Mobile farm supplies van

Livestock, arable and mixed farms, plus contractors and rural workshops that value a visit and quick supply.

Margin on goods sold from the van and on special orders, sometimes plus commission if you represent a brand. Regular rounds and account customers give repeat income. Revenue here means sales takings, so your actual profit is only the margin on those sales, and the higher figures need a full-time route with a solid base of account customers.

• Farm and machinery knowledge
• Building trust with customers face to face
• Route planning and basic bookkeeping

• Motor insurance that covers carrying goods for hire or reward, plus public liability and product liability
• Farmers often pay on account, so set credit terms and chase late payments
• Stock sitting in the van is a theft and cash risk
• Safety rules for any machinery or powered tools you sell, check with Trading Standards
• Safe handling and carrying of heavy items and any chemicals, check the rules before stocking them

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on the van, how much stock you carry and whether you act as a manufacturer's agent or buy and sell stock yourself. Treat this as an estimate and build your own budget.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £2,500 to £12,000, depending on your route, stock range and customers. That is revenue, not profit. Farmers often pay on account, so credit terms and chasing late payments will affect your cash flow.

Check that your motor insurance covers carrying goods for hire or reward, plus public liability and product liability. Also check safety rules for any machinery or powered tools with Trading Standards, and the rules for carrying heavy items and any chemicals.