Local artisan dairy supplier to cafes and delis

Independent cafes, delis, restaurants, farm-gate style grocers and food retailers that promote local produce.

You buy at a trade price from the producer and sell at a delivered wholesale price, or earn an agreed commission per order. Specialty products can carry better margins than standard milk.

• Talking to producers and business owners
• Careful temperature and stock handling
• Organising weekly orders and deliveries
• Basic invoicing

• State dairy and food authority rules on who must be licensed, so check whether the producer's licence covers your role or you need your own
• Food business registration with your local council
• Keeping the cold chain intact with a regular vehicle, especially in hot weather
• Depending on one or two producers: a supply problem would stop your business
• Public liability and goods in transit insurance, plus your vehicle insurer's view on business use

Estimates suggest startup costs typically sit around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your vehicle, insulated boxes and your first orders from producers. Many people start small with a modest vehicle.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many cafes and delis you supply. Relying on one or two producers means a supply problem could stop your business.

Check state dairy and food authority rules on who must be licensed, including whether the producer's licence covers your role or you need your own. Also check council food business registration, goods in transit insurance and your vehicle insurer's view on business use.