How to start a mobile iv therapy business: A founder's guide

Starting a mobile IV therapy business is a rewarding venture that combines medical expertise with sharp business savvy. The industry is booming, with a market size already in the billions, and there is steady demand for services like wellness boosts, athletic recovery, and immune support.

This guide will take you through the practical steps of validating your business concept, obtaining necessary licenses, and acquiring equipment to help you launch a successful mobile IV therapy business in the U.S.

Step 1: Plan your business and validate your market

First, define your target customer. Will you serve athletes, corporate wellness clients, or people seeking hangover relief? This choice dictates your service menu, pricing, and marketing focus. Survey local gyms, spas, and event planners to confirm demand for your specific niche.

Analyze the competition

Use Google Maps and Yelp to identify existing mobile IV providers in your area. Many new owners make the mistake of only comparing prices. You should also analyze their service offerings, booking process, and online reviews to find a service gap your business can fill.

Estimate your startup costs

A solid financial plan is vital. Initial investments can range from $20,000 to over $50,000. Key expenses include medical supplies ($5,000-$10,000), liability and malpractice insurance ($3,000-$6,000 annually), and legal fees for business formation ($2,000-$5,000). A reliable vehicle is another significant part of your budget.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• Draft a one-page business plan that outlines your target customer and unique services.
• Create a spreadsheet listing all local competitors and their primary service offerings.
• Build a detailed startup budget based on the cost estimates for supplies, insurance, and legal setup.

Step 2: Set up your legal structure and get licensed

Most owners choose a Limited Liability Company (LLC). This structure separates your personal assets from business debts and offers pass-through taxation. An S-Corp is another option for potential tax savings later on, but an LLC is a solid starting point.

Secure medical oversight and compliance

Your business will be governed by your state's Board of Nursing and Board of Medicine. You will need a medical director, an MD or DO, to oversee protocols. A common mistake is buying supplies before securing a director and understanding state scope of practice laws for RNs.

Next, apply for a local business license from your city or county, which can cost $50 to $400. You will also need a CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) Certificate of Waiver if you perform simple tests. This federal certificate costs around $200 and takes 4-6 weeks.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Decide on your business structure and file the paperwork for an LLC.
• Contact your state's Board of Nursing to clarify scope of practice rules.
• Start networking to find a qualified medical director.
• Research the CLIA Certificate of Waiver application process.

Step 3: Secure your insurance and manage risk

Protecting your business from liability is a top priority. You will need several types of insurance. Many new owners mistakenly believe a general liability policy is enough, but it only covers accidents like a client tripping over your bag.

Understand your insurance needs

You absolutely need professional liability insurance, also known as malpractice insurance. This covers claims related to the medical services you provide. Expect annual premiums of $1,500 to $4,000 for $1 million in coverage. General liability insurance adds another $400 to $700 per year.

If you use a personal vehicle for business, your standard auto policy may not cover you. Confirm with your insurer or purchase a commercial auto policy. Also, once you hire staff, you must have workers' compensation insurance.

You might want to get quotes from providers like CM&F Group, Berxi, or NOW Insurance, as they specialize in healthcare. They understand the specific risks of mobile services, such as adverse patient reactions or needlestick injuries, and can offer appropriate coverage.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• Request quotes for both professional and general liability insurance from a specialized provider.
• Contact your auto insurer to clarify if your policy covers business use of your vehicle.
• Draft a simple risk management protocol for handling adverse patient reactions.

Step 4: Equip your mobile clinic and secure supplies

Your vehicle is your mobile office. A reliable SUV or van with around 100-150 cubic feet of cargo space is adequate. You do not need a commercial storefront, but you will need a secure, climate-controlled space at home or a small storage unit for supplies. Check local zoning ordinances for rules on storing medical supplies.

Gather your medical equipment

You can assemble a complete setup for $3,000 to $7,000. A common mistake is to overspend on high-tech gear. Start with the basics. You will need portable IV poles ($50-$150 each), a professional medical bag ($100-$300), and a sharps container. An electronic infusion pump is not necessary at first.

Find reliable suppliers

Next, you need to source your disposables like catheters, IV fluids, and vitamin vials. You might want to get quotes from medical suppliers like McKesson, Medline, or Farris Labs. Some owners get tempted by bulk discounts, but this can lead to expired stock. Start with orders under $1,000 to match your initial client flow.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Create a detailed equipment list with price estimates for your startup kit.
• Request catalogs and pricing from two different medical suppliers.
• Check your local zoning regulations for home-based medical supply storage.
• Develop an inventory system to track supply levels and expiration dates.

Step 5: Set up your payment processing

Most clients pay for their service upfront. You will need a reliable way to accept credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets on the spot. For larger group events or corporate contracts, you might want to require a 25-50% deposit to secure the booking.

Choose your payment solution

Look for a payment solution with low transaction fees and no extra hardware. Many new owners get caught by processors with rates above 2.5% and hidden monthly charges. These costs can quickly reduce your profit margins, so compare your options carefully.

For a mobile IV therapy business that needs to accept payments on-site, JIM offers a streamlined solution. With JIM, you can accept debit, credit, and digital wallets directly through your smartphone. Just tap and you are done.

At just 1.99% per transaction with no hidden costs or extra hardware needed, it is particularly useful for processing payments right after a session in a client’s home. Your funds are available on your JIM card immediately.

Here is how it works:

• Get Started: Download the JIM app for iOS.
• Make a Sale: Type the sales amount, hit sell, and ask your customer to tap their card or device on your phone.
• Access Funds: Your money is available right on your JIM card as soon as the sale is done, with no waiting for bank transfers.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• Decide on a deposit policy for group bookings and corporate clients.
• Compare the transaction fees and hardware costs of at least two payment solutions.
• Calculate your estimated monthly processing fees based on your projected sales volume.

Step 6: Fund your business and manage finances

Plan for at least six months of working capital, which can range from $15,000 to $30,000. This buffer covers supplies, insurance, and marketing before client payments become consistent. Many new owners focus only on startup costs and find themselves short on cash for operations.

If you need funding beyond personal savings, an SBA Microloan is a strong option. These loans go up to $50,000 with interest rates between 8-13%. They are designed for new businesses and have more flexible qualification requirements than traditional bank loans.

Keep your finances organized

Open a dedicated business bank account immediately. This separation is vital for accurate bookkeeping and liability protection. You might want to use accounting software like Wave or QuickBooks Self-Employed to track income and expenses from the start. It simplifies tax preparation immensely.

While industry-specific grants are rare and competitive, you can check for local opportunities. Your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a great resource for this. They offer free guidance on funding and financial planning for new ventures like yours.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Calculate your six-month working capital needs, including marketing and fuel costs.
• Research the SBA Microloan program requirements on the official SBA website.
• Open a separate business bank account to keep your finances organized.
• Schedule a free consultation with your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Step 7: Hire your team and set up operations

Your first hire will likely be a per diem Registered Nurse (RN). They will handle client assessments and IV administration. Look for candidates with an active RN license and BLS/ACLS certifications. Expect to pay between $40 and $75 per hour for this role.

A frequent misstep is classifying nurses as 1099 independent contractors. The IRS often views them as W-2 employees, so you might want to consult a lawyer to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.

Streamline your workflow

With your team forming, you need a system to manage appointments and records. You might want to look at software like Acuity Scheduling for bookings and DrChrono for electronic medical records (EMR). These platforms help automate client intake and secure documentation.

As for revenue, a single full-time RN can typically generate $100,000 to $150,000 in annual sales. This figure gives you a solid benchmark for growth as you add more staff to your team.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Draft a job description for a per diem RN, including required certifications.
• Research your state's laws regarding 1099 versus W-2 employee classification.
• Sign up for a free trial of a scheduling software like Acuity Scheduling.
• Set a revenue goal for your first year based on one part-time nurse.

Step 8: Market your business and acquire customers

Your marketing should focus on education and local outreach. Start with a Google Business Profile and an Instagram account. Post content that explains the benefits of different IV drips, not just a price list. Many owners make the mistake of only posting service menus.

Build local partnerships

Connect with businesses that serve your target audience. You might want to offer a 10-15% referral fee to local gyms, spas, or wedding planners for each client they send your way. This creates a valuable network that generates consistent leads for your business.

As you market, track your spending. A typical Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) in this industry is $50 to $150. For example, a targeted social media campaign for a "Post-Race Recovery" package promoted through running clubs can be very effective and yield a high return.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Set up a Google Business Profile and ask your first clients for reviews.
• Draft an email template to propose a referral partnership to a local spa.
• Create a simple spreadsheet to track your marketing costs and calculate your CAC.
• Outline one social media post explaining the benefits of a B12 energy boost.

Step 9: Price your services for profitability

Your pricing needs to cover supplies, your time, and fuel. A standard markup for IV ingredients is 300-500%. If the vitamins and saline for a drip cost you $30, a price point of $150 to $199 is a reasonable target for your service.

Develop your pricing menu

Offer both à la carte services and bundled packages. For example, you could price a single "Hydration" drip at $129 but sell a package of four for $450. This encourages repeat business. Also, consider offering add-on shots like B12 for an extra $25-$40.

Many new owners make the mistake of only looking at competitors' websites. You might want to call them as a potential customer to ask about unpublished group rates or package deals. This gives you a complete picture of the local market without just copying a price list.

Once you have your base prices, you can create special rates for corporate wellness events or group bookings like bachelor parties. A 10-15% discount for groups of five or more is a common starting point. This helps you secure larger, more predictable revenue streams.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Calculate the total cost of goods for your most popular planned IV drip.
• Research the public pricing of three direct competitors in your service area.
• Draft a simple price list with at least one single drip and one package deal.
• Decide on a standard discount percentage for group bookings.

Step 10: Maintain quality and scale your operations

Establish your quality benchmarks

To ensure clients return, you need to track service quality. You can use a simple post-service survey to measure your Net Promoter Score (NPS). An NPS above 50 is a strong indicator of client satisfaction in the healthcare space.

Also, monitor clinical outcomes. Track the rate of adverse events, like infiltration or significant bruising, per 100 infusions. A rate below 2% shows high proficiency. Many owners focus on growth and forget these details, which hurts their reputation.

Know when to grow

With your quality metrics in place, you can plan for expansion. Once your first nurse consistently handles 10-15 appointments per week or generates over $100,000 in annual revenue, it is time to hire another. This prevents burnout and lost bookings.

When you get frequent requests from a new area, analyze the travel costs before you expand your service map. As your team grows, you might want to use practice management software like SimplePractice to manage multiple schedules and client records efficiently.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Create a one-question client satisfaction survey to measure your Net Promoter Score (NPS).
• Set a clinical quality goal, such as keeping your adverse event rate below 2%.
• Define the revenue threshold that will trigger hiring your next nurse.
• Review practice management software like SimplePractice for future team growth.

Starting your mobile IV therapy business is an exciting venture. Remember that your reputation for excellent care and a smooth client experience is your most valuable asset. You have the roadmap and the knowledge, so go ahead and take that first confident step.

And when it comes to getting paid, a simple solution like JIM lets you accept cards on your phone for a flat 1.99% fee. With no extra hardware, your funds are available instantly. Download JIM to get started.