Mobile tool supply van for building sites

Builders, carpenters, concreters, plumbers, electricians and site supervisors who save time by buying on site.

Margin on each sale of consumables, small power tools and accessories. Regular site visits and account customers bring repeat business, and you can add small delivery fees for urgent orders.

• Product knowledge across common trades
• Route planning and stock control
• Building relationships with site crews
• Comfortable driving and loading

• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus commercial vehicle cover
• Stock tied up in the van and slow-moving items, so review your range often
• Site access rules, as some sites require inductions or restrict visitors
• Check rules on carrying gas, fuel or other dangerous goods with your state's regulator
• Late payers on account customers, so set clear credit terms

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $50,000, depending on the vehicle, how much stock you carry and your fit-out. Treat these as estimates and build your own budget before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your route, product range and how many regular site customers you build. It usually needs about 25 hours a week at minimum. These are estimates only.

Check public liability, product liability and commercial vehicle insurance, site access rules such as inductions, and your state regulator's rules on carrying gas, fuel or other dangerous goods. Also set clear credit terms for account customers.