Van-Based fasteners and consumables supplier

Fabricators, welding and machine shops, farm and equipment repairers, and small manufacturers who want same-day or next-day supply without driving to a big distributor.

You buy in bulk from wholesalers and sell at a mark-up, often with account customers on monthly terms. Delivery routes and standing orders help keep sales steady.

• Knowing fasteners, consumables and common metal sizes
• Stock control and ordering
• Driving and route planning
• Customer relationships and chasing payments

• Stock ties up cash, so start with a small range of items that sell often
• Check rules on handling and transporting any dangerous goods (such as compressed gas cylinders); consider leaving these out at first
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) labelling and safety data sheets for consumables, check your province's requirements
• Commercial general liability, product liability and commercial vehicle insurance
• Giving credit terms can strain cash flow, so check customers and set clear payment terms
• Check whether your municipality allows storage or business use at your location
• Winter driving and weather can affect delivery routes

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your van, stock range and storage. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how many shops you supply and how often they reorder.

Things to check include rules on handling and transporting dangerous goods such as compressed gas cylinders, WHMIS labelling and safety data sheets in your province, whether your municipality allows storage at your location, and commercial general, product liability and commercial vehicle insurance.

Estimates suggest at least 25 hours a week. Stock ties up cash, so it helps to start with a small range of items that sell often. Winter driving can affect routes, and credit terms can strain cash flow, so set clear payment terms.