The 10 Best Van Business Ideas

Thinking of switching up your career path or broadening your horizons? A business van might be a way to open up a new income stream, and you may just find your life's calling along the way. There are so many business types out there that could be mobile, from pizza vans to barbers on wheels, there are countless possibilities as to what you can use a van for. Below we've compiled a list of our top ten van business ideas, to help you start making plans for your business on the road.

What is a mobile business?

There are plenty of examples of mobile businesses, but the common feature to each is that they're run from a car, or more often than not, a van that has been specially adapted or renovated for the business purpose. The most obvious mobile business people automatically think of is an ice cream van, but coffee cars and catering vans now are also extremely common and found widely across the UK.

Is business van life for me?

If you're not sure if pursuing a van business is for you, it may help to ask yourself if you're okay with going self-employed first. There are a lot of benefits to working for someone else, however the freedom of working for yourself is what drives a lot of people to become self-employed in the first place. Be sure you're financially ready to face the possibility of a fluctuating income in the beginning while your business takes off, or even be prepared to work outside of your mobile job's hours at first to ensure your income is stable enough to pay for any bills you have. No-one said it would be easy and if you're not ready to put in the effort, business van life may not be for you.

If you are still unsure whether a business van is a right fit for you, map out a business plan and be sure to understand your market before investing money, time and effort. Very often, new businesses can fail within the first year, which is why it's a great idea to have a clear plan in mind.

And finally, consider if you enjoy your business idea enough to take the leap. If you're not sure or are on the fence about whether you can commit yourself to a business van, it may not be for you - so make sure you know 100%!

So, like the idea of working mobile? Want to commit to a van business but are still deciding on the type of work you might want to do? Check out our list below of our top ten van business ideas, we hope they help!

1. Mobile Food Catering Business

From pizza trucks to noodle vans, food trucks are taking off. They're extremely versatile and lucrative business ideas, and can cater festivals, weddings, and a host of other events! If you love a particular type of food, or you have a recipe that you think could be world-famous, it's a great idea to take it on the road and see where it takes you.

2. Mobile Mechanic

Mechanics are great for helping with issues such as flat tyres and other car issues, but sometimes customers can't make it to the garage. As a mobile mechanic, you can bring your expertise to them either on the road or at their home.

3. Rubbish Removal Service

Although this business idea isn't all glitz and glam, it could be lucrative. Use your van to take large items away for a price, or offer your services to house renovations and other projects that need rubbish removal.

4. Mobile Valet

This business van idea could bring in a pretty penny if done right. Instead of customers going to a valet, they can simply wait in their homes or workplaces for you to arrive and make their car, or van, look like new!

It's popular for a reason! If you're looking to go into business with friends, starting a man & van business could be everything you need to get the ball rolling as a small business. You can help people move homes or even pair it with handyman services if you're good with your hands.

7. Coffee on the Go

Who'd have thought we'd be drinking as much coffee as many of us do these days? You might be able to barely move for coffee shops on your local high street, but cars and vans being converted to house full-on coffee machines have become a more frequent sight. It's not unusual now to see a coffee van rock up at a local business park and sell its wares to local workers. Could you be that Barista?

8. Mobile Hairdresser

Hairdressers visiting people in their homes is a concept that's been around for years, but more recently we've seen a rise in the number of specifically converted vans used as, literally, mobile barber shops. Complete with proper chairs and hot running water, these conversions bring the salon to the clients, wherever they may be!