Mobile Barbers
The Busking Barber
Showcasing the UK’s Van Businesses
In recent years, there has been a rise in mobile businesses. While some decided to take their career mobile due to the restrictions of the national lockdowns during the pandemic, others knew straight away that a business on wheels is the right choice for them.
The term “mobile business” sees 1,600 average monthly searches on Google and since September 2018, “food van near me” has seen a 414% increase in searches. In the same time frame, “mobile barbers” has seen a 46% rise, with spikes from April to June 2020 and February and March 2021.
While some have transformed a modern, large van others have gone old school and revamped used large vans, campervans or three-wheeled trucks to run their mobile business. From barbers that cut hair in a van, to food lovers that have kitted their van out to serve fish and chips, we’ve spoken to mobile business owners up and down the country to find out how they run their career out of a van.
In recent years, there has been a rise in mobile businesses. While some decided to take their career mobile due to the restrictions of the national lockdowns during the pandemic, others knew straight away that a business on wheels is the right choice for them.
The term “mobile business” sees 1,600 average monthly searches on Google and since September 2018, “food van near me” has seen a 414% increase in searches. In the same time frame, “mobile barbers” has seen a 46% rise, with spikes from April to June 2020 and February and March 2021.
While some have transformed a modern, large van others have gone old school and revamped used large vans, campervans or three-wheeled trucks to run their mobile business. From barbers that cut hair in a van, to food lovers that have kitted their van out to serve fish and chips, we’ve spoken to mobile business owners up and down the country to find out how they run their career out of a van.
The lockdowns of 2020 inspired Aaron to leave shop life behind and become a mobile barber. Operating in the Medway towns of Kent, he cuts his customers hair in his very own customized van. In fact, he has recently expanded by adding another customised Ford van to the mix. As you might be able to guess from the name Busking Barber, Aaron is not just a barber but a musician too. While we don’t have any of his songs to give, we do have his insights into the success of his mobile barbers:
How did you start your business?
Lockdown inspired me to start my mobile business. I was getting fed up with the mundane routine of shop life, so when lockdown hit, I had time to really consider what it was I wanted to do, and how I wanted to do it. I knew I had to go mobile because I craved the freedom. The idea of entering people’s homes and offering “kitchen haircuts” wasn’t enough. I needed to create my own professional space that I could bring to the client’s doorstep.
What are the pros of running a mobile business?
The pros for me are personal and subjective. I prefer being out and about on the road- I wasn’t enjoying being confined to the same area all day long in a shop. I meet a lot of different people and I’ve noticed a huge increase in how comfortable my clients feel using my set-up. Not having a boss and working for myself also allows me the freedom that I craved. It allows me to be flexible which suits me and my customers.
What are the cons of running a mobile business?
The cons of mobile when running a big old van is the cost in fuel and maintenance. Although I do everything I can to stay ahead of any problems, there is always a worry that something can go wrong at any time.
Why did you choose to run a mobile business instead of a store?
I chose mobile over running my own shop because I knew it would be a unique selling point to existing and potential clients in the area. Timing was ideal off the back of covid because nobody wanted to venture out into busy shops, and it was really busy once we were allowed to return to business.
I looked into the possibility of opening my own shop but that is exactly what my town does not need- another barbershop on the high street. I’m not sure what the difference would be in profits, but I know that the flexibility and freedom it gives me to run my business mobile is priceless. Insurances and maintenance along with the ridiculous fuel prices right now, probably weigh up around the same as that of a shop owners’ expenses.
Mobile Drink Camper Café
Mobile Drink
Camper Café
Not all van businesses were brought on by lockdown and Camper Café is no exception. On the road for over ten years, Camper Café brings great tasting coffee to events across the UK. While it started with the shell of a VW T25, the business has now expanded to a fleet of mobile units and purpose-built coffee bars. Here’s what the owners have to say from their decade-long experience on the road.
How did you start your business?
Camper Cafe was born out of the love of VW campervans and coffee. It began in 2010 with a rusty VW T25 shell given to Will as an unwanted cast-off, which he planned to turn into a trailer for his motorbikes. Our business idea came when we saw a long queue for coffee at an event, and we had a lightbulb moment. We thought we could combine Will’s passion with our enjoyment of travel, events, meeting people, drinking great coffee, and making a bit of money for the pleasure.
We spent nine months refurbishing the VW into a trailer, trying lots of coffee, working out how to power a coffee machine (which uses a lot of energy) and starting up the business. When we got to January 2011, we started booking up events to sell at - starting with VW events across the country and trying out any event that would have us. We learned a lot, enjoyed the process and have developed the business model to one that now looks very different to when we started. But we still look back with fond memories at how far we’ve come.
What are the pros of running a mobile business?
Having had both a mobile coffee business and a retail coffee premises, we learned that mobile is the life for us. We run three businesses between the pair of us and love the flexibility of being able to have a break from Camper Cafe. With a mobile business every piece of work comes to an end. We can pat ourselves on the back, say ‘job well done’ and then move onto the next job. There’s something very satisfying about that.
Being mobile, we have very little overheads - Covid for us wasn’t as much of a challenge as it has been for some, where you are tied to paying rent for a fixed premises. And best of all, we never get bored of what we do. A different location each week brings new faces, new conversation, and fresh enjoyment.
What are the cons of running a mobile business?
A mobile business is physically more tiring and requires technical skill. Our day starts much earlier than most in prepping for each event, getting to site, setting up, making sure you have power/water/enough space for your set-up. Often getting in and out of large events is a challenge in itself. Occasionally we wish we could just turn up and open up shop, but we wouldn’t change it for the world.
Why did you choose to run a mobile business instead of a store?
For us, we have the passion for the vehicle as much as the passion for the product we sell. Boredom and complacency are huge factors for us in having a mobile business - it’s just not ‘us’ to work at the same spot every day.
We keep our overheads low- and having the skillset to build and maintain our units, plus market our business means that our profits are probably larger than a physical store. We have certainly built up a diary of great events and customers that work for us. We also don’t take on work just because we’re available - it all has to make financial sense. But we work harder for it!
Mobile Food The Hungry Plaice
Mobile Food
The Hungry Plaice
What better way to have fish and chips than from those served from a vintage van? The Hungry Plaice has two vans in their services, Betty and Beryl. While both are from the 1980s, Betty is actually an original fish and chip van that used to run the local rounds 30 years ago – she still has all of the old equipment inside too.
How did you start your business?
When we were both made redundant from our jobs a few years ago, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to start something new. We played around with a few ideas and then set our hearts on starting a mobile catering business.
When we first started, we had an old trailer but soon found that we needed something a bit different and that’s how Betty came into our lives. When we found this vintage van, it was love at first sight. The memories of our childhood rushed back as soon we saw its classic Ford shape.
What are the pros of running a mobile business?
Self-employment is a very satisfying and motivating experience. You are your own boss, able to make decisions without any supervision from others - plus it’s flexible hours. Being able to work as little or much at you like, gives you flexibility in your life while building up that sense of achievement.
What are the cons of running a mobile business?
Working for yourself is not for the faint-hearted. You are your own boss which means you have to work long hours at times and take on all sorts of responsibilities that you cannot pass to someone else. Financially, it can sometimes feel risky since there is no set date or amount associated with payments. To stay motivated during these tough moments when you are feeling drained can be difficult at times.
Why did you choose to run a mobile business instead of a store?
We set up a mobile catering business as it gave us the freedom of not having a fixed address. Travelling around means we can reach more customers rather than relying on trade visiting a shop and coming to us.
Mobile Food Gorgeous Gourmet Grub
Mobile Food
Gorgeous Gourmet Grub
Set in a 1970’s French Renault Estafette (named Eric), Gorgeous Gourmet Grub offer a variety of food and tailor their menu to each event. Their website lists a range of their previous mouth-watering dishes including divine gourmet burgers, slow-cooked beef brisket and three cheese creamy Mac n cheese, to name a few. The owner spent 17 years as a schoolteacher before deciding to pursue their dreams of mobile catering.
How did you start your business?
We started the business as a new venture. We bought the truck, made a website, registered with the council as a business and received an inspection for our food hygiene rating. I joined The Nationwide Caterers Association (NCASS), did my online training and learnt as much as I could about regulations, the food truck market and the food industry as a whole. We then advertised our new business on a range of platforms and enquiries and bookings flooded in.
What are the pros of running a mobile business?
The pros are that we are not restricted to where we can do events so we can reach a wide audience. Our truck is beautiful and vintage, so it is appealing to many and gives people a lot of freedom at weddings, with regards to a relaxed dining experience.
What are the cons of running a mobile business?
The cons are having our truck permanently sitting on our driveway (we also have two cars) and driving such an old vehicle is difficult; it provides many challenges.
Why did you choose to run a mobile business instead of a store?
It’s the only concept we had in our heads, a good truck venture. We love festivals and eating honest home-made food from trucks, so the concept was ideal. It’s not my only job, so being mobile provides us with the freedom to decide when to do events and not. We can fill the calendar as we wish and not feel obliged to have to be open on specific/ regular days.
Mobile Food ChilliDogs
Mobile Food
ChilliDogs
Ran by Dan and Steph, ChilliDogs offers a modern-day take on a food truck. Their Mercedes van is self-sufficient, complete with solar panels and drop-down speakers. While they offer burgers and other foods, their specialty lies within gourmet hot dogs– according to their website, they’re nitrite–free and do not contain any fillers, preservatives or gluten.
How did you start your business?
We started ChilliDogs in 2013 as Dan was looking for a way to escape the crazy life of being stuck in a kitchen as a chef. The street food scene in London was on the rise and it seemed like an exciting thing to be a part of.
What are the pros of running a mobile business?
There are plenty of pros to running a van business, such as the flexibility it offers – you are your own boss, and you make all the decisions. Each day is different and there are always new challenges to overcome. Also, you can benefit from the fruits of your labour by trying out all the new recipes!
What are the cons of running a mobile business?
It can be quite risky as there are lots of factors out of your control e.g., the weather or Covid. It is hard work as everything is on your shoulders, and it can sometimes be challenging doing it all from a van.
Why did you choose to run a mobile business instead of a store?
The startup costs are lower, our work is more versatile, and our business requires less commitment throughout the whole year– it allows us to enjoy the seasonality of it.
We never had a physical store, but I imagine ongoing costs in a van are considerably lower e.g., lighting, heating, staff, rates and rent.
Personal Training Mobile Gym Fitness
Personal Training
Mobile Gym Fitness
Not only are people running their own individual businesses out of a van, but now there are franchise opportunities for vans too, just like Mobile Gym Fitness. They bring the gym to their clients front door and offer personal trainers the opportunity to create their own fitness business using their vans. The mobile gyms come with a range of fitness equipment to help meet their clients’ needs.
How did you start your business?
As a personal trainer I wanted to offer something that reflected the prices I charged my clients and to have a unique selling point that made me stand out from other personal trainers. So, I created the gym in a van concept. I delivered this service for three years, developed a full business plan and marketing strategy, and found an amazing team of fitness professionals to rebrand the company. This then turned my original concept into a national fitness franchise called Mobile Gym Fitness.
What are the pros of running a mobile business?
There are a number of benefits to running a mobile business, such as reduced overheads on facilities and equipment. There are also more marketing opportunities - as you are driving around in the branded Mobile Gym van, you are increasing your brand awareness to the services you offer. It is convenient for both you and your clients, as your van is not only your gym, but also your office and means of transportation! These are just a few pros of running a mobile business.
What are the cons of running a mobile business?
If you’re lucky, you’ll become overwhelmed with work which for us, led to expansion, but that’s a great problem to have.
Vehicle insurance can be a problem if you create a mobile gym with the wrong vehicle, but experience has shown me how to overcome these issues. As with any business, the right branding and marketing must be in place, or the growth of the business will be much slower.
Why did you choose to run a mobile business instead of a store?
I wanted to offer something that has never been done before and after a lot of research I knew I had something unique to offer. There are now copycats out there, but I know we were the first.
Top Tips for Starting a Mobile Business
Top Tips for Starting a Mobile Business
If you’re thinking about starting a mobile business and think the van life might be for you, we’ve put together a few of our top tips for getting you started:
1. Do your research
Before purchasing a van and setting up your business, make sure to do your due diligence. Read up on the rules and regulations of the industry you want to go into as well as the steps to register your business. Research the places where you would like to pitch your van and explore any health and safety qualifications or certificates you may need.
2. Purchase the right van for you
The last thing you want to do is purchase a van and find out it’s not the right fit for your business. Measure up all the equipment you’ll need and explore vans that will be the right size for you. You can even set some tape out on a wooden floor to check the van you’re looking to invest in will fit all the equipment your business needs.
3. Plan out your costs
Like all new business ventures, it is important to plan out your finances before getting stuck in. Budget for the van, equipment and any decorating you’ll be doing to set out the style of your business. Think about the ongoing costs of your product (e.g., food costs or drink costs), costs for pitching up and running costs (fuel, energy, etc). Remember to also get the right insurance for your van.
The businesses we have spoken to have sung their praises for starting out a mobile business. Here at Van Monster we have a range of large vans and medium vans for sale to explore. You can also check out our Vauxhall vans for sale and used Volkswagen vans.
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Showcasing the UK’s Van Businesses