Mobile paint and finishing supplies van

Painters, decorators, joiners, cabinet makers and small builders who value time on the job over a trip to the shop.

You buy at trade prices and sell with a margin. Extra income can come from delivery fees, regular account customers and special orders.

• Knowing finishing products and what suits each job
• Route planning and reliability
• Building relationships with tradies
• Basic stock and bookkeeping

• Rules for storing and transporting flammable liquids in a vehicle, check with your state's workplace safety regulator
• Public liability, product liability and vehicle insurance that covers carrying stock
• Supplier terms and minimum orders, since some brands may not sell to new resellers
• Late payment risk if you offer credit accounts to tradies
• Register for an ABN and check when you need to register for GST

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on the van, opening stock, shelving and insurance. Check supplier terms and minimum orders too, as some brands may not sell to new resellers.

Check the rules for storing and transporting flammable liquids in a vehicle with your state's workplace safety regulator. Also check that your public liability, product liability and vehicle insurance covers carrying stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your route, product range and number of regular tradie customers. Late payment is a risk if you offer credit accounts. A starting point is about 20 hours a week.