Fresh seafood delivery round

Restaurants, cafes, pubs and caterers on regular orders, plus households who pre-order boxes or festive platters.

A markup on wholesale prices per kilo for trade orders, plus delivery or box pricing for households. Repeat weekly orders give steadier income.

• Building relationships with chefs and buyers
• Knowing seafood quality and seasonality
• Route planning and reliability
• Handling and packing seafood safely

• Food business registration for the vehicle and any prep or storage space, check with your local council
• Temperature records and cold chain rules, check what your state food authority requires
• Refrigerated vans and conversions can cost far more than a standard van, so get several quotes before committing
• Chasing late payments from trade customers, so set clear terms
• Public liability and commercial vehicle insurance, plus product liability
• Home-based storage or prep may need council approval, check before you start

Startup costs are typically around $45,000 to $110,000, depending mainly on the refrigerated van or conversion you choose. Refrigerated vans can cost far more than a standard van, so get several quotes before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how many restaurant, cafe and household customers you build up and how often they order. These are estimates only, not guaranteed income.

Things to check include food business registration for your vehicle and any prep or storage space (ask your local council), plus temperature records and cold chain rules from your state food authority. Also check public liability, commercial vehicle and product liability insurance.