Mobile Tool Van for Tradespeople

Builders, electricians, plumbers, joiners and maintenance teams who want tools delivered to the job.

Markup on items sold from the van and on special orders. Regular weekly visits to the same customers build repeat sales, and some customers may want to pay on account.

• Building relationships with tradespeople
• Product knowledge
• Route planning and driving
• Stock control and chasing payments

• Check van insurance covers business use, stock in transit and stock kept in the vehicle
• Check theft risk and security, as tools in vans are a target
• Check access and permission to visit sites and where you can park
• Check product safety, WEEE and bladed article rules as for any tool seller
• Offering credit to customers carries a risk of late or non-payment

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on the van, its fit-out and the stock you carry. Treat this as a guide and cost your own van and opening stock carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £18,000 as an estimate, depending on your route, the range you carry and how many regular trade customers you build. Offering credit carries a risk of late or non-payment.

Check that van insurance covers business use, stock in transit and stock kept in the vehicle, and consider theft risk and security. Also check access, permission to visit sites and where you can park, plus product safety, WEEE and bladed article rules.