Local body parts supplier with delivery van

Bodyshops, smash repairers, mechanics, fleet operators and panel beaters who need parts quickly to keep cars moving through their workshop.

Margin on parts sold from stock and on special orders, with trade account pricing for regular customers. Same-day delivery and good availability let you compete with bigger suppliers.

• Knowledge of vehicles and body parts
• Stock control and ordering
• Building trade relationships
• Driving and local delivery

• Stock ties up cash, and slow-moving parts can sit for months, so start small and track what sells
• Check zoning and council approval for your premises, and your lease terms
• Public liability, product liability, stock and motor vehicle insurance
• Check rules on safety-related parts and any requirements around used or recycled parts in your state
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire a driver or counter staff, and GST registration once you pass the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on your premises, how much stock you hold and your van. Stock can tie up cash, so starting small and tracking what sells helps.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your stock range, local customer base and how many repairers you win. That is revenue, not profit, so costs like stock and rent come out of it.

Check zoning and council approval for your premises and your lease terms. Also look into public liability, product liability, stock and motor vehicle insurance, rules on safety-related or used parts in your state, and workers compensation and GST registration as you grow.