Mobile workwear and safety gear van

Crews and site managers who can't leave work to shop, small contractors, and employers buying gear for staff.

Retail sales on each visit, plus repeat orders and special orders delivered to the site on the next trip.

• Sales and relationship building
• Route and stock planning
• Knowledge of work gear and sizing

• Sales tax registration with your state, and check whether your city or county requires a mobile vendor or business license
• Commercial vehicle and general liability insurance, check what your policy covers for stock in the van
• Some job sites restrict outside vendors, so get permission first
• Stock theft and weather damage inside the van
• Carrying enough sizes of boots without over-buying

Startup costs are typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on the van, your opening stock and insurance. Carrying enough boot sizes without over-buying is a key balance, so many owners start with a limited range.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your route, the job sites and employers you visit and the stock you carry. Regular schedules with crews and small contractors help build repeat sales.

Check sales tax registration with your state and whether your city or county requires a mobile vendor or business license. Check what your commercial vehicle and general liability policies cover for stock, and get permission, as some job sites restrict outside vendors.