Local hay and bedding delivery

Livery yards, riding schools, horse owners, smallholders and small livestock keepers.

You sell at a mark-up on what you pay the producer, usually per bale or per pallet, with a delivery charge or minimum order on top.

• Knowing hay quality and what horses and livestock need
• Driving and loading a van or trailer safely
• Building relationships with farmers and regular customers

• Hay can heat up and catch fire if stored damp, so check moisture and storage before you stack it
• Check insurance for public liability, goods in transit and your vehicle's business use
• Check towing limits and your driving licence category if you use a trailer or larger vehicle
• Prices and quality can shift with the weather and season, so avoid promising fixed prices for long periods
• Check whether you need to register with your council or APHA as a feed business operator

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on your vehicle or trailer, any rented storage, insurance and the amount of initial stock you buy. Treat this as an estimate and cost your own setup.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your customers, delivery area and the season. Prices and quality can shift with the weather, so avoid promising fixed prices for long periods.

Check moisture and storage because damp hay can heat up and catch fire, insurance for public liability, goods in transit and business vehicle use, towing limits and licence category, and whether you must register as a feed business operator.