Mobile air tools supplier to garages and workshops
Drive a stocked van to garages and workshops, selling and restocking air tools and accessories on a regular route.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A van-based supply round. You visit garages, tyre shops, body shops and small workshops with a stock of air tools, fittings, hoses and consumables, and take orders for anything else.
Your first three steps
- Set up trade accounts with one or two Canadian distributors or brands, and ask about starter stock terms
- Map the garages and workshops within an hour of home and plan a weekly route
- Visit your first ten shops with samples and a price list, and offer a first-order discount
Who pays
Independent garages, auto body and tyre shops, small manufacturers and tradespeople who use air tools every day and can't afford downtime.
How it makes money
Margin on tools and consumables sold on each visit. Repeat route customers, small repairs or swaps arranged through the manufacturer, and larger tool orders add to income.
Skills that help
- Product knowledge and practical advice
- Building trade relationships and selling face to face
- Route planning and stock control
Watch out for
- Commercial vehicle insurance and commercial general liability insurance, so ask your insurer what applies to a stocked van
- Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules
- Tied-up cash in stock, so start small and track what sells
- Winter driving and seasonal slowdowns on your route
- Check your municipality for any business licence needed
- Check WCB/WSIB rules in your province before you hire a helper or driver
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile air tools supply business?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on the van and how much stock you carry. Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on route size and customers. Cash tied up in stock is worth watching.
What insurance, licences and tax rules should I check?
Check commercial vehicle insurance and commercial general liability insurance, and ask your insurer what applies to a stocked van. Also check your municipality for any business licence, and register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, plus provincial sales tax rules.
What should I check before hiring a helper or driver?
Check WCB/WSIB rules in your province before you hire a helper or driver. Also plan for winter driving and seasonal slowdowns on your route, which can affect how much you can deliver and sell.
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