Fresh fruit wholesale delivery run

Cafes, restaurants, juice bars, small greengrocers, school canteens and market stallholders who want reliable supply without going to the market themselves.

You sell at a margin above your buying price, usually per carton, tray or kilo. Regular weekly orders from several customers give steady income, and delivery fees or minimum orders can protect your margin.

• Judging fruit quality and ripeness
• Negotiating prices with growers and agents
• Early starts and reliable delivery
• Basic bookkeeping and invoicing

• Food business registration with your local council and any food safety supervisor or handling requirements, check with your council and state food authority
• Cold chain and storage rules, since fruit spoils fast and unsold stock is a real cost
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus vehicle and goods-in-transit cover
• Customers paying late, so check payment terms before extending credit
• GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold, and note that fresh fruit is generally GST-free, so check with the ATO or an accountant

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your vehicle, refrigeration or cool box setup and how much opening stock you buy. Treat these as estimates and price your own setup before you commit.

Check food business registration and any food safety supervisor or handling requirements with your council and state food authority. Also check cold chain and storage rules, insurance, and GST registration. Fresh fruit is generally GST-free, so confirm with the ATO or an accountant.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many regular customers you win, your fruit lines and your delivery area. Unsold stock and late-paying customers can eat into this. Plan for at least about 20 hours a week.