Man & Van

[e21Mark]

Am living in Cornwall and looking to buy a van but ideally need it to also provide an income. I'm not looking or expecting to get rich, but a modest regular income of circa £100 per week (after fuel & insurance costs) would be adequate. I have a disability which limits the kind of work I can do and this also means potential employers aren't keen. As I don't want to go on benefits working for myself seems the best option.

I'm thinking along the lines of buying an '06 plate VW LT van (medium wheelbase hi top) and using sites like Shiply etc to find work. I also have some motor trade contacts so will have access to a car trailer, so car transportation can be another string to my bow so to speak. I'm under no illusion that this is going to be either easy or hugely profitable but as long as it brings a employment and a modest wage I'll be happy.

I guess I'm just wondering if this is a viable idea or am I better off just searching for an employer?

I also wondered what should I be charging and how would I best arrive at a figure?

Is there any insurance scheme that specifically covers new businesses, where the type of job could vary between delivering a sofa one day and a track car the next?

Any advice or insight anyone can give would be much appreciated. I'm new to the idea of running my own business and am keen to avoid rookie mistakes if possible.

Thanks in advance.

[grumbas]

To answer the insurance side of the question - you'd need to insure the vehicle for hire and reward use, most likely on a courier policy (even though you're not strictly speaking a courier). It'll cost more than a standard policy but needn't be too painful unless you have a poor driving history.

That only covers the van though (and the trailer, but only damage caused by or to), so on top of that you'd need a goods in transit policy to cover what's in the van and on the trailer. It's a relatively common type of policy (and often sold alongside the van policy) but I'd be getting clarification on whether or not a standard policy will cover vehicles on the trailer.

[technodup]

Barrier to entry is low so rates are too. In Glasgow I see vans with £15/h on the side which when fuel, insurance, depreciation etc are taken into account is the square root of f all.

Get quotes from established guys to get an idea of prices. Test the market- get some flyers, an ad in the paper, whatever is cheap. If the phone rings off the hook buy a van quick, or farm the jobs out to someone else (for a fee!). If it doesn't then you've saved yourself a lot of money, time and disappointment for a van nobody wants.

There are easier ways to turn a few quid.

[skeggysteve]

A couple of years ago I had the use of my Son's van similar size to the one you describe.
Like you I thought it would be a good idea to do a bit of 'man & van' stuff.

I registered on Shiply and a couple of others whose names I can't remember.

It was a complete waste of time. I wanted to make a profit but it seemed that others didn't!

My advice would be to try other ways on making money - just a random thought, how about getting a very economical car and offer a cheaper taxi service than that is currently available.

What ever you choose to do best of luck.

[otherman]

you can register with anyvan.com and just bid on jobs that are suitable for you.

[CoolHands]

isn't it better to be a mini-cab driver? Work is given to you from the cab office, and no heavy lifting etc as you have a disability. Can do hours to suit and round here (london, I admit) they seem to have endless work.

[Roverload]

Are you anywhere near Redruth? If so get your details into Dash on barncoose ind est, you may get some ad-hoc work.