Start a van-based car accessories trade supplier

Independent garages, tyre and service shops, car yards, detailers and small accessory retailers in your region.

You earn the margin on each sale at trade prices. A regular route gives repeat orders, and face-to-face service lets you add more product lines over time.

• Relationship building and sales
• Route planning and driving
• Stock control and invoicing

• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus insurance for the van and stock
• Check whether your council allows stock storage at your home or what zoning applies to a rented unit
• Australian Consumer Law and road-legal rules for lights and other accessories, which can differ by state
• Customers paying late, so decide your payment terms and credit limits early
• Stock tying up cash, especially for vehicle-specific items that sell slowly
• Register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your van or ute, the range of stock you carry and your storage arrangements. These are estimates, so get quotes before committing to stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the size of your route, your product range and how many trade customers you serve. These are estimates of revenue before costs, not guaranteed.

Check public liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for your van and stock. Check council zoning for storing stock at home or in a rented unit, road-legal rules for lights in each state, Australian Consumer Law, and GST registration.