Firewood & Log Delivery Round
Supply kiln-dried logs, kindling and firelighters on a local delivery round through autumn and winter.
None
Wood-burner ownership keeps demand steady through the cold months. Kiln-dried logs bought in bulk carry a healthy resale margin. A regular round builds repeat customers who reorder every few weeks. Kindling and firelighters are high-margin add-ons. Gross margin figures are planning estimates of revenue minus direct costs (materials, consumables, fuel and per-job expenses); they exclude the owner's own labour, so treat them as a guide to job economics rather than take-home pay.
- Starting capital: 2000–5000 GBP
- Total starting capital: 3500 GBP
- Setup: 2-4 weeks
- Gross margin: 60-70%
- Business model: Per-bag or per-crate sales with delivery charges; subscriptions for regular winter top-ups.
- Category: Home Services
Risks
- Physical work: Loading and stacking is heavy labour.
- Storage needed: Logs must be kept dry before delivery.
Costs
- Equipment — Used trailer for deliveries — 1500 GBP
- Stock — First bulk order of kiln-dried logs and kindling — 800 GBP
- Compliance — Goods-in-transit and public liability insurance — 300 GBP
- Marketing — Leaflets, signage and local ads — 400 GBP
- Equipment — Chainsaw, PPE and moisture meter — 500 GBP