Starting The Fashion Mobile in 3 months was a whirlwind of activity! My wife and I did so much in a short amount of time that it has all been a blur. But it also has been a lot of fun doing it. We didn’t get into too many fights or arguments about how it should look either. That was mainly because I just did what she said and stayed out of the way!
Seriously though we did put this together pretty fast and we are very pleased with how everything turned out. Considering we didn’t even have a truck or know where to even find one to going to our first show last night I think that we did pretty good. So what exactly did we have to do? Let me tell you.
Here is what we did to go from concept to finished product. The order may not be correct but the actions taken are what is important:
- Find a company name that had a .com domain available to purchase
- Form a LLC
- Sign up for Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest (need to add some pics here!), YouTube (need to add some videos here!) and other social media sites
- Find a truck to buy (found it on Craigslist by the way)
- Get the truck repaired – brakes, oil change, kingpin replaced and more
- Get a truckload – literally! – of merchandise
- Build a website
- Get the truck painted
- Design a logo
- Have logos installed on truck
- Build out the interior of truck
- Pick out a wallpaper (I messed up one whole roll so what took 3 rolls should have been 1.5!)
- Find cabinets, hooks, rods and flooring
- Figure out lighting inside the truck – still working on this
- Price all the merchandise
- Build steps and railings to go into the truck. Thanks for the help Brian Posch!
- Find places festivals and shows to go to
- Get permits to sell in different cities
- Schedule a launch party at our house
- And a bunch of other little things
All of these separate little steps added up to getting our little Fashion Mobile finished in just over three months. A lot of work to be sure. But hopefully all of it will be worth it for our customers to come and find some great deals on some really cool merchandise. Let us know if you have any questions or comments about what we have or how we can help you. Thanks.
{ 105 comments… read them below or add one }
I LOVE this! Do you and your wife do the Rehabbing of the inside of the truck?
Yes we did. She picked everything out design wise and I installed everything. Glad you like it! Pretty fun doing it.
David
Hello!!
Im in the process of wanting to start this where I live (TX) and I’m wondering what size truck do you have? I looked at a 12 foot and it seemed like it was not going to be enough room., however it looks to be the same size as yours.
Our Truck is 18′ long. The box portion is about 10′ or so. Hope that helps.
David
Where did ya’ll buy your merchandise and how long did it take?
Merchandise was bought in Minneapolis and through various vendors online. How long did what take?
Nice truck. I’m so impressed with the 3 month turn around. congrats on that.
How on earth did you get the wallpaper to adhere to the metal walls of your truck? I see you had some trail and error… just curious. thanks!
I built out the walls with 3/4″ plywood then attached the wallpaper to that. It only reduced the width of the interior a couple of inches.
Perfect! Thank you for the info. I too am starting a fashion truck-in Orlando, Florida. All vintage! Super exciting! Best wishes to you both!
Thank you for your help & advice David! This is very helpful! Looking forward to shopping and meeting you both!
How do you accept payments? Do you have any online wholesalers or websites that you recommend?
We accept cash and checks from people we know (and at home parties – not festivals). For credit cards we use http://www.squareup.com It is pretty slick and free to sign up with.
Thank you!
hi, I live in Kingston Jamaica and I would like to start the same business but need some help on ho to set up the inside of the unit. thanks
It really depends on how big the truck is and what you plan on selling. I would suggest cabinets on one side to display merchandise and a clothes rod on the other side to hang clothes. Hope that helps.
David
Did you create your logo or hire someone? What about the paint job? Is that a wrap?
Do your vendors ship to your house or the truck?
They ship to our home.
We hired someone. Should be able to get it done for less than $300. Paint job and body work will be a big expense no matter what. Hire a professional to do it. It is not a wrap – paint job plus some logo graphics.
Thanks! This is really inspiring. I am in business plan hell and wondering if I really need a plan to get started??? I’m not good with numbers and forecasting. Did you create a plan and if so, did you use a certain software or website?
We had a plan but didn’t really write out a business plan. Taking action is more important than making a big business plan. One page is all you should need.
I agree, I’m not doing the whole business plan either. Just spreadsheets in Excel that list out what I need to do each month. Hoping to be up and running in May and see you guys soon!!
I currently have an online boutique & looking to start a mobile boutique in my area. Thank you so much for your advance it was very helpful.
Congrats and much success
Thank you sooooo much for posting this! I wish you both the best in your business!
Thanks so much for the wealth of information! It makes it so much easier for others who are interested in creating a business for themselves as well. What was your total cost from start to completion?
Does look great! Do you guys charge sales tax? Do you have to as a mobile business? Thanks for helping !
Yes you have to charge sales tax just like a store.
Thank you so much for sharing this information with people that you don’t even know. I’ve been looking into having my own fashion on wheels for months and I have been very lost. Your post helped me get started on where to look and where to start. I appreciate your willingness to help other people fulfill their dreams. Wish you success!
#humble
Glad that I could help you out.
How exciting! Thank you for posting the above information. We are in the process of starting a mobile retail truck in our area.
What was the total cost of the truck, renovation of the truck and start-up merchandise?
How did you all decide on the quantity of merchandise to carry?
How long did it take for you all to break even and see a profit?
Thanks again!
This was beyond helpful. I live in Texas and had trouble finding startup tips in this particular nique! Do you completely dismantle the store when you drive or somehow keep the store up and ready to go?
Thank you for all the great info! Now I have an idea of where to start. Do you offer refunds on your merchandise? Where do you park your truck overnight? How do you ring up merchandise? Do they have barcoded tags that you scan or do you enter them manually?
Refunds – Yes
Park in our driveway
We use http://www.squareup.com – it’s awesome.
Enter them manually though you could do barcodes if you have some other POS system.
Check the city’s ordinances regarding GVWR and “allowable” trucks that can be parked in residential areas. I ran into this problem with my truck, it is too heavy and I have to park it in RV storage each night. It’s like “going to the office” each day. Not ideal, but something to consider before buying a truck. Eventually we will move to a different city, so I didn’t want to buy a small truck to fit the ordinances when I’m not going to live here forever. Just some FYI!!!!!
Wondered about that. Thanks.
OMG! Great information…I currently have a mobile CPR & First Aid training business, however, I’ve been seriously thinking about starting a mobile plus-size business but more like setting up the store in customer’s living room….having a truck is a wayyyyy better idea! I absolutely love it! I love the fact of you giving advice to other entrepreneurs (reaching back to help others, it is really inspirational). One question….where do you guys see your business’s success in 5-10 years? Still mobile? Hiring others to run your mobile business? Opening traditional locations and shutting down the mobile shop? I’m totally just curious o_O
I wish you all great success….I’ll see you at the top!
Nicole
CPR 2 Go!
http://www.cpr2go-la.com
Hi! I am currently working on my own mobile boutique trailer. If you have your home address as your business address, are you still able to buy wholesale merchandise at big markets… ex. (world trade center Dallas) or are you only buying online?
Thank You
Sure you are. Just about everything is ordered online anyways after you meet the vendors.
Hello ,
Thanks so so so much for sharing . What did you do for flooring and lights ?
Peel and stick tiles with a rug/mat on top of that. Light are LEDs installed in the truck.
How did you meet the vendors. I would love to see the quality of the clothes before I order them . How do you go about picking quality items online ? Can items be returned to vendor if you are not happy with them. Thank you so much .
At the various markets. Once you know what vendors you like/are comfortable with you order it online. Usually you can return it but it hasn’t been an issue.
Hi, first great truck and congratulations on your success.
I was just wondering what kind of insurance you needed to get on your truck. And also, if you have parking permits for all the places you operate your vehicle?
Thanks so much for sharing this information.
Auto insurance and separate business liability insurance. Only parking at festivals that have blanket permits right now.
Can I ask what company you have the insurance(s) with? My current auto insurance company will not cover a truck of this type, where people come on board. If it was a regular delivery van, it would be OK. Did you run into problems getting covered?
I’m having the same issue with insurance right now. My regular insurance company won’t cover it because people will be walking onto the truck and they feel it should be under a commercial type of insurance.
Who do you guys use?
Hi Kim, I am also Googling like crazy nowadays to try to find insurance info for my truck. The American Mobile Retail Association told me that you can get commercial auto insurance from AAA, progressive, or Farmers. And you can get the concession type of liability business insurance from K and K insurance (www.kandkinsurance.com). The lowest plan is about $1000 something a year. You can go to their website and check it out. I found the K&K insurance via my bank USAA. Wish you good luck!!!
(P.S. The American Mobile Retail Association also offers a 2 hrs business consultation for $180. I think I will get that service and hope to get some answers of some of the questions that I have.)
Hello love your site and truck! I have a few questions……
How do you avoid getting asked to move from certain areas? I am worried about that. Also when it comes to festivals and other celebratory events do you park within festival limits or do you park for free and wait for the foot traffic? Thanks so much!
I only go to places where I don’t need a permit right now. So I don’t drive into the downtown and just set up shop. I pay the festival and fall under their blanket permit. The other way would probably not work and make trouble for yourself.
Great post! Great advice! How do you run the lights and/or AC/Heat on the truck when it is parked? Do you have a generator for the truck? And what is the approx. cost of painting the truck? I am looking into the wraps but noticed you mentioned the painting above. Thanks!
Thank you so much for the information….. I’ve been on the hunt for a truck. I had a boutique but the rent was so expensive. This was a great idea. Once I find my truck I’m looking to get started in the spring. If you don’t mind I would like to ask for pointers along the way.
Great job on the truck and congrats on getting so much done in 3 months! I hope it’s been a huge success for you two!
Great! really love that idea.
I am thinking about doing the same business. How much would you say was your initial startup costs were? How often/how far away from you home base do you travel? What would you say is your monthly budget for gas? How much reno did you have to put into the truck? Sorry that I have a million questions i just think it’s genius what you guys have accomplished in such a short period of time.
Are the steps stored in the truck after you’re done using them?
Hello ! I am so excited for you on your business. You mentioned permits.. Are there any special permits needed to have a mobile business like this. And if so where should I look to obtain or research them. Thanks for sharing
Words cannot express how grateful I am to you for sharing this HOW TO. You are the sweetest thing on this earth to share it. I know a woman who has a fashion truck and she would not share how she got hers. I sell handbags and jewelry, hustle style, basically on foot, door to door. I want to attend festivals, etc and thought to get a truck. I started investigating last year and put it off because I didn’t think I’d find info on it. As I stated I couldn’t even get the one person that has one to tell me how to do it. I said I’m sure there is someone who could tell me how. So I clicked and clicked until I found you. The way you’ve laid it out, It’s pretty easy. None of this is difficult to me as I’ve done everything on this list except for acquire a truck. You’re the best. Thank you.
Glad I could help you!
Glad I could help you. Go make it happen!
Hello, I know that each state has different rules, however can you tell me what licences or permits you needed to get started as a mobile boutique?
Thank You
Hello,
So I’m running into the permit issue!!! I’m not sure what type of permit I should be asking for. I live in NY and they are saying theres no permit that exist for this business idea!! But just because it doesn’t exist why can’t I petition for it…hhhhmmm??? Any suggestions? Thanx so much for any advice you may have. FYI: You have inspired me to pursue my dreams in fashion…thank you!!! Best Always
Same thing here in MN. No ordinance to sell merchandise out of a vehicle. We are meeting with the City of St. Paul on Wednesday to find out about setting up in the downtown. Find the right person and stay on them. Also, check out farmers markets and other events that you can go to and don’t need a permit. Good luck.
Wait, you meet with them tomorrow?? WOW, YEAH!!!! Let me know how it goes. If you see this before then, email me if you think me adding to your request would help at all!!
THANK YOU!!!! I have made some progress and it will start with street fairs and flea markets!!!! At least its a start!!! My next mission is to find the truck….so I looked on craigslist but not sure what title/name I should put in to search…any suggestions?
Just wanted to give yall a SUPA SHOUT OUT for your knowledge and willing to share with us up and coming entrepreneurs!!!! So greatly appreciated and so many blessings to you and yours!!!!
Best,
Tuezday
Hi, you need a Hawkers and Peddlers permit along with a resale tax id displayed in a window. You also need to know if you can park or idle on town property (ie parking spots and lots)
How much would you say your startup costs were, including the cost of the truck and the renovations?
Hi, I’m starting an accessory and fashion jewelry business and was thinking about a truck. I haven’t seen any of those in my area, even though food trucks are a big thing around here!
Thanks for all the information. I found out that farmers markets and fairs only want merchandise that you made yourself, how did you find venues that allow your merchandise?
Thanks!
I have had a retail business for years and want to go mobile. my concept is a vintage trailer that would be towed. you mentioned auto insurance and business liability ins. my ins. company said that the trailor would have to get commercial insurance and I would need to change my auto over from personal to commercial insurance to tow it.how were you able to get just plain auto ins. if that is what you meant or did you get commercial ins.on the truck? I would consider the truck alone like yours as a second choice but need to know if I would have to get commercial insurance on it as you did not mention that. also did you have to get a commercial drivers license? -it would seem driving a commercial vehicle like yours you would also have to get a commercial license. this is just getting more red tape. I have the designs worked out have tons of sources and all necessary documents to have a business but going mobile seems to be a whole can of worms in itself. I am determined to do this but need to know basic requirements. I live in texas which has its own problems. you can reply on my email as above if you wish. . or respond here. the question was not answered about some of these things. I do organized festivals and events on private property so do not have permit issues as I would continue those venues. thanks in advance for your response.
My vehicle is not a commercial vehicle therefore I do not need commercial insurance. Also I do not need any special license to drive it. Don’t know about trailer insurance. It’s just “regular” insurance.
It is a can of worms but if it was easy everyone would do it
Hope that helps!
Hello, I would like to start a business like this and I was just wondering what I should prepare myself for it. Where is the best place to get a truck? I haven’t really been able to find one. I live in Brooklyn, NY and would like to start one here.
First step: find a truck. Once you get going you’ll figure it out as you go along.
I don’t know how to drive a truck. And I have forgotten how to drive a car. I only drove when I was getting my license. But I have a passion for a fashion truck. How can I find a driver?
Partner with someone who drives! That’s what I would do!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! I am very inspired.
Do you have any space in the truck that serves as a dressing room? And how do you store your displays and merchandise when you’re driving?
Thanks again!
Yes we have a dressing room in there. We box up the merchandise for the most part and leave the clothes on the rack.
I have a mobile boutique and starting out was not easy. I describe a new business as giving birth and the pains that come with it are like birthing pains. In the end, it was so worth it. Anyway, everyone is interested in insurance. I have 2 policies. 1 covers me in case I hit someone. The other is commercial insurance because it is a business. This covers me if someone gets hurt in the boutique. I’m covered under both policies if someone gets hurt while in my truck, my inventory is stolen, I damage someone’s property. Just know that even if you have insurance, it does not prevent people from suing. Anyone can sue for anything. However,not all cases are won by the plaintiffs!
Hello I have the truck now the issue is getting it painted. Any DIY advice on this?
Yes – Hire someone to do it. Really. Don’t paint it yourself, it will look horrible.
Do you guys have a generator for A/C, heat, lights, etc.? Is there ever an issue of leaving the truck parked within a festival if it’s for a couple of days or do you drive out at the end of each event?
Thanks!
No generator though some people have them. Lights are from the battery in the van. Haven’t left the truck at a festival but I don’t see why that couldn’t be done. Good luck!
I am stuck with my financial projections for my year out projections!!!!
Don’t worry about projections. Just get out there and sell!
Hi there, I’m looking to start a business like this and am looking for a truck. How many miles do you think is too much for a truck like yours?
If it is a fleet vehicle it will have lots of miles on it. It’s all about the maintenance of the truck. Try to get as low as possible for the age. Ours had a lot but it still runs fine.
So much good information, thank you! I started a accessories business out of a suitcase. The key is just getting out there and doing it. Within a year I had 150 stores across the country carrying my line. The key was being fearless and undaunted. It is possible folks. Thank you SO much for sharing so much valuable information. Best of luck in your endeavors and keep us all posted.
What kind of truck is that? On looking for one but don’t even know what to look for
It’s a step van. Like a UPS or FedEx truck.
It’s a step van – like a UPS or FedEx truck.
You’re awesome for sharing this info and show great patience in answering some of these questions. lol I just heard about the mobile boutique concept this past weekend and started researching what’s out there just in case I decide to go that route. Thanks and God bless you in your business! Remember folks, entrepreneurs can’t plan to avoid every pitfall. If a business venture is meant for you, just do it, and take plenty of bandages along for the ride!!!
Thanks for the nice comments. It’s pretty much learn as you go and fix it when it breaks!
Question about work permit I’m in MD. What interior work is needed? Who can I Google? Where can I get a logo for the van? Where can I buy racks supplies for the interior?
The permit depends on what city you are in. The interior work needed depends on what you want and what condition the truck is in. Google a local finish trim carpenter or check Craigslist. Get a logo from a graphic designer. Get racks from Home Depot or Lowes or something but it depends on what you want.
Great advice! I am thirteen years old. And I have been interested in doing this business(of coarse I would get some of my parents help) but I was wondering what vendors do you buy from? How much did you buy for your truck, and what exactly is the brand called? And do you travel every day?? If so how often?
Thanks so much!!
We’re do you get your shopping bags from? And does it have a design on it?
We buy them online and put stickers on them.
How many times a week do you travel? And is space any trouble?
Depends on how many events we have. Do you mean space inside? Pack that stuff in there!
Great job and thanks so much for sharing!
I wonder…How many people can be in there at the same time? Do you ever have a crowd come at the same time? How do you handle it? This is my only fear when I think of having people coming into my van to shop…
4 or 5 is the most. We usually set things up outside too. People are cool, they usually hang around then go in when someone else leaves. Don’t be afraid of too many people wanting to get inside – that is a great problem!
How did you attach the plywood to the metal of the truck? Thanks again for sharing these tips!!
Sheet Metal screws, construction adhesive and some other screws. had to be creative!
This information was beyond helpful!! I’m relocating to NC and I’ve already purchased my truck. I’ve searched high & low for permit info, insurance, etc.. I’m hoping the laws in that state allow for me to conduct a retail accessories business out of my truck, which is also a step van like yours. I couldn’t find a single thing to guide me BUT I’m going for it
thanks to you & your wife
Congratulations on your truck purchase! Good luck with everything and glad that I could help. Post any other questions or send us an email if you have questions. Thanks.
This is Ahh-mazing!!! Your such a blessing to myself && others here.
My question is: What type of license and permits are you operation to sell under in your city?
Thank soo very much
I commend you guys on being so open on sharing information about your process. I absolutely love the idea of mobile boutique on wheels and having recently graduated as an artist and designer I’ve decided to open my own mobile business featuring my own designs from a cargo trailer! The best advice you can offer is to just get out there and do it! Look out Texas, here I come! Thanks again for sharing, it is what helps us the most in growing together as a community!!!!