Weekend delivery for local food and craft makers

Small local producers who sell online or at markets but cannot deliver themselves, and sometimes the customers through a delivery fee.

A per-delivery fee or a monthly retainer from each producer, often with a minimum charge per run to cover travel.

• Friendly, dependable customer contact
• Planning efficient routes
• Careful handling, including food kept cool where needed
• Basic bookkeeping

• Check your car insurance covers carrying goods for payment
• Food handling rules, check with your local council about carrying food and cool-chain needs
• Public liability and goods in transit insurance
• Missed deliveries and failed drop-offs, agree clear policies up front
• Check whether your lease or home-based business rules limit storing goods at home

As an estimate, startup costs are typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on your setup and what you already own. Your own car is the main tool, so the final figure will vary from person to person.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $400 to $2,000, depending on how many producers you deliver for and how many delivery days you run. The estimate assumes from about 6 hours of work a week.

Check that your car insurance covers carrying goods for payment, and ask your local council about food handling and cool-chain needs. Also check public liability and goods in transit insurance, and any lease or home-business limits on storing goods at home.