Mobile air tool supplier to workshops

Independent garages, tyre shops, panel beaters, fabrication workshops and tradespeople who want tools without a trip to a store.

Margin on tools and accessories, with repeat sales of consumables on a regular route. Some suppliers also offer simple repairs or tool servicing for an extra fee.

• Product knowledge of air tools
• Building relationships with workshop owners
• Route planning and driving
• Basic sales and quoting

• Public liability, product liability and commercial vehicle insurance
• Stock tied up in the van, so start with a small range and track what sells
• Check your state's rules for carrying and securing goods in a vehicle
• Australian Consumer Law obligations on warranties and returns
• Register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold
• Slow payment from workshops, so set clear account terms

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $90,000, depending on your vehicle, opening stock and insurance. These are estimates, so start with a small range and track what sells to avoid tying up cash.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many workshops you visit, what they order and how often you restock them. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit.

Check insurance, including public liability, product liability and commercial vehicle cover, plus your state's rules for carrying and securing goods in a vehicle. Also check Australian Consumer Law duties on warranties and returns, and the GST threshold.