Job site supply van for local contractors

Small contractors, remodelers, electricians, plumbers and builders who lose time driving to supply stores.

You sell items at a markup and may add a delivery fee or minimum order. Standing weekly routes with regular crews give steadier income.

• Driving and route planning
• Knowing which products each trade needs
• Building relationships with contractors

• Commercial auto insurance and general liability insurance, so check what your policy covers when carrying stock
• Local business license and state sales tax registration or reseller permit, so check with your city, county and state
• Cash tied up in stock that doesn't sell
• Competition from big-box stores and distributors that already offer delivery
• Workers' compensation insurance once you hire a driver

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the van you use, how much stock you carry and your insurance. Cash can get tied up in stock that doesn't sell, so consider starting with a smaller range.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many regular contractor customers you win, which products you carry and how many hours you work. Big-box stores and distributors that offer delivery are competition.

Check what your commercial auto and general liability insurance covers when carrying stock. Also check with your city, county and state about a local business license and sales tax registration or reseller permit, and workers' compensation insurance if you hire a driver.