Full-time food broker for chains and distributors

Food manufacturers and importers who want shelf space and distribution without hiring a national sales team.

Commission on sales, often a percentage of the value of orders to each account, sometimes with a monthly minimum from larger brands. More brands and accounts mean steadier income.

• Negotiating with professional buyers
• Understanding pricing, margins and promotions
• Reliable reporting and follow-up

• Get contracts reviewed by a lawyer, especially on exclusivity, territory and what happens to commission if you leave
• Large buyers often have slow payment cycles and listing fees, so check who covers them
• Check producers' food safety certifications and any import or labelling requirements, including bilingual labelling and Quebec rules where relevant
• Check your province's rules for registering a business and GST/HST, and consider commercial general liability insurance
• Income can depend on a few key brands, so avoid relying on one producer

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your travel, samples, tools and set-up. Treat this as an estimate and plan for slow payment cycles from large buyers.

Get contracts reviewed by a lawyer, especially on exclusivity, territory and commission if you leave. Check who covers listing fees, producers' food safety certifications, import and bilingual labelling requirements, Quebec rules where relevant, and your province's business and GST/HST registration.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your brands and the buyers you reach. Plan for at least about 30 hours a week, and avoid relying on one producer for most income.