Mobile abrasives supplier to workshops and sites

Joiners, fabricators, garages and body shops, builders and small industrial units.

You sell at a margin above wholesale cost. Regular visits, convenience and repeat orders let you hold your prices against online sellers.

• Building relationships with trade customers
• Product knowledge across grades and uses
• Route planning and stock control
• Comfortable driving and lifting

• Business-use vehicle insurance and goods-in-transit cover
• Product liability and public liability insurance
• Store and carry grinding wheels safely, and check that they suit the tools your customers use
• Check payment terms carefully, as trade customers often expect to buy on account
• Stock tied up in the van is cash you cannot use elsewhere, so start with a small range

Startup costs are typically around £4,000 to £15,000, depending on your van, insurance and opening stock. Stock in the van is cash you cannot use elsewhere, so starting with a small range can help manage costs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your route, customers and the hours you work. These are revenue estimates, not profit, so allow for van running costs, stock and insurance.

Check business-use vehicle insurance, goods-in-transit cover, and product and public liability insurance. Check how to store and carry grinding wheels safely and that they suit your customers' tools. Also check payment terms, as trade customers often expect to buy on account.