How Much Does a Shopping Trolley Cost?

by Craig Pryce May 21, 2026

Supermarket shopping trolleys have been a staple of UK retail since the 1950s. They're a rare example of an innovation that benefits shoppers and retailers alike.

No matter the size, type, or age of your store, shopping trolleys give customers a practical and familiar way to pick the items they want from your shelves.

Large shopping trolleys suit supermarkets and encourage bigger purchases, while smaller convenience store trolleys are nimble in narrow aisles. But the bigger the trolley, the higher the price usually is.

Cost considerations are important when budgeting for trolleys. Whether you're researching a fresh fleet of supermarket shopping trolleys for a new shop, adding to your existing range, or replacing damaged trolleys, here's everything you need to know about what affects the cost of a shopping trolley.

How much do shopping trolleys cost?

Many different factors influence the cost of a shopping trolley in the UK. For an average-sized shopping trolley, the ballpark price is around £150 plus VAT. Large shopping trolleys cost slightly more, while small shopping trolleys can cost a bit less.

Much of the difference is down to manufacturing costs, such as the type and quantity of materials used, and extra features like child seats. Bigger trolleys and those with seats require more metal and plastic to build compared to smaller ones, therefore costing more for the extra materials.

Supermarket trolley prices for businesses

You should be able to claim back the VAT when buying supermarket trolleys for your company if you’re a VAT-registered business for whom the cost of a shopping trolley is a legitimate running expense. There may also be discounts available for bulk orders – contact Wheelie Bin Solutions to discuss any wholesale enquiries.

What affects the price of a shopping trolley?

Various factors affect the cost of a shopping trolley, which include many of the following:

Size and capacity

Big shopping trolleys use more materials, so they normally cost more to manufacture and buy. However, you can often get good deals on the most common supermarket trolley sizes as they’re produced in huge quantities and widely available.

Material

Most supermarket trolleys combine a rugged metal frame with plastic corner bumpers and heavy-duty nylon or rubber wheels. Some may have plastic child seats, too. The cost of these materials can fluctuate, affecting the price of a trolley. Beware of cheap shopping trolleys made with inferior materials or without a protective zinc coating.

Features

Extra features like folding child seats, bag-hanging hooks, cup holders, and coin-operated locking mechanisms all add to the complexity and cost of manufacturing shopping trolleys.

Technology

Supermarket trolley costs are increasingly affected by the need to integrate technology like scan-and-go handsets. This is a sign of how the humble shopping trolley is coping with the pace of change in the digital age, but also adds to the cost of production.

Customisation

Major supermarkets and retailers have their own customised trolleys. The costs for these depend on what you want to change. Some modifications – like brand-specific colour schemes and store names printed on trolley handles – are surprisingly economical when buying in bulk. If you only want a handful of personalised trolleys, then they can be more expensive.

Number of trolleys ordered

A major factor in determining how much a supermarket shopping trolley costs is how many you buy at once. Shopping trolley wholesalers usually offer a discount for large orders, and you may also get a reduced delivery cost per trolley. Buying one or two trolleys can be more expensive per unit compared to purchasing one or two hundred.

Shipping fees

The size and weight of the shopping trolleys, plus the distance and difficulty of getting them to your store or business, affect the shipping fees. Mainland UK destinations typically receive faster, cheaper shipping when ordering from a UK-based supplier.

Shopping trolley maintenance costs

The cost of a shopping trolley isn’t just about the upfront purchase price. Keeping them running and rolling with repairs and maintenance adds to their overall cost. This can depend on the nature of the damage, but there are some steps you can take to improve the lifetime economy of your wholesale supermarket trolleys.

Trolley basket damage

Buy shopping trolleys made from good-quality materials with protective features to absorb the shock of minor collisions and daily wear and tear. Supermarket trolleys built from zinc-plated stainless steel with corner bumpers can reduce the risk of damage to the basket.

Wonky wheels

The curse of shopping trolleys everywhere – wonky wheels are a source of frustration for shoppers and supermarket staff alike. Rugged rubber castors with 360-degree swivel help to keep your rolling stock rolling in the right direction, compared to rigid wheels.

Exposure to the elements

Most supermarket trolleys have to brave the car park at some point. Again, rugged construction – especially those with strong wheels – can help avoid damage on rough ground. Zinc plating helps to protect against rust in wet weather.

Other running costs

Overloaded shopping trolleys are more likely to suffer damage, so provide your customers with large enough trolleys for the goods you sell. Try to store your trolleys undercover where possible – nesting supermarket trolleys can save space. And unfortunately, trolleys are sometimes stolen, so make sure you have some spares in case of theft.

Trolley price comparison

Here's a simple trolley price comparison chart showing the current size and cost of some of our most popular products:

Trolley	Dimensions (L x W x H)	Price (ex. VAT)
71L shopping trolley	840 x 545 x 910mm	£141.00
100L shopping trolley	905 x 525 x 975mm	£135.00
150L shopping trolley	1030 x 595 x 1030mm	£162.00
210L shopping trolley	1095 x 595 x 1065mm	£166.00
Stock trolley (folding shelf)	900 x 550 x 940mm	£144.99
Stock trolley (folding basket)	1255 x 530 x 950mm	£179.99
Stock trolley (fixed basket)	1065 x 525 x 935mm	£159.99
Two-tier picking trolley	830 x 460 x 920mm	£129.99
Multi-tier picking trolley	1010 x 615 x 1170mm	£235.00
Picking trolley with steps	1050 x 500 x 1635mm	£329.99

Prices of trolleys are subject to change. For more options and a full price breakdown, browse our updated and full collection of supermarket, merchandise, and warehouse trolleys.

How to purchase trolleys cost-effectively

Some things can make your wholesale supermarket trolleys a more cost-effective investment. Here's our simple three-step guide:

Buy in bulk: Wholesale shopping trolleys typically cost less the more you buy.
Shop by size: Buy enough of each size of trolley to suit the goods you sell. Cheaper yet smaller trolleys may frustrate customers in big retail stores, while big trolleys may struggle to fit down narrow aisles in smaller shops.
Consider costs: Factor in lifetime maintenance costs, and buy the best you can afford.

Buy affordable shopping trolleys for your business

The best shopping trolley for your business depends on the type and size of your store, its intended uses, and your budget. Many factors affect how much a shopping trolley costs and are worth considering before you buy.

At Wheelie Bin Solutions, we always aim to offer the best prices on wholesale trolleys, no matter the size or type of your store.

Explore our range of trolleys and make your wholesale enquiry today.

Craig Pryce

With over 17 years of experience in the waste and recycling industry, Craig is passionate about making recycling easier and reducing the negative impact of litter. He has been the managing director of Wheelie Bin Solutions (WBS) since January 2016, and prides the company on his expert knowledge, top-quality products, and customer service. His proudest moment was when WBS supported the 2012 Olympic Games, working in partnership with Contenur UK to supply over 9000 bin containers to all Olympic venues. Craig is always keen to share his knowledge, so whether you need advice about the benefits of a wheelie bin lock, or ideas for alternative uses for your wheelie bin, Craig will ensure your recycling and waste disposal habits are gold medal worthy.