Specialty food supplier to cafés and shops

Independent cafés, restaurants, delis, bakeries and small grocers that want quality products in smaller amounts than big distributors sell.

You earn the margin between your bulk buying price and the price you charge, often on repeat weekly or fortnightly orders. Minimum order sizes and delivery fees help cover costs.

• Sales and relationship building
• Knowing your product range well
• Stock control and organizing deliveries
• Basic bookkeeping

• Check with your provincial and local public health unit and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) about licences for storing, importing or selling food, as rules vary by product and province
• Food labelling and bilingual labelling rules, especially in Quebec
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, plus vehicle insurance for business use
• Cash flow, since customers may pay on 30-day terms while you pay suppliers sooner
• Perishable stock can spoil, so start with products that keep well
• Winter driving and cold-chain needs for chilled products

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your product range, storage, stock levels and vehicle needs.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your products and how many cafés and shops you supply. Customers may pay on 30-day terms, so plan your cash flow. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week.

Check with your provincial and local public health unit and the CFIA about licences for storing, importing or selling food. Also check labelling rules, including bilingual labelling in Quebec, and your insurance needs.