On the Move

Crafting a Successful Mobile Business Strategy

If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, you likely see the perks of opening a mobile business. With low overhead and a dynamic location, taking a business idea on the road can be advantageous and exciting. Before starting your business on wheels, you need to be aware of the planning it takes to be successful in the long run. The following will prepare you to craft an effective mobile business strategy that will keep you and your bottom line moving forward for years to come.

Strategically Planning a Mobile Business

First, you’ll have to decide what type of business you want to take on the road. When it comes to mobile ventures, you must decide between the different varieties:

• In-home mobile businesses, like cleaning services that travel from home to home;
• Business trucks and vans, like food trucks and book vans;
• Pop-up businesses, bringing online or static businesses to different locations like vendor booths or rental spaces;
• App-based businesses, like food delivery or shuttle services.

Any of these business models can be successful if planned strategically. Starting a food truck business is an obvious choice — and one that many people are bound to enjoy. If you go this route, consider your current options for budget, menu items, staff, food suppliers, food prep stations, and equipment. Many localities have food truck laws, so research the permits required and where you are allowed to park and do business. Regardless of what business model you choose, you should also think about branding and how you want potential customers to see your company.

If you pick a different business industry, you will have to make many of the same considerations. Some ideas for mobile businesses beyond food trucks include dog washing and grooming, bike repair, or cleaning services, among others.

If you already have a brick-and-mortar or online business, consider going the pop-up route or expanding to include a mobile version of your shop. This can open up your customer base and get your products and services in front of more eyes.

Deciding Your Destination

The right location for your mobile business is also crucial. It’s important to choose a general service area that jives with your selected business venture and lifestyle.

With the uptick in remote and hybrid work, more cities are adapting to how this may look for their infrastructure and laws. This means a dramatic shift in how they embrace businesses of all kinds. When you are looking for a remote-friendly work area, look for some of the following qualities to make overall operations more seamless:

• Internet connectivity to ensure ordering and processing work seamlessly;
• High traffic during your intended hours of operation;
• Local culture that falls in line with that of your target audience;
• Labor protections, including favorable tax laws, to protect employees working for your mobile business in that jurisdiction;
• Healthcare options to stay in proximity to care in case of emergency;
• Temperate climate to keep operations safe and consistent;
• Community activities that you can participate in to expand your reach.

Look at mobile businesses similar to your startup that are currently in a certain area. If there is too much competition, that particular location and its surrounding service areas may be oversaturated.

Choosing Your Mode of Transportation

The type of transportation for your mobile business is just as crucial as the place in which it roams. Think about the unique needs of your chosen startup to make an informed vehicle decision. Consider:

• Energy-efficient fleet vehicles;
• Step vans;
• Food trucks;
• Sprinter vans;
• Trailers;
• Vintage camper vans.

Again, this choice depends on your needs and budget. For example, an appliance-equipped food truck would be a good investment instead of starting from scratch. Make sure any vehicle you choose to serve food from is sanitary, with any leaks or holes patched and repaired. If buying vintage, make sure to look into maintenance costs as these vehicles will likely require more regular upkeep.

For any mobile business, you’ll also want room in your truck for a workspace, separate from the main operations. This space should have materials like floor mats and seat covers to protect the interior,  a power supply, an internet connection, and a mobile point-of-sale (POS) to keep operations flowing nicely. It should also include backup supplies, first aid kits, and ergonomic adjustments to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

You’ll also need to consider the size for overnight parking and clearance for any overpasses. Get quotes on insurance and determine licensing costs for your mobile business vehicle to ensure you are within budget. Also, consider how you want to brand the vehicle and whether or not the vehicle you choose can be customized to fit your aesthetic.

Staying Flexible and Innovative on the Move

After you choose your business model, location, and vehicle, you should make sure you are equipped to do business on the go. Mobile businesses, regardless of type, typically need to have a diverse set of tech and online platforms. For example, consider investing in POS systems, order management systems, physical and digital menus or pricing lists, financial analytics software, and various social media accounts that align with your brand.

Beyond an online presence and interconnected tech suite, you’ll also need packaging and an efficient way to deliver goods or services to customers. After all, mobile businesses are all about convenience, so make sure you’re delivering that in the best way you can. With proper planning, your business idea can thrive on the road and into the future.

By Indiana Lee, BOSS contributor