Van-based fixings supplier for local trades

Building firms, joiners, roofers, engineers, maintenance teams and small manufacturers who lose time and money when someone has to leave site to buy fixings.

You sell at a margin over wholesale prices, and customers pay for the convenience. Regular accounts and repeat rounds give steady orders, and you can add bulk deliveries for larger jobs.

• Knowing fixings and what each job needs
• Building trade relationships
• Driving and route planning
• Stock control and invoicing

• Van insurance that covers carrying goods for hire and reward, plus public liability and product liability insurance, so check each
• Offering credit to customers risks late payment, so agree terms and check new accounts
• Heavy boxes mean lifting risks, so plan your loading and handling
• Check product standards and certificates for structural or safety-critical fixings
• Cash tied up in stock that may not sell quickly
• VAT registration once turnover passes the threshold

Startup costs are typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on the van, the stock you carry and your insurance. These are estimates, and stock can tie up cash if it does not sell quickly, so build your range gradually.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your area, the number of regular customers and your pricing. These are estimates only and will vary with how many rounds you can cover.

Check that your van insurance covers carrying goods for hire and reward, plus public and product liability cover. Check standards and certificates for structural or safety-critical fixings, credit terms for customers, and VAT registration once turnover passes the threshold.