Mobile measuring tools supplier

Visit workshops, factories and building sites with a van of measuring tools, and re-order for regulars.

Digital calipers, micrometers and gauges laid out on a workbench for measuring parts.
Startup costA$5k to A$25k
Monthly revenueA$2k to A$10k
Time needed15+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • A$5k-25k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A van-based supply round where you carry common measuring tools and take orders for specialist instruments. You visit workshops, fabricators, labs and trade businesses on a regular route.

Your first three steps

  1. Apply for trade accounts with a few Australian distributors and agree wholesale pricing on a core range
  2. List workshops and industrial estates in your area and plan a weekly route
  3. Visit 20 businesses with samples and a simple price list, and ask what they re-order most often
Who pays

Small manufacturers, engineering workshops, building firms, trade businesses and training colleges that want quick supply and advice.

How it makes money

Mark-up on tools sold from the van and on special orders, plus repeat orders from regular customers and supply contracts for consumables.

Skills that help
  • Technical product knowledge
  • Sales and relationship building
  • Route planning and driving
  • Quoting and invoicing
Watch out for
  • Check public liability and product liability insurance, plus commercial vehicle insurance for stock in the van
  • Customers in labs or regulated industries may need calibration certificates, so check what traceability they require
  • Stock can tie up cash, so start small and order specials only when customers confirm
  • Check GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: mobile measuring tools supplier

Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a mobile measuring tools supply round?

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the van, initial stock and insurance. Stock can tie up cash, so starting small and ordering specials only once customers confirm may help.

How much can a mobile measuring tools supplier earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your route, the customers you win and how many regulars re-order. Estimates suggest at least about 15 hours a week.

What should I check before supplying measuring tools to trade customers?

Check public and product liability insurance, plus commercial vehicle insurance for stock carried in the van. Customers in labs or regulated industries may need calibration certificates, so check what traceability they require, and check GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold.

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Photo: stevepb on Pixabay

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