Thinking about going mobile? Here’s everything you need to know about starting a mobile mechanic business in the UK – from essential qualifications and equipment through to finding your first clients and actually making money.
You’ve spent years working in garages. You’ve seen the owners taking home a tidy profit whilst you’re doing all the actual work for £12-£15 an hour. You’ve watched customers getting charged £60-£80 per hour labour whilst you’re getting paid a fraction of that. And you’ve thought: “I could do this myself.”
You’re right. You could.
Starting a mobile mechanic business is one of the most accessible ways to go self-employed in the automotive trade. The barriers to entry are relatively low, the demand is solid, and the profit margins – if you do it right – are genuinely decent. But (and it’s a big but), it’s not as simple as buying a van, chucking your tools in the back, and hoping customers will magically appear.
This guide walks you through everything you actually need to know about starting a mobile mechanic business in the UK in 2025. Not the sanitised, theoretical stuff you’ll find on government websites, but the real, practical, “here’s what you’ll actually face” information from people who’ve done this successfully.
Ready? Let’s get stuck in.
Is Mobile Mechanic Work Right for You?
Before you hand in your notice and order business cards, let’s have an honest conversation about whether mobile mechanic work is actually for you.
The Brilliant Bits
You’re your own boss – No more garage managers breathing down your neck, no more being told you can’t take holiday when you want it, no more pointless team meetings.
You keep the money – Charge £50/hour and you actually get £50/hour (minus expenses). No more watching someone else pocket two-thirds of what customers are paying.
Flexibility – Want to work four days a week? Go for it. Want to take Tuesdays off? Your call. Need to leave early for the school run? No problem.
Variety – Different customers, different cars, different problems every day. No more 50 MOTs a week or endless oil changes.
Direct customer relationships – You build genuine relationships with customers who appreciate your work. No middleman taking credit.
Lower overheads – No rent on a garage unit, no business rates, no massive electric bills. Your van is your workshop.
The Challenging Bits
No guaranteed income – Quiet weeks happen. January is always grim. You don’t get paid if you’re not working.
You’re everything – Mechanic, accountant, marketing department, customer service, admin. That’s all you now.
Weather-dependent – Working on a driveway in February when it’s pissing down and blowing a gale is genuinely miserable.
Equipment limitations – Some jobs you just can’t do without a proper workshop. Accepting these limitations is crucial.
Physical demands – You’re still doing the physical graft, plus driving between jobs. Your back and knees will feel it.
Customer-facing pressure – You can’t hide in the workshop anymore. Every customer interaction is on you, and some customers are… challenging.
Feast or famine – You’ll have weeks where you’re turning work away and weeks where your phone doesn’t ring. Managing cashflow is critical.
The Honest Reality Check
Starting a mobile mechanic business in your 40s or 50s, with a mortgage and family to support, is a different prospect from starting in your 20s living with your parents. Be brutally honest with yourself:
✅ Do you have 3-6 months’ living expenses saved? (You’ll need this as a buffer)
✅ Can your family cope with variable income? (At least initially)
✅ Are you comfortable with admin and customer service? (If you hate both, this will be hell)
✅ Do you have the self-discipline to work when there’s no boss? (Some people need external structure)
✅ Can you physically handle the work? (Be honest about your age, fitness, and injuries)
If you’ve answered yes to these, brilliant – keep reading. If not, that doesn’t mean you can’t do this, but you need to either build up your savings, develop those skills, or reconsider timing.
Essential Qualifications and Legal Requirements
Let’s start with the non-negotiables. You can’t just wake up one day and decide you’re a mobile mechanic. Well, technically you can, but you’ll struggle to get insurance, customers won’t trust you, and you might actually be breaking the law depending on what work you do.
Mechanical Qualifications
Minimum requirement: City & Guilds Level 2 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair (or equivalent like IMI Level 2, NVQ Level 2)
This is your baseline. It proves you understand vehicle systems, can work safely, and have fundamental diagnostic skills. Without this, reputable customers won’t hire you, and insurance companies definitely won’t cover you.
Recommended: City & Guilds Level 3 or IMI Level 3
Level 3 demonstrates advanced diagnostic skills, complex repair capability, and higher-level expertise. You’ll command better rates and customers will trust you more. If you’ve been working in garages for 5+ years, you should be aiming for Level 3 minimum.
How to get them if you don’t have them:
- Part-time college courses (1-2 years, evenings/weekends)
- Apprenticeship (if you’re younger or can afford the time)
- Fast-track intensive courses (expensive but quick)
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – Some awarding bodies will assess your experience and grant qualifications based on portfolio evidence
Cost: £1,000-£4,000 depending on route and level
Gas Safe Registration (If Working on LPG)
If you’re touching anything related to LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) systems on vehicles, you legally need Gas Safe registration for automotive work. This is separate from domestic Gas Safe registration.
Cost: £200-£500 for the course, then annual registration fees (£150-£300)
Most mobile mechanics don’t bother with LPG work because the demand is low and the qualification is hassle. Unless you’re planning to specialise in LPG conversions or repairs, skip this.
Electric Vehicle Qualifications (Increasingly Important)
With EVs becoming more common, this is where smart mobile mechanics are investing:
IMI Level 3 Award in Hybrid and Electric Vehicle System Repair and Replacement
This covers high-voltage systems and is becoming essential for anyone serious about future-proofing their business. You can’t legally work on high-voltage systems (anything over 60V DC) without it.
Cost: £800-£1,500
Reality: You can service EVs (brakes, suspension, 12V systems, tyres) without this qualification. You just can’t touch the high-voltage battery systems or electric motors. For most mobile mechanic work, that’s fine – EVs still need brake pads, suspension work, and basic servicing.
Diagnostic Equipment Training
Modern cars are computers on wheels. Generic OBD-II scanners aren’t enough anymore. Consider manufacturer-specific diagnostic training:
- Bosch diagnostic courses
- Launch Tech training
- Manufacturer-specific courses (Volkswagen Group, BMW, Mercedes)
Cost: £200-£800 per course
Worth it? Absolutely. Diagnostic work commands premium rates (£60-£90/hour), and customers will pay for someone who can actually figure out what’s wrong rather than just throwing parts at problems.
Business Registration
Sole trader: The simplest structure for starting out. Register with HMRC as self-employed (free, online, takes 10 minutes).
Limited company: More complex but offers liability protection and potential tax advantages. Requires Companies House registration (£12-£100) and annual accounts.
Most mobile mechanics start as sole traders and incorporate later if the business grows significantly. Unless you’re starting with significant debt or risk, sole trader is fine.
Insurance (Non-Negotiable)
You absolutely must have:
Public Liability Insurance (£1-£5 million coverage)
- Covers damage to customer property while you’re working
- Cost: £400-£1,200 annually
- Example: You drop a tool through their windscreen, your insurance covers it
Professional Indemnity Insurance (£1-£2 million coverage)
- Covers mistakes in your work
- Cost: £500-£1,500 annually
- Example: You misdiagnose a fault, customer pays for wrong repair, then has to pay again for correct repair – your insurance covers the first repair cost
Tools Insurance
- Covers theft or damage to your equipment
- Cost: £200-£600 annually for £5,000-£15,000 worth of tools
- Critical: If someone nicks your van with all your tools, you’re out of business without this
Van Insurance (Business use specification)
- Must be business use, not just social/commuting
- Class 1 (carrying own tools) or Class 2 (carrying goods for hire)
- Cost: £800-£2,500 annually depending on van, area, and your history
Total insurance cost: Budget £2,000-£5,000 annually. It’s expensive, but it’s cheaper than being personally liable for a £50,000 mistake.
Other Registrations
Waste Carrier License (if transporting waste oil, batteries, etc.)
- Upper tier: £154 for 3 years if you’re regularly transporting waste
- Lower tier: Free registration if only transporting your own waste occasionally
- Most mobile mechanics need lower tier only
Data Protection Registration (if keeping customer records electronically)
- Cost: £40-£60 annually
- Required by law if you’re storing customer data on computers or phones
Essential Equipment and Startup Costs
Right, qualifications sorted. Now: what do you actually need to buy, and how much will it cost?
The Van
Your biggest expense and most important decision. Your van is your workshop, your business image, and a significant chunk of your capital investment.
What to buy:
Budget option: Used Ford Transit Connect, Vauxhall Combo, or Renault Kangoo (2010-2015)
- Cost: £3,000-£6,000
- Pros: Cheap to buy, economical to run, parts widely available
- Cons: Potential reliability issues, might not look as professional
- Right for: Starting out with limited capital, testing the waters
Mid-range: Used Ford Transit Custom, Volkswagen Transporter, or Mercedes Vito (2015-2018)
- Cost: £8,000-£15,000
- Pros: More reliable, better image, more space
- Cons: Higher purchase cost and running costs
- Right for: Established mechanics with some capital, serious about growing
Premium: New or nearly-new Mercedes Sprinter or VW Crafter (2020+)
- Cost: £15,000-£30,000+
- Pros: Excellent reliability, professional image, manufacturer warranty
- Cons: Massive upfront cost, higher depreciation
- Right for: Established businesses, fleet work, premium customers
Our recommendation: Start with a decent used Transit Custom or Transporter (2015-2017) for around £10,000-£12,000. Reliable enough that you won’t be constantly fixing it, professional enough that customers trust you, and affordable enough that it’s not crippling debt.
Van financing options:
- Cash purchase (if you have it)
- Bank loan (typically £10k over 3 years = £300-£350/month)
- Van finance (HP or PCP – £200-£400/month)
- Lease (£250-£450/month, but you never own it)
Van Setup and Racking
A van full of loose tools sliding around is dangerous, unprofessional, and inefficient.
Professional racking system: £500-£2,000
- Shelving units, drawer systems, secure storage
- Brands: Sortimo, Bott, System Edström
Basic DIY setup: £200-£500
- Plywood shelves, tool boxes, tie-down straps
- Fine for starting out if you’re handy
Must-haves:
- ✅ Secure storage (theft prevention)
- ✅ Organisation system (finding tools quickly)
- ✅ Fire extinguisher (£30-£50)
- ✅ First aid kit (£20-£40)
- ✅ Warning signs and safety equipment
- ✅ Cleaning supplies and rags
Essential Tools
If you’ve been a mechanic for years, you probably already own 70% of what you need. If you’re starting from scratch, here’s what’s essential:
Socket and spanner sets (metric and imperial)
- Professional quality: Snap-on, Mac Tools, Facom (£1,000-£3,000)
- Good mid-range: Halfords Professional, Sealey, Draper Expert (£400-£800)
- Budget: Silverline, Clarke (£200-£400, but expect to replace items)
Our recommendation: Buy professional quality for frequently-used sizes (10mm, 13mm, 17mm, 19mm), budget for rarely-used stuff.
Power tools:
- ✅ Cordless impact wrench (£150-£400)
- ✅ Cordless drill/driver (£80-£200)
- ✅ Angle grinder (£60-£150)
- ✅ Batteries and chargers (£100-£200)
Lifting equipment:
- ✅ Trolley jack (2-3 ton, £80-£200)
- ✅ Axle stands (pair, £40-£80)
- ✅ Wheel chocks (£15-£30)
Brake tools:
- ✅ Brake caliper wind-back tool set (£30-£80)
- ✅ Brake bleeding kit (£20-£50)
Diagnostic equipment (critical):
- Budget: Generic OBD-II scanner (£50-£150) – Fine for basic fault code reading
- Mid-range: Autel MaxiCOM, Launch CRP129 (£200-£500) – Good all-rounders
- Professional: Snap-on, Autel MaxiSys (£1,000-£3,000+) – Necessary for serious diagnostic work
Our recommendation: Start with mid-range (Autel MaxiCOM or similar for £300-£400). Upgrade when diagnostic work becomes a significant income source.
Consumables and fluids:
- ✅ Engine oils (variety of grades, 20-30 litres stock)
- ✅ Brake fluid, coolant, screen wash
- ✅ WD-40, penetrating oil, grease
- ✅ Cable ties, jubilee clips, electrical tape
- ✅ Fuses and bulbs (common sizes)
- ✅ Cleaning products, degreaser, hand cleaner
Budget: £200-£400 initial stock
Total tools investment:
- Absolute minimum (if you own nothing): £2,000-£3,000
- Realistic for competent start: £4,000-£7,000
- Professional comprehensive setup: £10,000-£20,000
Financing options: Many tool suppliers offer credit accounts (0% for 6-12 months often). Spread the cost rather than crippling yourself upfront.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Essential:
- ✅ Mechanics gloves (box of 100, £15-£25)
- ✅ Safety glasses (£5-£15)
- ✅ Steel toe-cap boots (£40-£80)
- ✅ Hi-vis vest/jacket (£10-£25)
- ✅ Knee pads (£20-£40) – Your knees will thank you
Budget: £100-£200
Office and Admin
Laptop/tablet for invoicing, quoting, emails (£300-£800)
- Toughbook or iPad recommended (work environment is harsh)
Phone with good data plan (£30-£60/month)
Accounting software: Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent (£10-£30/month)
Invoicing app: Often built into accounting software
Website: Basic website (£100-£500 setup, £50-£150 annually hosting)
Business cards and flyers: £30-£100
Total: £500-£1,500 initial, then £50-£100 monthly
Marketing Materials
Vehicle signage: £200-£800 (essential for visibility)
Uniform (polo shirts with logo): £60-£150 for 5 shirts
Branded paperwork (invoices, quotes): £50-£100
Complete Startup Cost Breakdown
Here’s what you’re realistically looking at:
Minimum viable startup (used van, basic tools, no debt):
- Van: £5,000
- Tools: £2,000 (assuming you own some basics)
- Insurance: £2,000 (first year)
- Van setup: £300
- Diagnostic equipment: £200
- Marketing: £200
- Admin/website: £300
- Working capital: £1,000 (fuel, parts stock, first month expenses)
- Total: £11,000
Realistic professional setup (decent van, proper equipment):
- Van: £12,000
- Tools: £5,000
- Insurance: £2,500
- Van setup: £1,500
- Diagnostic equipment: £400
- Marketing: £500
- Admin/website: £500
- Working capital: £2,000
- Total: £24,400
Premium launch (newer van, comprehensive equipment):
- Van: £18,000
- Tools: £8,000
- Insurance: £3,000
- Van setup: £2,000
- Diagnostic equipment: £1,500
- Marketing: £1,000
- Admin/website: £800
- Working capital: £3,000
- Total: £37,300
Reality check: Most successful mobile mechanics start somewhere between minimum and realistic (£15,000-£20,000), then reinvest profits in better equipment over the first 1-2 years.
Financing Your Startup
Unless you have £20k sitting around, you’ll need financing:
Personal savings: The dream, no debt, but requires discipline to build up
Bank loan: Business loan (8-15% APR typical), personal loan (4-8% APR), or overdraft facility
Start-up Loan Company: Government-backed loans (6% fixed, up to £25k) – Worth investigating
Credit cards: 0% purchase or money transfer cards for equipment (risky if you can’t pay off before interest starts)
Prince’s Trust: If you’re under 30 and struggling for capital (grants and support available)
Family loan: Potentially interest-free, but mixing business and family can be messy
Phased approach: Start part-time with minimal investment, build the business, invest profits – Slower but lower risk
Pricing Strategy: What to Charge and Why
Right, you’ve got your van, your tools, and your qualifications. Now comes the big question: what do you actually charge?
This is where most new mobile mechanics either undervalue themselves (and go bust) or overcharge (and get no work). Getting pricing right is absolutely critical.
Understanding Your True Costs
Before you can set prices, you need to know what it actually costs you to operate per hour. Most mechanics dramatically underestimate this.
Direct costs per hour (assuming 25 billable hours per week):
Van costs:
- Fuel: £600-£1,000/month (£120-£200/week)
- Insurance: £800-£2,500/year (£15-£50/week)
- Road tax: £290/year (£6/week)
- Servicing: £400-£800/year (£8-£15/week)
- MOT and repairs: £500-£1,500/year (£10-£30/week)
- Depreciation: £2,000-£5,000/year (£40-£100/week)
- Total van costs: £200-£400/week = £8-£16/hour
Business costs:
- Public liability insurance: £400-£1,200/year (£8-£25/week)
- Professional indemnity: £500-£1,500/year (£10-£30/week)
- Tool insurance: £200-£600/year (£4-£12/week)
- Accountant: £500-£1,500/year (£10-£30/week)
- Phone and data: £30-£60/month (£8-£15/week)
- Website/marketing: £500-£1,500/year (£10-£30/week)
- Tool replacement/upgrade: £1,000-£2,000/year (£20-£40/week)
- Consumables: £100-£200/month (£25-£50/week)
- Total business costs: £95-£232/week = £4-£9/hour
Your wages (what you need to live on):
- National Living Wage (£11.44/hour) = bare minimum
- Target: £30,000-£40,000/year salary = £600-£800/week = £24-£32/hour
- Comfortable: £50,000+/year = £1,000/week = £40/hour
Taxes:
- Income tax: 20% on profits over £12,570, 40% over £50,270
- National Insurance: 9% on profits over £12,570, 2% over £50,270
- Rough guide: Budget 25-35% for taxes
Example calculation (targeting £40k personal income):
- Personal income needed: £40,000/year = £800/week = £32/hour (25 billable hours)
- Direct costs: £12/hour (van) + £6/hour (business) = £18/hour
- Gross needed before tax: £32 + £18 = £50/hour
- Add tax cushion (30%): £50 × 1.3 = £65/hour minimum
This is before parts mark-up, call-out fees, or any profit for business growth.
Standard Market Rates by Region
London and South East: £50-£80/hour
Major cities: £40-£65/hour
Regional towns: £35-£55/hour
Rural areas: £30-£50/hour
Your pricing decision:
- Bottom 20%: You’ll get work, but margins will be tight. Only viable if your costs are very low.
- Middle 60%: Competitive pricing, sustainable margins.
- Top 20%: Premium pricing – Only works if you have specialist skills, excellent reputation, or serve premium customers.
For most new mobile mechanics: Start in middle-to-lower range, raise prices as reputation builds.
Call-Out Fees
Charge separately from hourly rate to cover:
- Travel time (often unpaid)
- Fuel costs
- Minimum viable job value
Typical call-out fees:
- Within 10 miles: £45-£65
- 10-20 miles: £60-£85
- 20+ miles: £75-£100 or additional mileage charge
Strategy: Waive call-out for jobs over 2 hours or regular customers.
Parts Pricing
You have three options:
1. Customer supplies parts (£0 mark-up, reduced/no warranty)
- Pros: Customer saves money, you avoid capital tied up in parts
- Cons: No profit on parts, you bear risk if parts are wrong, warranty issues
2. You supply parts with standard mark-up (20-30% typical)
- Pros: Additional profit, you control quality, proper warranty
- Cons: Capital tied up, occasional part returns
3. You supply parts with service mark-up (30-40% typical)
- Pros: Better margins, reflects your expertise in sourcing quality parts
- Cons: Customers might shop around if they know you’re marking up heavily
Our recommendation: 20-30% mark-up on parts, with clear explanation that this covers sourcing, warranty, and quality assurance. Most customers understand this.
Package Pricing vs Hourly
Consider offering package prices for common services:
Full service: £150-£250 (all-in price)
Interim service: £100-£150
Pre-MOT inspection: £50-£70
Brake pads (per axle): £120-£180 (labour only)
Pros: Customers know exactly what they’re paying upfront
Cons: You bear the risk if jobs take longer
Our recommendation: Package pricing for routine jobs, hourly for diagnostics and unknown-complexity work.
Premium Pricing (When You Can Charge More)
Weekend work: +20-30%
Evening work (after 6pm): +20-25%
Bank holidays: +30-50%
Emergency call-outs: +50-100%
Specialist work:
- Electric vehicle servicing: +15-20%
- Classic car work: +20-40%
- Performance modifications: +30-50%
- Diagnostic expertise: +20-30%
Don’t feel guilty about premium pricing for unsocial hours or specialist work. You’ve earned that expertise, and your Saturday afternoon is worth more than your Tuesday morning.
Getting Your First 20 Customers
You’re legal, you’re equipped, you’ve set your prices. Now comes the scary bit: actually getting customers to pay you money.
This is where most new mobile mechanics struggle. You’ve been used to customers just appearing (via the garage), and now… silence. Your phone isn’t ringing. Your fancy new business isn’t making money. Panic sets in.
Don’t panic. Here’s how to get those crucial first 20 customers.
Start With People You Know
Your immediate network:
- Family (service their cars at mate’s rates initially)
- Friends (slightly higher than mate’s rates)
- Current/former colleagues (professional rates)
- Neighbours (professional rates)
Target: 5-8 customers from your network in first month
Strategy: “I’m starting my mobile mechanic business. I’d really appreciate your support – and honest feedback. Here’s my pricing…”
Don’t be embarrassed. Everyone understands starting a business. Most people want to support people they know.
Tell EVERYONE
For the first 3-6 months, work on the assumption that you’re a walking, talking advert:
- ✅ Mention it to every person you meet
- ✅ Join local Facebook groups and introduce yourself (check group rules first)
- ✅ Business cards everywhere (hand them out like confetti)
- ✅ Van signage prominent (your van is a moving billboard)
- ✅ LinkedIn profile updated (some business fleet work comes from here)
- ✅ Post regularly on social media (even if it feels awkward)
Target: 5-10 customers from general networking in first 2-3 months
Online Presence (Critical)
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)
- Free
- Shows up in local search results
- Appears on Google Maps
- Customers can leave reviews
- Set this up on day one
Facebook Business Page
- Free
- Join local community groups
- Share helpful content (not just “hire me” posts)
- Respond to people asking for mechanic recommendations
Trader Street Profile
- Create comprehensive profile
- Zero commission fees (unlike Checkatrade’s £1,200+/year)
- Get in front of people actively looking for mobile mechanics
- Build reviews quickly
- This is a major advantage – You keep 100% of what you charge
Simple website (£100-£300 setup)
- One page with services, pricing guide, contact details, reviews
- Mobile-friendly essential
- Don’t overthink this – Simple and clear beats fancy and confusing
Target: 5-10 customers from online presence in first 2-3 months
Local Guerrilla Marketing
Flyers through doors in your target area (within 5-mile radius)
- £30-£50 for 1,000 flyers printed
- Deliver yourself evenings/weekends
- Include introductory offer: “New business – 10% off first service”
Target: 2-5 customers from 1,000 flyers (that’s normal conversion)
Business cards in local shops, community centres, libraries
- Ask permission first
- Leave stack of 10-20 cards
- Refresh monthly
Target: 1-3 customers from business card distribution
Local cafes and shops – Become a regular, chat to owners, mention what you do
- Don’t be pushy, just be present and helpful
- Small business owners often need van/fleet servicing
Target: 2-5 business contacts over first 6 months
Introductory Offers (Use Carefully)
10% off first service or Free diagnostic with any repair
Pros: Lowers barrier to trying you out
Cons: Attracts price-sensitive customers who might not become regulars
Our recommendation: Use sparingly. You’re building a quality business, not competing on price alone.
The “Loss Leader” Strategy
Offer exceptionally cheap oil changes (£40-£50, barely profitable) to get cars in front of you.
Why?: During oil changes, you can spot:
- Worn brake pads (£150-£200 job)
- Perished tyres (referral commission or service fee)
- Leaking suspension (£200-£400 job)
- Due cambelt (£300-£600 job)
Target: 5-10 oil change customers who become full-service customers
Partnership Opportunities
Local breakdown services – Offer to be their local mobile mechanic for roadside repairs
Car dealerships – Offer pre-delivery inspections, minor repairs
Leasing companies – Fleet servicing opportunities
Insurance companies – Some use approved repairers for minor accident damage
Car valeting businesses – Cross-promotion (they refer mechanical work, you refer valeting)
Target: 1-2 partnership deals in first 6 months (these can be lucrative)
Asking for Reviews and Referrals
After every job:
“If you’re happy with the work, I’d really appreciate a review on my Google Business page – it makes a huge difference to a new business.”
“If you know anyone else who needs a mobile mechanic, I’d be grateful for any recommendations.”
Most satisfied customers are happy to help – they just need to be asked.
Referral incentive (optional): “£20 off your next service for every new customer you refer who books work”
Reality Check: Timeline for First 20 Customers
Month 1: 5-8 customers (mostly family/friends)
Month 2: 4-6 customers (online presence starting to work, referrals beginning)
Month 3: 6-8 customers (momentum building, repeat customers returning)
Total: 15-22 customers in first 3 months
After this: You should have 8-15 jobs per month from repeat business and referrals. Growth becomes organic.
Building Repeat Business (Where Real Money Lives)
One-off customers are fine, but repeat customers are where you actually make money. Here’s why:
New customer:
- You spent £5 on flyer
- You spent 30 mins on quote/phone calls
- They’re testing you out (nervous, watching, questioning everything)
- One-off £150 service
- Profit after marketing: £120
Repeat customer (4th service):
- Zero marketing cost
- They call you directly
- They trust you completely
- Regular £150 service every 6 months
- Profit: £150 (full amount minus costs)
Plus repeat customers:
- ✅ Refer their friends and family
- ✅ Don’t shop around for quotes
- ✅ Let you do more expensive work (they trust you)
- ✅ Are understanding if something goes wrong
Your goal: Turn every new customer into a repeat customer.
How to Build Loyalty
1. Exceed expectations
- Arrive exactly when you say (or early and wait)
- Complete work faster than quoted
- Clean up immaculately (hoover around where you worked)
- Protective seat covers (even if just plastic bags)
- Wash hands before touching interior
2. Communicate brilliantly
- Confirm appointment day before
- Text when you’re 15 mins away
- Explain what you’re doing and why
- Show them worn parts (visual proof work was needed)
- Explain what else you spotted (building trust)
3. Be honest about what they don’t need
- If air filter looks fine, tell them
- If they can wait 6 months for brake pads, tell them
- Don’t invent problems to boost the bill
4. Follow up
- Text next day: “Hope car’s running well after yesterday’s service”
- Call a week later if major work: “Just checking everything’s still fine?”
- Six-month reminder: “Your car’s due for service soon – want to book in?”
5. Small touches that matter
- Leave car cleaner than you found it
- Make them a cuppa whilst you work (if appropriate)
- Explain the invoice line by line
- Offer to reset service light, check tyre pressures (free extras)
Service Reminders
Set up system (calendar, CRM, or simple spreadsheet):
- Note service intervals when you finish work
- Set reminder for 1 month before due date
- Text/email: “Your [car] is due for service soon. Want to book in? Reply with preferred date/time.”
This is pure gold: Customers forget when services are due. Reminding them:
- ✅ Makes their life easier (they appreciate it)
- ✅ Gets you the work before they search elsewhere
- ✅ Builds loyalty (you’re looking out for them)
Target: 60-80% of customers book repeat work when reminded proactively
Customer Lifetime Value
Think beyond individual jobs:
Average customer: 2 cars, 10 years, annual servicing, occasional repairs
Lifetime value:
- Annual services: £180 × 10 years = £1,800
- Oil changes: £60 × 10 = £600
- Brake pads: £200 × 3 = £600
- Occasional repairs: £500 over 10 years
- Total: £3,500 per customer
Plus referrals (average customer refers 2-3 others = £7,000-£10,000 additional lifetime value)
Losing a customer costs you £10,000+. Treat them accordingly.
Managing Your Money (Crucial for Survival)
This is where most mobile mechanic businesses fail. Not because they can’t do the work, but because they can’t manage money.
Separating Business and Personal Money
Day one: Open separate business bank account
Why?:
- Makes accounting infinitely easier
- Protects you legally (especially if you incorporate later)
- Helps you see actual business performance
- Makes tax calculations straightforward
Pay yourself a salary: Fixed amount weekly/monthly, transferred from business to personal account. Don’t just raid business account whenever you fancy a takeaway.
Pricing to Cover Quiet Periods
You won’t work 52 weeks per year. Account for:
- 2 weeks holiday
- 1 week sickness
- 1-2 weeks Christmas/New Year (dead period)
- Bank holidays (8 days, though you might work some)
- Weather (1 week rain/snow where you can’t work on driveways)
Realistic working weeks: 45-47 per year (not 52)
This means: If you need £40k salary, you need to earn £850-£900 per week when you ARE working, not £770.
Tax and National Insurance
You must:
- Keep records of all income
- Keep receipts for all business expenses
- Submit Self Assessment tax return annually (by 31 January)
- Pay tax by 31 January following the tax year
- Make National Insurance contributions
Budget 30% of profits for taxes in your first year. Set this aside in separate savings account monthly.
Common mistake: Spending all your income and having no money for tax bill in January. This bankrupts businesses.
Allowable Business Expenses
You can deduct these from your profits before calculating tax:
✅ Van purchase, lease, or finance payments
✅ Fuel (business mileage only)
✅ Van insurance, road tax, servicing, repairs
✅ Tools and equipment
✅ Insurance (all business policies)
✅ Phone and internet (business proportion)
✅ Marketing costs
✅ Website and domain
✅ Accounting software and accountant fees
✅ Professional subscriptions and training
✅ Protective clothing
✅ Consumables (oils, fluids, cleaning products)
Keep every receipt. Use app like Receipt Bank or Dext to photograph receipts instantly.
Cashflow Management
The deadly cycle:
- You need to buy parts upfront (£200)
- You complete job and invoice customer (£350)
- Customer pays in 7-14 days
- You have no money for next job’s parts
Solutions:
- Trade accounts with parts suppliers (30-day payment terms)
- Working capital reserve (£1,000-£3,000 buffer)
- Deposit policy for large jobs (50% upfront)
- Same-day payment policy for small jobs (cash or bank transfer)
Never: Lend money to your business from personal funds and forget to pay yourself back. Track this rigorously.
Accounting Software vs Accountant
DIY with software (QuickBooks, Xero, FreeAgent): £10-£30/month
- Pros: Cheaper, you understand your numbers
- Cons: Time-consuming, risk of errors
Hire accountant: £500-£1,500/year
- Pros: Expert guidance, tax optimisation, audit protection
- Cons: Cost
Our recommendation: Start with software, hire accountant from year 2 onwards when you’re profitable. Good accountants save you more in tax than they cost.
Building Your Reputation
Your reputation is everything. In an industry plagued by cowboys, being known as honest, reliable, and competent is worth more than any advertising.
Getting Reviews
Ask every customer: “If you’re happy with the work, I’d really appreciate a Google review”
Make it easy:
- Text them direct link to your Google Business Profile
- Have a QR code on your invoice
- Follow up if they said they would but haven’t (most people mean to but forget)
Target: 10-15 five-star reviews in first 6 months, 50+ within first year
Handle bad reviews professionally:
- Respond promptly and politely
- Acknowledge their concern
- Explain your side calmly
- Offer to make it right
- Never be defensive or aggressive
One bad review handled well can actually improve your reputation. It shows you care and take responsibility.
Word of Mouth (Still the Best Marketing)
Every customer is a potential referral source:
- Give them business cards to pass on
- Offer referral incentive (£20 off for them and new customer)
- Do excellent work consistently
Target areas: Focus on neighbourhoods/estates where one happy customer leads to 5-10 more
Example: Service one car on a street, do great work, leave cards with neighbouring houses. Testimonial from Mrs. Smith at Number 14 carries huge weight with her neighbours.
Specialising (The Secret Sauce)
Generalist: Compete on price with every other mobile mechanic
Specialist: Command premium prices for specific expertise
Consider specialising in:
- Specific makes (Volkswagen Group, Japanese vehicles, Land Rover)
- Electric and hybrid vehicles
- Classic cars
- Performance and modified cars
- Fleet/business vehicles
- Diagnostics and fault-finding
Pros: Higher rates, less competition, passionate customer base, better margins
Cons: Smaller customer pool, need specialist equipment/training
When to specialise: Once established (6-12 months in), choose based on your interests and local demand.
Scaling Your Business (Once You’re Established)
You’ve been running successfully for 12-18 months. You’re turning work away. You’re booked solid. Now what?
You have options:
Option 1: Stay Solo, Charge More
Approach: Raise prices, maintain same workload, increase profit
Pros:
- ✅ No employee headaches
- ✅ No management time
- ✅ Keep all profit
- ✅ Simple life
Cons:
- ❌ Income ceiling (you only have so many hours)
- ❌ No business to sell later
- ❌ You’re the business (can’t step back)
Right for: People who value simplicity and freedom over maximum income
Option 2: Add Second Mechanic
Approach: Hire subcontractor or employee, charge for their work
Pros:
- ✅ Double your income potential
- ✅ Cover holidays/sickness
- ✅ Build actual business asset
- ✅ Accept more work
Cons:
- ❌ Management responsibility
- ❌ Quality control challenges
- ❌ Legal obligations (if employee)
- ❌ Your reputation at risk from their work
Key considerations:
- Subcontractor vs. employee (different legal/tax implications)
- Quality standards (they represent your brand)
- Their own van and tools vs. company-provided
- Customer allocation (how do you split work?)
Right for: People wanting to build larger business, comfortable with management
Option 3: Specialise and Premium Pricing
Approach: Niche down, charge 30-50% more, maintain solo operation
Example: Electric vehicle specialist charging £75-£90/hour vs. £45-£55 for general work
Pros:
- ✅ Higher income without more hours
- ✅ Interesting, challenging work
- ✅ Less competition
- ✅ Passionate customers
Cons:
- ❌ Smaller customer pool
- ❌ Specialist equipment investment
- ❌ Continuous training required
Right for: People with specific interests and willingness to invest in expertise
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Learn from others’ expensive mistakes:
Underpricing
The trap: Charging £35/hour to be “competitive”
The reality: You’re not making enough profit to cover quiet periods, tax, and reinvestment. You’re working full-time for minimum wage.
Solution: Charge middle-of-market rates (£40-£50/hour regionally, £50-£65 in cities). Compete on quality and service, not price.
Overcommitting
The trap: Booking 6 jobs in one day to maximise income
The reality: Job 2 takes longer than expected, you’re late for job 3, customer 4 is furious, job 6 gets done in the dark and you make mistakes.
Solution: Book realistic time slots with buffer. Better to finish early and pleasantly surprise customers than run late and stress everyone out.
Poor Record Keeping
The trap: “I’ll remember that expense” or “I’ll sort receipts at end of month”
The reality: Come January, you’ve got no idea what your expenses were, you’re paying more tax than necessary, and you might fail an HMRC investigation.
Solution: Photograph every receipt immediately on your phone. Weekly admin session to log expenses. Use accounting software from day one.
Cash Jobs Without Paperwork
The trap: “It’s only £50, I’ll just pocket it”
The reality: You’re committing tax evasion. If caught, massive fines, potential prosecution, business destroyed.
Solution: Every job gets invoiced. Every penny gets declared. The tax savings aren’t worth the risk.
Assuming Customer Knows Nothing
The trap: Explaining everything in jargon, dismissing their questions, patronising tone
The reality: Customers feel stupid, don’t trust you, go elsewhere.
Solution: Explain clearly in plain English, show them what you’re doing, answer questions patiently.
Not Setting Boundaries
The trap: Customer texts at 9pm with “quick question”, you respond immediately. Soon they’re messaging at all hours.
The reality: You have no work-life balance, customers don’t respect your time.
Solution: Set business hours. Auto-reply after hours: “Thanks for your message. I’ll respond during business hours (8am-6pm Mon-Fri).” Emergency number for genuine emergencies only.
Neglecting Existing Customers
The trap: Chasing new customers whilst ignoring existing ones
The reality: Existing customers drift away because they feel unappreciated. You’re constantly replacing lost customers instead of building loyalty.
Solution: Service reminder system, follow-up calls, occasional “valued customer” discount or free service (£50 free oil change for loyal customer = £500+ future work retained).
The First Year: What to Actually Expect
Let’s get real about your first year. Most business advice is annoyingly optimistic. Here’s the actual truth:
Month 1-3: Terrifying
Income: £800-£1,500/month (mostly family/friends)
Expenses: £1,500-£2,500/month (startup costs, insurance, fuel)
Reality: You’re losing money and questioning every decision
What you’ll feel: Panic, regret, impostor syndrome
What to do: Keep going. Market relentlessly. Every business feels like this at the start.
Month 4-6: Encouraging
Income: £2,000-£3,500/month
Expenses: £1,200-£2,000/month
Reality: Breaking even or small profit
What you’ll feel: Relief, cautious optimism
What to do: Focus on quality and building repeat customers. Your reputation is forming now.
Month 7-9: Growing
Income: £3,000-£5,000/month
Expenses: £1,200-£2,000/month
Reality: Profit of £1,000-£2,500/month (£12,000-£30,000 annually)
What you’ll feel: Confidence, seeing the business work
What to do: Invest in better equipment, raise prices slightly, focus on efficiency
Month 10-12: Establishing
Income: £3,500-£6,000/month
Expenses: £1,200-£2,000/month
Reality: Profit of £1,500-£3,500/month (£18,000-£42,000 annually)
What you’ll feel: Pride, relief, exhaustion
What to do: Plan for year two, consider tax-efficient salary structure, book holiday
Year 2 Onwards: Sustainable
Income: £4,000-£8,000/month (£48,000-£96,000/year)
Expenses: £1,500-£2,500/month
Reality: Profit of £2,500-£5,500/month (£30,000-£66,000 salary)
What you’ll feel: Established, confident, thinking about growth
What to do: Optimise operations, possibly hire help, potentially specialise
These figures assume:
- You work 25-30 billable hours per week
- You charge £40-£55/hour + call-outs
- 20-30% parts mark-up
- You’re reasonably efficient and organised
Is It Worth It?
After all this – the investment, the risk, the stress, the learning curve – is starting a mobile mechanic business actually worth it?
Financially: If you’re currently earning £25,000-£35,000 as an employed mechanic, you can realistically earn £35,000-£50,000+ self-employed after year one. Top performers (specialists, excellent reputation, efficient operation) earn £60,000-£80,000+.
Lifestyle: You’re your own boss. That’s worth something intangible. Bad days when phone doesn’t ring are horrible. Good days when you finish at 3pm on a sunny Friday and take your kids swimming are priceless.
Long-term: You’re building a business asset. In 5-10 years, you could:
- Sell the business (customer list, reputation, established operation)
- Scale to multiple mechanics and step back
- Semi-retire and cherry-pick interesting work
- Pass it to family member
Compare that to 5-10 more years working for someone else where you own nothing.
Our honest opinion: If you’re mechanically competent, reasonably good with people, and willing to put in the graft for 12-18 months, starting a mobile mechanic business is one of the best decisions you can make. The first year is genuinely tough, but year two onwards, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Your 90-Day Action Plan
Right, enough theory. Here’s what you actually do:
Days 1-30: Legal and Setup
- ✅ Register as self-employed with HMRC
- ✅ Open business bank account
- ✅ Get insurance quotes (public liability, professional indemnity, tools, van)
- ✅ Purchase van (or arrange finance)
- ✅ Set up basic van racking
- ✅ Audit tools (make list of what you need to buy)
- ✅ Create Google Business Profile
- ✅ Design basic logo and get van signage
- ✅ Order business cards
- ✅ Set up accounting software
Days 31-60: Building Presence
- ✅ Create simple website
- ✅ Set up Facebook Business Page
- ✅ Create Trader Street profile
- ✅ Join local Facebook groups
- ✅ Design and print flyers
- ✅ Tell everyone you know about your business
- ✅ Purchase remaining essential tools
- ✅ Practice quotes and pricing
- ✅ Set up invoicing system
- ✅ Deliver 500 flyers in target area
Days 61-90: Getting First Customers
- ✅ Service family/friends’ cars (building portfolio)
- ✅ Ask for first Google reviews
- ✅ Post in Facebook groups (following community rules)
- ✅ Visit local businesses with business cards
- ✅ Complete first 10 paid jobs
- ✅ Refine pricing based on actual job times
- ✅ Set up service reminder system
- ✅ Follow up with previous customers
- ✅ Create system for repeat bookings
- ✅ Deliver another 500 flyers
Target by day 90: 15-20 customers, 5-10 five-star reviews, 2-3 repeat bookings
Final Thoughts: Just Start
We’ve covered everything – qualifications, costs, equipment, pricing, marketing, customers, money management. You might feel overwhelmed. That’s normal.
Here’s the thing: you’ll never feel 100% ready. There will always be another course to take, another tool to buy, another excuse to wait.
The mechanics earning £50,000+ self-employed aren’t necessarily more skilled than you. They’re not necessarily smarter. They just started.
Start imperfectly rather than perfectly:
- You don’t need the latest diagnostic equipment day one
- You don’t need a brand new Mercedes van
- You don’t need a professionally designed website
- You don’t need to know everything before you begin
You need:
- ✅ Relevant qualifications
- ✅ Proper insurance
- ✅ A functioning van
- ✅ Essential tools
- ✅ Reasonable prices
- ✅ Willingness to learn
- ✅ Commitment to quality work
The rest you figure out as you go.
Using Trader Street: When you’re ready, create your profile on Trader Street. Zero commission fees mean you keep every penny you charge. You’re competing on your merits, not who can afford the biggest platform fees. It’s the fairest way to build your mobile mechanic business.
The mobile mechanic industry needs more skilled, honest professionals. You can be one of them.
The question isn’t whether you can do this. The question is: when are you going to start?
Good luck. You’ve got this.
FAQs
Do I need to be Gas Safe registered to work on cars?
Only if you’re working on LPG (liquid petroleum gas) systems. This is separate from domestic Gas Safe registration. Most mobile mechanics don’t work on LPG, so it’s not required for general work.
Can I run a mobile mechanic business from home?
Yes, as long as you’re not causing nuisance (noise, customers visiting, commercial vehicles parked on residential streets). Check your home insurance and mortgage/tenancy agreement. Most mobile mechanics work from home without issues.
How much can I realistically earn in my first year?
Expect £15,000-£30,000 profit in year one (after all expenses, before tax). Year two: £25,000-£45,000. Established (year 3+): £35,000-£70,000 depending on your rates, efficiency, and hours worked.
Do I need to register for VAT?
Only once your turnover exceeds £90,000 per year. Most solo mobile mechanics stay below this threshold. If you do register, you charge customers VAT but can reclaim VAT on business expenses.
What if I don’t have enough capital to start?
Start part-time while employed elsewhere. Build up slowly, invest profits, transition to full-time once customer base is established. This is lower risk but slower growth.
Can I employ someone or use subcontractors?
Yes, but understand the legal and tax implications. Employees require PAYE, workplace pension, employer’s liability insurance. Subcontractors are simpler but you have less control. Get advice from accountant before hiring.
How do I handle warranty claims on parts I’ve fitted?
Most quality parts have 12-month manufacturer warranties. Keep all receipts and packaging. If a part fails within warranty, claim replacement from supplier, fit it free for customer (you cover labour cost). This is why parts mark-up is justified – it covers warranty risk.
What’s the best accounting software for mobile mechanics?
QuickBooks, Xero, or FreeAgent all work well. Choose based on which interface you prefer. All around £10-£30/month. Free alternatives exist (Wave, Zoho Books) but paid versions are usually worth it.
Should I work weekends and evenings?
Optional. Weekends/evenings command premium rates (20-50% extra). Some mechanics love the higher rates; others value their weekends more. Your choice. Don’t feel obliged to be available 24/7.
How do I compete with established mobile mechanics?
Compete on service and reliability, not price. Be punctual, communicate brilliantly, do quality work, follow up. New mechanics often deliver better customer service than established ones who’ve become complacent. Use that advantage.