected Outcome
Partnerships are slow to establish but valuable long-term. First referral typically 1-2 months after initial contact. Successful partnership sends 2-5 customers over next 6 months, then becomes steady pipeline.
One good partnership (like MOT station or valet service) can send you 10-20 customers per year ongoing.
Putting It All Together: Your First 60 Days
Here’s how to deploy all methods systematically:
Week 1-2: Foundation Setup
- Day 1-3: Set up Google Business Profile (Method 3)
- Day 3-5: Create Trader Street profile (Method 4)
- Day 5-7: Design and order flyers and business cards (Methods 5 & 6)
- Throughout: Contact personal network (Method 1)
Goal: Infrastructure in place, first 3-5 customers from personal network booked
Week 3-4: Active Marketing
- Join local Facebook groups (Method 2)
- Distribute first 1,000 flyers (Method 5)
- Place business cards at 10-15 locations (Method 6)
- Complete first personal network jobs and request reviews
Goal: First Google and Trader Street reviews live, first enquiries from flyers
Week 5-6: Momentum Building
- Daily Facebook group participation (Method 2)
- Follow up on flyer enquiries (Method 5)
- Approach 5 potential partners (Method 7)
- Continue servicing personal network referrals
Goal: 10-12 customers completed, 8-10 reviews live, steady enquiry flow
Week 7-8: Scaling Activities
- Distribute second batch of flyers to new area (Method 5)
- Refresh business cards at original locations (Method 6)
- Post regular updates on Google Business
- Follow up with partners showing interest (Method 7)
Goal: 15-20 customers completed, multiple enquiry sources active
Month 3: Evaluation and Optimisation
- Analyse which methods worked best for you
- Double down on most effective methods
- Reduce or eliminate ineffective approaches
- Focus on review accumulation and referrals
Goal: 20+ customers, 12+ reviews, sustainable enquiry flow
The Psychology of Early Customer Acquisition
Here’s what makes this hard (and how to handle it):
The Fear of Rejection
What you’ll face: People saying no, ignoring messages, choosing other mechanics.
Reality check: This is normal. You need 20 yesses. You’ll get 50-100 nos along the way. Every successful mobile mechanic faced this.
Mindset shift: Every no gets you closer to yes. Rejection isn’t personal – people have existing relationships, timing isn’t right, they’re price-shopping. Move on.
The Impostor Syndrome
What you’ll feel: “Who am I to charge money for this? I’m not good enough.”
Reality check: You’re qualified. You’re insured. You know what you’re doing. That’s enough.
Mindset shift: You’re providing valuable service. People need mechanics they can trust. You’ve earned the right to charge professional rates through qualifications and experience.
The Desperation Temptation
The trap: Desperate for work, you:
- Drop prices dramatically
- Take jobs outside your expertise
- Work for anyone who’ll pay
- Accept poor payment terms
Why this kills businesses: Unprofitable work, bad customers, unsustainable pace.
Mindset shift: Quality over quantity. Twenty good customers better than fifty nightmare customers. Maintain standards even when it’s quiet.
The Patience Problem
What you’ll want: Instant results. Full diary tomorrow.
Reality: Building business takes 2-4 months to gain momentum. First month is slowest. Month two picks up. Month three is when it clicks.
Mindset shift: Trust the process. Do the actions consistently. Results compound. Month one feels like shouting into void. Month three you’re turning work away.
Common Mistakes That Slow Customer Acquisition
Avoid these errors that delay your first 20 customers:
❌ Waiting for perfection: “I’ll start marketing when my website is perfect” – Start with imperfect website, improve as you go
❌ Doing everything at once: Trying all seven methods simultaneously leads to exhaustion and nothing done well
❌ Giving up after one attempt: “I posted in Facebook group once and got nothing” – Consistency matters
❌ Neglecting to ask for reviews: Not requesting reviews from satisfied customers = no credibility building
❌ Underpricing to attract customers: Race to bottom kills profit and attracts wrong customers
❌ Being passive: “I created profile and nothing happened” – Active marketing required
❌ Focusing on wrong metrics: Worrying about website visitors when you should focus on phone calls and bookings
❌ Skipping personal network: Pride stops people asking family/friends – Your easiest customers!
❌ Poor follow-up: Getting enquiry and responding slowly = lost customer
When You Hit 20 Customers: What Changes
Something magical happens around customer 15-20. Your business transforms from “trying to get work” to “managing demand.”
What changes:
✅ Referrals start flowing: Happy customers actively recommend you
✅ Reviews work for you: Google Business Profile generates organic enquiries
✅ Repeat customers return: People who used you once book again
✅ Confidence shows: You’re more assured in quotes and customer interactions
✅ Pricing flexibility: You can raise prices without fear of losing all work
✅ Marketing reduces: You spend less time marketing, more time working
Your new challenge: Managing capacity, not finding work.
The next phase: Choosing which customers to serve, building systems, potentially scaling.
But first: Get to 20. Everything changes after 20.
Final Thoughts: The First Customer Is the Hardest
Your first customer is terrifying. What if you make a mistake? What if they’re not happy? What if you’ve forgotten something crucial?
Here’s the secret: everyone feels this. Every mobile mechanic who’s now earning £60k+ felt exactly the same with their first customer.
You don’t need to be perfect. You need to be good enough, honest, and professional.
Your first twenty customers aren’t expecting perfection. They’re early adopters who appreciate:
- Convenience (you come to them)
- Fair pricing (you’re often cheaper than garages)
- Personal service (they’re dealing directly with you)
- Supporting local businesses (you’re a neighbour)
Do good work. Communicate clearly. Charge fairly. Ask for reviews. Build momentum.
The first customer leads to the second. The fifth customer refers the sixth. The fifteenth customer brings three referrals.
Getting started is harder than continuing.
Stop planning. Stop perfecting. Stop overthinking.
Pick two methods from this guide. Start tomorrow. Do them consistently for 60 days.
You’ll have your first 20 customers before you know it.
And when you’re ready to connect with customers actively seeking mobile mechanics in your area without platform commission fees, Trader Street is waiting. Create your profile, showcase your skills, and start building your customer base.
The customers are out there. They’re looking for you right now.
Go find them.
FAQs
How long does it really take to get 20 customers?
Realistically: 2-4 months working consistently. Faster if you have large personal network or live in high-demand area. Slower if you’re in rural area or inconsistent with marketing.
What if I’ve tried everything and still have no customers?
Evaluate honestly: Are your prices competitive? Is your online presence professional? Are you responding to enquiries within hours? Have you actually asked everyone in your network? Often the problem is inconsistent execution, not lack of methods.
Should I offer massive discounts to get first customers?
No. Offer 10% new customer discount maximum. Discounting 50% attracts wrong customers and trains market to expect low prices. Compete on service and reliability, not desperation pricing.
What’s the single most effective method?
Personal network (Method 1) typically delivers fastest results. Google Business Profile (Method 3) delivers most consistent long-term results. Use both.
Can I skip the personal network method?
You can, but you’re making it harder. These are your easiest customers – they already trust you. Starting cold with strangers is more challenging.
How many hours per week should I spend on customer acquisition?
First month: 20-30 hours/week (more marketing than working). Second month: 15-20 hours/week. Third month: 10-15 hours/week. Fourth month onwards: 5-10 hours/week maintenance.
What if I’m not on social media?
You don’t need personal social media, but business presence on Google and ideally Trader Street is non-negotiable. Facebook groups are highly effective but not essential if you compensate with other methods.
Should I focus on one method or do all seven?
Start with 2-3 methods: Personal network + Google Business Profile + one other (Trader Street, Facebook groups, or flyers). Add more once first methods are running smoothly.