Trailer dealership with a small yard

Builders and landscapers, farmers, horse owners, caravan and camping users, and small businesses buying trailers for work.

Margin on trailer sales, plus accessories, spare parts, servicing, optional hire and sometimes commission on finance, where permitted.

• Knowledge of trailer types, weights and towing rules
• Sales and customer service
• Managing stock and cash flow
• Basic mechanical or workshop skills, or a trusted partner

• Planning permission and permitted use of the site, so check with your council
• Business rates, lease terms and the cost of the yard before taking it on, including the deposit and first rent payment
• Stock finance and cash flow, as new trailers are expensive to hold and a credible starting stock of a few dozen trailers can use up most of your budget
• Consumer law on sales, warranties and returns, and Trading Standards guidance
• Public liability, stock, theft and, if you hire staff, employer's liability insurance
• If you offer credit or finance to customers, check whether you need Financial Conduct Authority permissions
• Check that trailers meet legal requirements for brakes, lighting, plating and weights, and that buyers understand towing licence rules

Startup costs are typically around £60,000 to £200,000, depending on the yard or unit, the deposit and first rent, and your opening stock. A credible starting stock of a few dozen trailers can use up most of your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on your mix of new and used trailers and whether you also sell parts, accessories or hire. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for stock finance and running costs.

Check planning permission and permitted use of the site with your council, plus business rates and lease terms. Check consumer law on sales, warranties and returns, your insurance, and Financial Conduct Authority permissions if you offer finance to customers.