Local farm produce supplier to cafes and restaurants

Cafes, restaurants, caterers, independent grocers, boarding schools and aged care kitchens that want fresh local produce.

You buy at a grower's wholesale price and sell at a markup, with a delivery fee or minimum order on smaller accounts. Regular weekly orders give steadier income.

• Negotiating with growers and buyers
• Organising orders and delivery runs
• Knowing produce quality and seasons
• Basic bookkeeping

• Food business registration with your local council, and whether your state requires food safety supervisor or handling rules for storing and transporting produce
• Refrigerated transport or cool storage needs for fresh items, as spoilage can eat your margin
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for your vehicle used for business
• Late-paying customers, so check payment terms before extending credit
• Thin margins and price swings with seasons and weather

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your vehicle, cool storage or refrigeration needs and insurance. Spoilage can eat into your margin, so allow for it in your budget.

Check food business registration with your local council and whether your state requires food safety supervisor or handling rules for storing and transporting produce. Also check refrigerated transport needs and public liability, product liability and vehicle insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many cafes, restaurants and grocers you supply. Margins can be thin and move with seasons and weather, and late-paying customers can strain cash flow.