Local truck parts supplier with delivery

Local fleets, independent truck repair shops, towing companies and owner-operators who need parts fast to keep trucks on the road.

Margin on parts sold, with local delivery speed and account relationships letting you charge more than online-only sellers. Regular fleets can buy on monthly accounts.

• Strong knowledge of heavy-duty truck parts
• Inventory management and ordering
• Building relationships with shops and fleet managers

• Unsold stock ties up cash, so start small and track fast-moving items
• Offering payment terms to fleets means chasing late payments, so check customers' credit first
• General liability, commercial property and commercial auto insurance for the delivery van
• Zoning for your unit and any local rules on storing parts or fluids, check with your city or county
• Core charges, warranties and return policies from suppliers on parts like alternators and turbos

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on the size of your unit, how much stock you carry and the delivery van. Starting with a small stock of fast-moving parts helps limit the cash tied up.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your stock, how many fleets and repair shops you serve, and your walk-in trade. That is revenue, not profit, so rent, stock and van costs come out of it.

Check insurance, including general liability, commercial property and commercial auto for the delivery van. Also check zoning for your unit and any local rules on storing parts or fluids with your city or county, plus supplier terms on core charges, warranties and returns.