Feed and bedding delivery round

Busy horse owners, livery yards, smallholders and rural pet owners who would rather not carry heavy sacks themselves.

You sell products at a mark-up and may add a delivery charge or minimum order. Regular repeat orders on set days make routes efficient.

• Driving and route planning
• Knowing feed types and customer needs
• Order and stock management
• Lifting and handling heavy bags

• Feed businesses usually need to register or be approved with the local council or relevant authority, check which applies to you
• Van and goods-in-transit insurance, plus public liability insurance
• Dry, pest-free storage so stock does not spoil
• Fuel, van running costs and wasted time on spread-out routes
• Heavy lifting, so plan your loads and consider a sack truck or tail-lift

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the van, your opening stock and the rented store or unit you use. Fuel and van running costs also need planning.

Feed businesses usually need to register or be approved with the local council or relevant authority, so check which applies to you. Also check van and goods-in-transit insurance, public liability cover, and dry, pest-free storage for your stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on how many customers are on your route and how spread out they are. You could start with at least around 15 hours a week.