Online towing equipment shop
Sell tow hooks, straps, winches and recovery gear online to garages and recovery drivers.
- £1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
6,399 UK companies in this field, 31% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 45310 “Wholesale trade of motor vehicle parts and accessories”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small online shop selling towing and recovery equipment such as tow hooks, straps, chains, shackles and winches. You buy from wholesalers or manufacturers and often ship direct from them or from a small stock at home.
Your first three steps
- Choose a narrow range (for example recovery straps and shackles) and ask three UK wholesalers for trade prices and minimum orders
- Set up a simple online shop and list your first products with clear safety ratings and photos
- Contact local garages and recovery firms to offer a trade account and quick delivery
Who pays
Independent garages, vehicle recovery operators, farmers, off-road drivers and keen DIY motorists.
How it makes money
You earn the margin between your trade buying price and your selling price. Bundles, repeat orders from trade customers and good delivery terms help raise the value of each sale.
Skills that help
- Knowing towing and recovery products
- Online selling and listings
- Supplier negotiation
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Product safety: check that items carry clear working load limits and meet relevant UK standards before selling
- Product liability insurance as well as public liability, check what your insurer needs
- Consumer rights and returns rules for online sales, check current guidance
- Cheap imported kit of unknown quality can damage your reputation and create risk
- Storage space and courier costs for heavy items
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: online towing equipment shop
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an online towing equipment shop?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your website, initial stock and storage. Allow for storage space and courier costs for heavy items as well.
How much can an online towing equipment shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £4,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many garages and recovery drivers you reach. Plan on at least about 8 hours a week to run it.
What rules should I check before selling towing equipment?
Check that items carry clear working load limits and meet relevant UK standards before selling. Also check product liability and public liability insurance with your insurer, and current consumer rights and returns guidance for online sales.
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