How to Start a Mobile Screen Repair Business: Your Ultimate Guide

In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk through how to start a mobile screen repair business, explore profit potential, break down the initial investment and startup costs, and show how partnering with a franchise like Screenmobile can fast-track your success.

Table of Contents

• Why Start a Screen Repair Business
• The Profit Potential of a Screen Repair Business
• Initial Investment and Startup Costs
• How Franchising Can Help You Start Faster
• Creating a Screen Repair Business Plan
• Equipment Needed to Start a Screen Repair Business
• Learning from Other Screenmobile Owners
• Marketing Strategies for a Screen Repair Business
• Additional Considerations for Success
• Final Thoughts

When you think of in-demand home services, screen repair might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s a hidden gem in the industry. From window screens to sliding doors to patio enclosures, screens are everywhere. When they rip or wear out, homeowners are often left scrambling to find help. Starting a screen repair business can be a smart way to step into entrepreneurship, especially if you’re looking for a low-overhead, niche market with consistent demand.

While the name Screenmobile might make you think of cell phone repair or even electronics repair, it’s actually the industry leader in repairing and installing screens for homes. Everything from window screens and patios to porches, sunrooms, and even pool screen enclosures.

Why Start a Mobile Screen Repair Business?

A screen repair business offers several unique advantages:

• Low Startup Costs– Compared to other home service businesses, you don’t need a huge shop or expensive equipment. Most work can be done with portable tools.
• Consistent Demand– Weather damage, pets, and general wear and tear create repeat business opportunities.
• Scalable– You can start as a one- person operation and expand by adding more technicians or offering additional services such as automatic roll down screens, screen garages, screen pools, security screens, security doors, pet screens and more.
• Flexible Work– You can control your schedule and allow time for you to build your future.

Screen repair services are a niche within a broader home repair industry, but they fill a critical gap for homeowners who need quick, reliable fixes for everyday problems.

The Profit Potential of a Mobile Screen Repair Business

Screen repair offers strong profit margins thanks to its relatively low material costs and high perceived value. Combined with Screenmobile’s established franchise model, comprehensive support, and quality product offerings, this service becomes a powerful opportunity to build a growing business.

Factors That Influence Profitability:

• Local Market Demand – Areas with more homeowners, warmer weather, or outdoor living spaces often need more frequent screen repairs.
• Pricing Strategy – Some screen repairs may average from $50-$150 per job, while larger projects like screened porches or custom enclosures can bring in $1,000+.
• Efficiency – One of the key advantages of owning a Screenmobile franchise is the ability to provide fast, on-site service. With fully equipped mobile trailers, franchise owners can complete most repairs without returning to a shop or waiting on parts. This efficient model boosts customer satisfaction and helps owners maximize productivity.
• Customer Retention – Repeat customers and referrals are crucial for boosting annual income. With a Screenmobile franchise, your van serves as marketing mobile billboard for potential customers.
• Upselling Services – Adding retractable screen doors, pet screen solutions, or solar screens increases ticket size.

The repair industry as a whole is valued at billions of dollars, and screen repair is one of the few segments with consistently low overhead and high margins, making it attractive for new entrepreneurs. Building a strong customer base is the key to sustainability, once homeowners trust you with one job, they’ll often return for repeat service and recommend you within their network.

Screenmobile is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the $480 billion home improvement industry with a low initial investment.

Initial Investment and Startup Costs

The cost to start a screen repair business varies depending on whether you go independent or join a franchise like Screenmobile.

Independent Startup Costs:

• Tools & Supplies – $2,000-$5,000 for mesh rolls, spline, frames, screen rolling tools, cutting tools, and a worktable.
• Vehicle – $10,000-$25,000 if you need a van or truck for mobility.
• Marketing – $1,000-$5,000 for branding, a basic website, local ads, and printed materials.
• Licensing & Insurance – $500-$2,000 depending on your state.

Total: ~$15,000-$40,000 (depending on vehicle and marketing spend).

Screenmobile Franchise Investment:

• Initial Franchise Fee – $49.5k
• Start Up Package – $42.5K
• Inventory & Supplies – Low: $15K/ High: $20K
• Vehicle Registration – Low: $1.5K/ High: $2K
• Training Expenses – Low: $1.5K/ High: $4K
• Lease, Deposits and Storage – Low: $0 / High: $2.5K
• Phone Lines & Wireless Internet – Low: $300 / High: $800
• Additional Expenses – Low: $11.5K / $34K
• Additional Funds – 3 Months – Low: $22.5K/ High: $50K

Total Estimated Initial Investment: $144,549 to $206,092

*See Screenmobile’s 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (“FDD”) for further details.

The benefit? With Screenmobile, you get everything bundled, along with the brand recognition and training that drastically reduce the learning curve and a network of like-minded owners across the contact that you can connect with.

Unlike many traditional home services businesses, a mobile screen repair business, like Screenmobile, doesn’t require a physical storefront, keeping overhead low and allowing you to run operations directly from your van or home office.

Learn more about Screenmobile’s investment>

How Franchising Can Help You Start Faster

Going independent offers freedom, but franchising provides a roadmap that can help you succeed more quickly and avoid costly mistakes. Many people assume you need years of construction experience or advanced technical skills to succeed, but Screenmobile’s comprehensive training equips franchise owners, regardless of background, with everything they need to deliver quality repairs from day one.

Benefits of Franchising with Screenmobile:

• Brand Trust – Homeowners are more likely to hire a recognized brand.
• Training – No construction or trade background required; Screenmobile teaches you everything.
• Marketing Support – From SEO/ building an online presence to local advertising, you get an established playbook.
• Ongoing Assistance – Technical support, business coaching, and vendor partnerships.
• Turnkey Model – Instead of piecing everything together, you start with a ready-to-run system.

One of the biggest advantages of franchising with Screenmobile is that you don’t have to come in with advanced repair skills. Even if you’ve never worked in the screen repair industry, Screenmobile provides hands-on training (similar to repair courses) so you can confidently deliver professional results.

Screenmobile repair technicians, also referred to as field technicians, handle each job with precision. When a customer calls to schedule an appointment, the franchise owner or technician arrives on time, assesses the scope of work, provides a free estimate, and then takes exact measurements. Using the mobile trailer, the screens are manufactured on-site, allowing for a quick, seamless repair process.

Many entrepreneurs find that the franchise model helps them achieve profitability faster, especially in industries where reputation and reliability matter. Screenmobile’s mobile repair model sets it apart from other window repair franchise opportunities because everything is done on-site, it eliminates the need for a two-trip sales process and creates a faster, more convenient experience for the customer.

Learn more about why you should franchise with Screenmobile>

Creating a Screen Repair Business Plan

A solid business plan is crucial whether you go independent or franchise. It serves as your roadmap and helps secure financing if needed. Whether you operate independently or join a franchise, your business model should clearly define your services, pricing, and growth strategy so you can scale effectively.

Key Components of a Screen Repair Business Plan:

• Executive Summary – What your business is, your mission, and your vision.
• Market Analysis – Who your target customers are (homeowners, property managers, real estate agents).
• Competitive Analysis – Who else is in your market and how you’ll differentiate.
• Services Offered – Basic repairs, rescreening, custom builds, retractable screens, etc.
• Marketing Strategy – How you’ll reach and retain customers (local SEO, social media, Google Ads, partnerships).
• Operations Plan – Will you be a one-person shop or hire technicians? How will scheduling work?
• Financial Plan – Startup costs, pricing structure, revenue forecasts, and breakeven point.
• Growth Strategy – How you plan to scale over 3–5 years (more vans, territories, or staff).

Whether you operate independently or join a franchise, your business model should clearly define your services, pricing, and growth strategy so you can scale effectively.

Equipment Needed to Start a Screen Repair Business

The good news? The equipment list is relatively short and affordable. Essential tools include, but are not limited to:

• Screen mesh rolls (standard, pet-resistant, solar, etc.)
• Screen rolling/spline tool
• Utility knife or cutting tool
• Frame stock and corners
• Measuring tape and straight edge
• Portable work table
• Rubber mallet
• Storage bins or shelving for organization
• Branded vehicle (van or trailer for mobility)

Investing in high quality materials, like pet resistant mesh or solar screens, not only improves durability but also helps set your business apart from competitors. Having the right repair tools, like spline rollers, cutting knives, replacement parts, screwdrivers, and frame stock is essential to deliver high quality repairs.

Franchises like Screenmobile provide all of this as part of your setup, saving time on sourcing.

Learning from Other Screenmobile Owners

One of the best parts of franchising is the network of other owners you can learn from. Some Screenmobile franchisees come from non-construction backgrounds such as teachers, salespeople, and IT professionals, and thrive because of the training and support.

Franchise owners often highlight:

• The satisfaction of being their own boss.
• The lifestyle flexibility (no late-night emergencies like plumbers or electricians).
• The joy of solving real problems for homeowners.
• The scalability- adding services, vans and employees as demand grows.

This peer-to-peer learning is a big advantage over going solo, where you may feel isolated.

Learn more about Screenmobile’s comprehensive support and training>

Marketing Strategies for a Screen Repair Business

Even the best service won’t succeed without customers. Marketing is where many new businesses struggle, but with the right strategy, screen repair businesses thrive. Every successful screen repair business needs a solid marketing plan, whether that’s leveraging local SEO, running seasonal promotions, or tapping into Screenmobile’s established franchise marketing resources to reach more homeowners in your area.

Key Marketing Tactics:

• Google Business Profile – Optimize your listing so you appear when people search “screen repair near me.”
• Local SEO – Build a website with local keywords like “window screen repair in [city].”
• Social Media – Use Facebook and Instagram to showcase before-and-after photos.
• Community Groups – Engage with local homeowners where they’re already asking for referrals.
• Referral Partnerships – Connect with realtors, property managers, and contractors who can refer business.
• Seasonal Promotions – Offer discounts before summer or after storm seasons when screen damage spikes.
• Wrapped Vehicle – A branded van is essentially a moving billboard that generates leads everywhere you drive.

At the end of the day, homeowners choose businesses that deliver consistent, quality repairs. When you combine that with strong customer service, you create loyal clients who return and refer others.

Franchisees with Screenmobile receive a variety of marketing support to help promote and track their business. Social media attention, Google Adwords, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) help drive new customers to their business, which saves a huge amount of trial and error.

Word of mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools. Happy customers often share their positive experiences with friends, neighbors, and community groups, generating organic leads at no cost. Furthermore, understanding your target market makes your marketing plan more effective while keeping your schedule full.

View Screenmobile’s available territories>

Additional Considerations for Success

To build a sustainable screen repair business, keep these in mind:

• Customer Service – Politeness, punctuality, and professionalism go a long way in home services.
• Quality Materials – Offering pet-resistant or solar screens can set you apart from budget competitors.
• Efficiency Tools – Using scheduling software or CRM systems helps manage growth.
• Upselling Opportunities – Retractable screens, sliding screen doors, and custom enclosures can double or triple job values.
• Long-Term Growth – Once established, you can expand or add multiple vans for more coverage.

Customer satisfaction is the true driver of long-term success in the repair industry. When homeowners see that you’re reliable, professional, and deliver excellent results, they’re far more likely to refer your services to friends and family.

Franchising provides a roadmap that can help you succeed more quickly and avoid costly mistakes.

Learn more about the step-by-step process to launching your own Screenmobile franchise>

Final Thoughts

A screen repair business may not be flashy, but it’s a steady, in-demand service that solves real problems for homeowners. The profit potential is strong, startup costs are relatively low, and scalability makes it a smart choice for entrepreneurs. Screens aren’t just for looks, they provide functionality by keeping bugs out, improving airflow, and enhancing comfort for homeowners year-round.

Whether you build an independent business from the ground up or choose the franchise route with Screenmobile, you’ll be entering an industry with consistent demand and real growth potential.

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a small business owner, joining an established franchise like Screenmobile is a powerful way to take control of your future while benefiting from national brand support. Ready to roll up your sleeves and build a business that’s both practical and profitable? Screen repair might just be your window of opportunity, literally!

Click here to take the first step towards business ownership with a Screenmobile franchise>