Mobile Tinting vs. Shop Tinting: Which Makes More Money?

One of the biggest decisions new tinters face is whether to go mobile or get a shop. Both models work — our students are crushing it with each — but they suit different situations and have different trade-offs. Let's break it down honestly.

Mobile Tinting: The Lean Start

Mobile tinting means you go to the customer — their driveway, their workplace, their parking garage. Your overhead is almost zero: no rent, no utilities, no build-out costs. All you need is your tools, your film, a vehicle, and a canopy for shade.

• Startup cost: $1,500-$3,000 (tools, film, canopy)
• Monthly overhead: $200-$500 (insurance, gas, supplies)
• Income potential: $5,000-$15,000/month solo
• Best for: getting started quickly with minimal risk

Shop Tinting: The Professional Presence

A dedicated shop gives you a permanent location, a professional image, and a controlled environment. You can work in perfect conditions regardless of weather, store more inventory, and it's easier to hire employees when you have a fixed location.

• Startup cost: $5,000-$20,000 (lease, build-out, equipment)
• Monthly overhead: $2,000-$5,000 (rent, utilities, insurance)
• Income potential: $10,000-$40,000+/month (with employees)
• Best for: scaling beyond a solo operation

The Best Path: Start Mobile, Upgrade to a Shop

Most of our top-earning students followed the same playbook: start mobile to prove the concept and build revenue, then use those profits to fund a shop when demand justifies it. This way you never take on debt or risk — the business funds its own growth.

Don't let the "I need a shop" mindset stop you from starting. Some of our highest-earning students are still mobile-only. The model that works best is the one that gets you started today.