Field food broker visiting shops and cafes

Producers pay you commission. Independent grocers, delis, cafes, farm shops and regional wholesalers place the orders.

Commission on orders, sometimes plus a small retainer from larger producers. More stores on your route and repeat reorders increase earnings.

• Face-to-face selling
• Route planning and time management
• Product knowledge and tasting
• Handling rejection and following up

• Check the rules for handling and transporting food samples with your local council or state food authority
• Insurance for your vehicle for business use, plus public liability insurance
• Agree who pays for samples and travel costs in writing
• Check GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold
• Large supermarkets usually deal with head office buyers, so focus on independents at first
• Commission-only income can be slow to start, so keep some savings or other income

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your samples, vehicle needs, price lists and insurance. Treat this as a guide and agree in writing who pays for samples and travel costs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the producers you represent, your region and how many orders you win. Commission-only income can be slow to start, so keep some savings.

Check the rules for handling and transporting food samples with your local council or state food authority. Also check business-use vehicle insurance, public liability insurance, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold.