Mobile hydraulic hose and parts supplier

Farmers, earthmoving and civil contractors, workshops, fleet operators and small engineering firms.

Margin on parts and hoses, plus a call-out fee or labour charge. Regular accounts with local businesses give repeat work.

• Mechanical knowledge of hydraulic systems
• Safe hose assembly and fitting
• Stock control and quoting
• Building relationships with local operators

• Public liability and product liability insurance, check cover for work on customers' machinery
• High-pressure fluid can cause serious injuries, so check training and safety procedures for hose work
• Check what testing and record-keeping customers expect for assembled hoses
• Check Australian Consumer Law obligations for warranties and faulty goods
• Cash tied up in stock and customers who pay late on accounts

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on your vehicle, stock and crimping equipment. These are estimates, and stock ties up cash, so check what you really need to carry first.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how many local operators you serve and how often they need parts. These are estimates, and late-paying account customers can affect cash flow.

Check public liability and product liability cover for work on customers' machinery, and the training and safety procedures needed for high-pressure hose work. Also check testing and record-keeping expectations, and Australian Consumer Law obligations for warranties and faulty goods.