Mobile towing equipment supplier

Local tow and recovery companies, repair garages, body shops, dealerships and small fleets.

You sell at a markup over trade prices. Regular route customers reorder consumables, and you add delivery or special-order fees on larger items.

• Relationship-building with business customers
• Product knowledge of recovery gear
• Stock tracking and route planning

• Check your city or county for a business license and your state for a seller's permit or resale certificate
• General liability and product liability insurance, plus commercial auto insurance for the van
• Unsold stock ties up cash, so start with a small range and track what sells
• Check that you can show load ratings and documentation on gear that customers use on the road
• Check any HOA or zoning rules if you store stock at home

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how much stock you carry and how you equip your van. Unsold stock ties up cash, so it is worth starting with a small range and tracking what sells.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your route, the range you stock and how many tow yards and garages you serve. That is revenue, not profit. The estimate assumes roughly 20 hours a week or more.

Check your city or county for a business license and your state for a seller's permit or resale certificate. Also check general liability, product liability and commercial auto insurance, and that you can show load ratings and documentation on the gear.