Mobile trade tools and supplies van

Builders, joiners, electricians, plumbers and site managers who value saving a trip to a trade counter.

You sell stock at a margin over your wholesale price. Regular rounds, account customers and offering to fetch specific items on request build repeat sales.

• Knowing trade products and brands
• Friendly, reliable face-to-face selling
• Route planning and stock control

• Van insurance that covers carrying stock and trading, plus public liability and goods in transit cover
• Theft of stock and tools from the van, so check security and insurance conditions
• Site access rules and safety requirements, which differ between sites
• Credit risk if you offer accounts, so consider payment on the day or short terms
• Product safety and marking on electrical tools you resell, check with suppliers

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on the van you choose and how much stock you carry. Insurance that covers carrying stock and trading is another cost to check before you begin.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your route, the stock you carry and how many sites you visit. If you offer accounts, consider payment on the day or short terms to limit credit risk.

Check van insurance that covers carrying stock and trading, plus public liability and goods in transit cover. Also check theft security and insurance conditions, site access and safety rules, and product safety marking on electrical tools you resell.