Local bodyshop parts supplier with delivery

Independent bodyshops, garages, mobile smart repairers and fleet repairers who need parts quickly and on account.

A margin on parts sold, usually on trade accounts with monthly invoicing. Regular local customers and quick delivery are what keep orders coming back.

• Parts knowledge and a good eye for vehicle fitment
• Building trade relationships and selling
• Stock control, bookkeeping and basic driving or delivery logistics

• Offering credit means late payers can hurt cash flow, so check customers and set clear terms
• Unsold stock ties up money, so start with a small range and expand with demand
• Check business rates, planning use class and lease terms for any unit
• Public liability, stock and goods-in-transit insurance, and motor insurance for the van
• Check any rules on handling and disposing of packaging or returned damaged parts

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on your unit, initial stock and delivery van. Starting with a small range and expanding as demand grows can help keep early outlay lower.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on how many bodyshops and garages you supply and how wide your stock range is. These are estimates, and unsold stock and late-paying customers can affect cash flow.

Check business rates, planning use class and lease terms for any unit. Also check insurance for public liability, stock, goods in transit and the van, rules on packaging and damaged returns, and how you will manage credit and late payers.