Mobile air tool supplier visiting garages

Independent garages, MOT and tyre centres, body shops, fabricators and small workshops that want tools quickly without a trip to a trade counter.

Margin on each sale. Regular route visits build repeat orders for consumables, and you can earn extra by arranging repairs or special orders.

• Friendly, direct selling to tradespeople
• Knowing which tools suit which jobs
• Route planning and stock control

• Check your van insurance covers carrying stock for business use
• Public liability and product liability insurance, and goods in transit cover
• Check that tools carry the right safety marks and that you keep supplier paperwork
• Stock tied up in the van and slow-paying accounts can hurt cash flow, so consider payment on delivery for new customers
• Check whether you need to charge VAT and keep clear records

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £5,000 to £20,000, depending on the van, the amount of stock you carry and your insurance. A smaller opening range helps keep the figure towards the lower end.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,000 to £9,000, depending on the size of your route, the garages you visit and how often they buy. Slow-paying accounts can hurt cash flow, so consider payment on delivery for new customers.

Check that your van insurance covers carrying stock for business use, and that you have public liability, product liability and goods in transit cover. Also check that tools carry the right safety marks, keep supplier paperwork, and check whether you need to charge VAT.