Local battery supply route for garages and shops

Independent repair garages, tire shops, small engine and equipment dealers, marine and RV shops, and fleet operators who want same-day delivery.

You earn the margin between your wholesale cost and the price you charge trade customers. Repeat orders on a regular route, delivery fees and handling of old-battery cores add to this.

• Selling to businesses
• Route planning and driving
• Inventory and basic bookkeeping
• Knowing battery types and sizes

• Check your state's rules on selling and recycling lead-acid batteries, including core charges and take-back requirements
• Check U.S. DOT rules for transporting batteries, especially lithium types, and the packaging they need
• Storing batteries at home or in a rented unit may need permits and landlord or HOA approval, so check with your city or county
• Cash tied up in stock and slow-paying customers, so think about payment terms
• General liability, commercial auto and product liability insurance, and a state sales tax or resale certificate

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your van and your insurance. Cash tied up in stock matters, so treat this as an estimate and plan your payment terms.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how many garages and shops you supply and the size of your route. The estimate assumes at least about 20 hours a week.

Check your state's rules on selling and recycling lead-acid batteries, including core charges and take-back requirements. Check U.S. DOT rules for transporting batteries, especially lithium types. Also check permits and landlord or HOA approval for storage, plus insurance and your resale certificate.