Mobile beauty supplies round for salons

Hair and beauty salons, barbers, nail bars and mobile therapists in your area.

You sell products at a trade price above your bulk cost. Convenience, fast delivery and a reliable weekly route let you build repeat orders from the same customers.

• Driving and route planning
• Building relationships with local business owners
• Keeping accurate stock and invoice records

• Cosmetics sold in the UK must meet UK cosmetics regulations. Check the current rules with the government and Trading Standards
• Goods in transit and van insurance, plus product and public liability cover. Check that your policy covers business use and stock
• Some products, such as aerosols, nail liquids and hair colour, may have storage and transport rules, so check the safety data sheets
• Parking, van running costs and fuel eat into margins, so plan routes carefully
• Chasing late payments from customers on credit. Consider payment on delivery or short terms for new accounts
• Only buy from authorised suppliers to avoid counterfeit stock

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the van you use, your opening stock and your insurance. Van running costs and fuel eat into margins, so plan your routes carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on the number of salons and barbers on your route, how often you visit and your pricing. Revenue is not profit, so allow for stock, fuel and van costs.

Things to check: UK cosmetics regulations with the government and Trading Standards, goods in transit and van insurance, product and public liability cover, storage and transport rules for items such as aerosols and nail liquids, and authorised suppliers.