Job-Site tool and supply delivery
Sell and deliver power tools, blades, fasteners and rentals straight to contractors on their job sites.
- $8k-40k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
4,701 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year
NAICS 423810 “Construction and mining (except oil well) machinery and equipment merchant wholesalers”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A van-based supplier that stocks fast-moving items like drill bits, saw blades, fasteners, safety gear and a few popular power tools, plus a small rental range. You deliver or visit sites on a regular route so crews don't lose time driving to a store.
Your first three steps
- Talk to 10 local contractors about what they run out of and what they would pay for delivery
- Open trade accounts with a few wholesalers or distributors and price a starter van inventory
- Set up an LLC if you want one, register for sales tax and a resale certificate, and sign up your first regular accounts
Who pays
Small contractors, remodelers, trade crews and property maintenance teams.
How it makes money
Markup on tools and consumables, delivery fees or minimum orders, and rental charges on equipment you hold.
Skills that help
- Sales and building trade relationships
- Knowing which tools and consumables crews need
- Route planning and stock control
Watch out for
- General liability and commercial auto insurance, check coverage for stock carried in the vehicle
- Sales tax registration and resale certificate rules in your state
- Cash tied up in stock that may not sell, start with a narrow range
- Late-paying business customers, consider card on file or short payment terms
- Local business license requirements in the cities you serve
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: job-site tool and supply delivery
Researched with live web search for United States: 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 a job-site tool supply van?
Estimates put startup costs typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the van, how much stock you carry and whether you add a small rental range. Starting with a narrow range of fast-moving items limits cash tied up in stock.
How much can a mobile tool supply business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your route, the number of contractor customers and your stock range. The estimates assume at least 20 hours a week.
What should I check before selling tools from a van?
Check general liability and commercial auto insurance, including cover for stock carried in the vehicle. Also check your state's sales tax registration and resale certificate rules, plus local business license requirements in each city you serve.
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Photo: neelam279 on Pixabay