The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, even in 2024! If you have been long looking for mobile business ideas that are easy to start and flexible to carry out as a side hustle, then this blog is for you.
Mobile businesses offer convenience and are affordable to turn your passion into profit. In fact, having more than one stream of income has become the norm as a way of making ends meet, driven by inflation.
When it comes to these side businesses or part-time gigs, the sky is the limit, as the options are plenty. In this blog, we will discuss some of the profitable and trending mobile business ideas for your Shopify online store in 2024. Let's start!
What is a Mobile Business?
Source: Canva
A mobile business is a business model where the buying and selling of goods and services takes place without any location restrictions. It can easily be availed by clients through mobile phones or similar technologies. The main reason for its easy adoption is its convenience.
Don't you find it easy to order food online at the convenience of your smartphone and book at-home services such as cleaning right from your couch? Even 60% of adults in the US agree with this.
The advancement of mobile businesses and m-commerce is helping bring services directly to customers. Plus, the barriers to entry are often lower compared to traditional brick-and-mortar setups.
If you are selling products on your Shopify store, and are looking to expand to physical stores but with lesser investment, and a lot more creativity and innovation, then mobile businesses are perfect for you. Plus, with the availability of features such as Shopify POS, you can easily scale up both your online and mobile business.
There are many more benefits to starting your own mobile business in 2024, including:
- Lower overhead costs: Starting a mobile business essentially means no high rent for utilities or other fixed costs to pay compared to a traditional brick-and-mortar business.
- Increased flexibility and freedom: You can operate from different locations, cater to various events, and adjust your schedule to suit your needs and lifestyle.
- Growing market demand: Consumers are increasingly seeking convenient and on-demand services, fueled by the rise of the gig economy and mobile technology.
- Lower regulatory hurdles: Depending on your business type and location, some mobile businesses require fewer permits and licenses than traditional establishments.
- Unique branding and customer engagement: Your business and presence itself is the USP. You get to attract and engage customers who appreciate not just convenience but a more personalized experience.
Just remember, not all mobile business ideas are created equal. So don't forget to do your own research and identify your target audience to create a solid business plan that is meant to thrive.
15 Best Mobile Business Ideas List to Checkout
Here are 15 mobile business ideas to check in 2024 if you are a Shopify store owner:
Mobile Food & Beverage Businesses
If you are running a food business on Shopify, such as selling fresh produce, or packaged food or even running a healthy bakery store like lovegoodfats.com, then this one is for you. A mobile kitchen business is a fully functional kitchen setup on wheels. This can be the offline extension of your online business!
Idea 1: Food Truck
Source: Canva
In this business idea, the food truck or trailer will be fully equipped with the utensils and appliances needed for your food preparation. The best part of this idea is that you can sell the food at various locations and go where the demand is!
What do you require to start a food truck business?
Obtain permits, licenses, and health certifications. Secure a reliable vehicle and equip it with kitchen essentials. Develop a diverse menu catering to various dietary preferences and trends.
Capital: Initial investment ranges from $15,000 to $70,000, covering vehicle purchases, equipment, permits, and initial inventory.
Pro Tip: Organize themed cuisine nights to attract different demographics. Offer discounts for regular customers to encourage repeat business.
Idea 2: Mobile Coffee & Smoothie Cart
Source: Canva
If you are not a fan of offering extravagant food items and products with a large investment, then serving freshly brewed coffee or nutritious smoothies in busy areas such as near workplaces or parks.
What do you require to start this mobile business?
Acquire permits for mobile coffee businesses, health permits, and business licenses. Source quality coffee beans, fresh fruits, and other ingredients. Customize the cart for efficient service and branding.
Capital: Ranges from $5,000 to $20,000, covering cart purchase or rental, equipment, supplies, and permits.
Pro Tip: As consumers are becoming more and more aware of the environmental damages caused by plastic and non-biodegradable products, it is always a good idea to use eco-friendly products to serve your coffee and drinks. Partner with local businesses or events for increased visibility and sales.
Idea 3: Dessert Truck or Cart
Source: Canva
Do you love baking and want to do more than just be a home baker? Providing indulgent treats like cupcakes, baked treats or artisanal ice cream can be a great mobile business idea to explore in 2024.
What do you require to start this mobile business?
The requirements remain the same as the above ideas. Don't forget to design an eye-catching truck or cart layout and menu showcasing delicious desserts.
Capital: Investment varies from $5,000 to $20,000.
Pro Tip: Offer customized dessert options for special occasions.
Idea 4: Mobile Bar Service
Source: Brides.com
You might have seen these portable bars serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at private parties and events like concerts. It's a profitable business, and you can start one too.
What do you require to start this mobile business?
You need to secure liquor licenses, permits for mobile alcohol service, and insurance. Also, invest in a well-equipped bar setup, including a variety of beverages and serving accessories.
Capital: Startup cost ranges from $10,000 to $30,000, covering bar equipment, inventory, permits, and marketing materials.
Pro tip: if you are new to this, don't forget to take mixology classes and relevant courses.
Mobile Services & On-Demand Solutions
Mobile services and on-demand solutions could mean any service that is being delivered at the customer's preferred location on a mobile basis. Here are some mobile business services you can explore:
Idea 5: Mobile Auto Detailing
Source: Canva
Auto detailing services could include providing car cleaning and detailing services at your client's location.
What do you require to start this mobile business?
You will need to get the necessary permits and licenses to operate this mobile service. The initial investment is minimal as all you need to purchase is cleaning equipment, including pressure washers, vacuum cleaners, etc. Don't forget to develop service packages and pricing strategies to attract customers.
Capital: $2,000 to $10,000, covering equipment purchase, vehicle maintenance, marketing, and insurance.
Pro Tip: Offer eco-friendly detailing options using biodegradable cleaning products. Provide add-on services such as paint protection or interior disinfection for enhanced customer satisfaction.
Idea 6: Mobile Pet Grooming
Source: Canva
If you run a pet health and grooming store on Shopify like Pawpy Kisses, then you can work offer pet grooming services to customers! You can make it an add-on service for customers to buy while shopping in your website, and it is the perfect opportunity to let them see your products live in action!
What do you require to start this mobile business?
Obtain permits and licenses required for operating a mobile pet grooming business. Invest in grooming tools, such as clippers, brushes, and shampoos, as well as a mobile grooming van or trailer.
Capital: Investment ranges from $5,000 to $20,000, covering vehicle purchase or conversion, grooming equipment, marketing, and insurance.
Pro Tip: Offer additional services like pet massage therapy or flea/tick treatments.
Idea 7: Mobile Mechanic Services
Source: Canva
Have the required experience as a mechanic? Then, you can provide vehicle repair and maintenance services at clients' locations.
What do you require to start this mobile business?
Acquire the necessary licenses and permits for operating a mobile mechanic service. Invest in a comprehensive set of tools and diagnostic equipment. Also, develop a service menu outlining the repairs and maintenance tasks offered.
Capital: $5,000 to $15,000, covering tool acquisition, vehicle maintenance, marketing, and insurance.
Pro Tip: Offer roadside assistance packages for emergencies. To get repeat business, provide a brochure with preventive maintenance tips and educational workshops for customers.
Idea 8: Mobile Yoga or Fitness Studio
Source: Canva
If you are a fitness enthusiast, offering fitness classes at various locations can be a viable mobile business idea. This is also one of the ideal business ideas for families who want to work together to promote health and wellness. You don’t need a separate vehicle or expensive products to start. Travel to your client’s convenience or offer group sessions on a weekly basis and at pre-determined timings.
What do you require to start this mobile business?
Capital: The investment is very minimal, and you can start with as low as $1000 for fitness equipment. If you are offering group classes and have to pay any daily rent, then your overall investment can be anywhere between $1000 and $2500.
Pro Tip: Offer corporate wellness programs for businesses to promote employee health. Provide online resources such as workout videos or nutrition guides to supplement in-person classes.
Mobile Retail & Product Sales
If you have always wanted to open a retail store but on a budget, a mobile retail store can be your next best bet. Here are some mobile retail store ideas you can explore:
Idea 9: Mobile Boutique or Shop
Source: Used Vending
Running a boutique-style clothing store or even a online thrift shop like Jolly Costumes on Shopify? Go mobile with a boutique truck and take your store to the streets to show the world what you have to offer! It's the perfect marketing opportunity if you are a new store online and want to get the buzz going.
What do you require to start this mobile business?
Check for the required permits and acquire them in order to run a successful retail operation on wheels. Also, obtain necessary business licenses and insurance. Since you are running a fashion store, customize your exterior and interior for an inviting shopping experience.
Capital: Ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, covering vehicle purchases, inventory, permits, and marketing materials.
Pro Tip: Host pop-up events at local markets or community gatherings to attract customers.
Idea 10: Mobile Farmers Market
Source: Canva
Bringing fresh produce and local goods to neighborhoods is always an appreciated and in-demand business idea. Organic produce is gaining wide popularity, and hence, people enjoy going to farmers' markets to get the best and organic products right from the farmers' land to the table.
What do you require to start this mobile business?
If you are procuring products from other farmers and selling them in farmers' markets and pop-ups, you might not need any additional permits or licenses as long as you have a mutual agreement with the local farmers and vendors for reselling their products.
Capital: Depending on how small or big you want to start. An initial investment of $10,000 to $30,000 can work if you are doing business as pop-ups. If using trucks, then the investment can go up to $100,000, covering vehicle purchases, refrigeration units, permits, and initial inventory.
Pro Tip: Offer cooking demonstrations or recipe cards using seasonal ingredients to educate and engage customers.
Idea 11: Mobile Book Truck or Cart
Source: Pinterest
Providing a curated selection of books to different communities in a cart near busy places or through a small mobile book truck is a great small business idea to start in 2024.
What do you require to start this mobile business?
secure permits for mobile book sales, licenses, and agreements with publishers or distributors. Customize the truck or cart with shelves and display cases to showcase books attractively.
Capital: Investment ranges from $2,000 to $20,000, covering vehicle purchase or conversion, inventory, permits, and marketing materials.
Pro Tip: Partner with schools or libraries to offer discounted or donated books for educational purposes.
Mobile Creative & Entertainment Services
Creative and entertainment services can also be mobile. It would encompass businesses that provide artistic or entertaining experiences on the go, often tailored to client's specific needs or events. Here are some of the best mobile creative and entertainment services you can try out in 2024:
Idea 12: Mobile Photography Studio
Source: Canva
Offering photography services for events, portraits, or special occasions, such as weddings or family gatherings, is indeed a mobile business.
What do you require to start this mobile business?
Invest in quality photography equipment, including cameras, lighting, and editing software. Obtain necessary permits for operating this business, including insurance.
Capital: $5,000 to $30,000 for cameras and related equipment.
Pro Tip: Offer instant photo printing services for events to provide immediate memories for clients.
Idea 13: Mobile Music Service
Source: Canva
In this mobile business, you bring live music entertainment to corporate events or venues. It's perfect for those 9-5 hustlers who are looking to use their passion to earn an additional income during their free time.
What do you require to start this mobile business?
To start, build a repertoire of music genres and develop a professional presentation. Invest in quality musical instruments, sound equipment, and transportation. Market yourself via friends, family, and via social media to get gigs.
Capital: $10,000 to $50,000.
Pro Tip: Offer customized music arrangements for special occasions.
Idea 14: Mobile Beauty Salon
Source: Canva
Did you know that you can provide hair and beauty services at clients' locations at their preferred times? For a hair and beauty expert, this is their go-to side hustle!
What do you require to start this mobile business?
Invest in salon equipment, including styling tools, hair products, and beauty supplies. Obtain necessary licenses and permits for mobile salon operation.
Capital: $5,000 to $10,000 to get you started with salon equipment, which can be quite pricey depending on the service you want to offer
Pro Tip: Partner with wedding planners or event venues to provide on-site beauty services.
Mobile Wellness & Relaxation Services
Wellness and relaxation services ideally include health, wellness, and relaxation services directly to clients' locations. These services offer convenience and personalized experiences and cater to individuals' needs for relaxation, stress relief, and holistic well-being. One great example is:
Idea 15: Mobile Massage Therapy
Source: Canva
This includes providing relaxation and wellness massages at clients' locations.
What do you require to start this mobile business?
Invest in massage equipment, including massage tables, oils, and linens. Obtain necessary certifications and licenses for practicing massage therapy.
Capital: $5,000 to $20,000 for massage beds and essential equipment.
Pro Tip: Offer aromatherapy sessions or hot stone massages to enhance the relaxation experience.
Conclusion
Mobile businesses are the perfect solution to meet the increasing and diverse needs of consumers. We hope these 15 mobile business ideas gave you the inspiration to start your own side hustle. Don't forget to do additional research on your chosen business idea. Good luck!
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