Air filter trade supply round by van

Independent garages, fleet operators, workshops, farms, offices, schools, care homes and facilities managers.

Margin on filters supplied, plus a charge for delivery or for fitting on regular service visits. Repeat orders on a set schedule give steadier income.

• Selling to local businesses
• Knowing filter types and sizes
• Reliable delivery and record keeping

• Public liability and goods in transit insurance, and employer's liability if you hire
• Working at height or in plant rooms, so check safety requirements and any training needed
• Old buildings may contain asbestos, so do not disturb ceilings or ducting without checking
• Taking used filters away may count as carrying waste, so check whether you need registration
• Slow-paying business customers, so set clear payment terms and consider a deposit for large orders

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your van, stock levels and equipment. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on how many regular trade customers you build up.

Check public liability and goods in transit insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire. Also check safety requirements and training for working at height or in plant rooms, asbestos risks in old buildings, and whether taking used filters away needs waste carrier registration.

Estimates suggest at least around 15 hours a week. Useful skills include selling to local businesses, knowing filter types and sizes, and reliable delivery and record keeping. Set clear payment terms, as business customers can be slow to pay.