Online wholesale supplier of shelf-stable foods

Cafés, gift and specialty shops, caterers and small grocers that open a trade account with you.

You earn the margin between your wholesale price and what you pay producers. Minimum order values and repeat orders keep each delivery worth the effort.

• Finding and negotiating with producers
• Selling to business buyers
• Simple website and order management
• Organised record keeping

• Check whether you need a Safe Food for Canadians licence, especially if you import or ship between provinces
• Check labelling rules, including bilingual labelling, for the products you sell, and Quebec language rules if you sell there
• Check with your local public health unit before storing food at home, as many places do not allow it
• Product liability insurance and a clear process for recalls and damaged goods
• Collect GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your opening stock, website and where you store products. Product liability insurance and a process for damaged goods are worth planning for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many cafés and shops open trade accounts. This is revenue before product, storage and shipping costs.

Check whether you need a Safe Food for Canadians licence, labelling rules including bilingual labelling, and Quebec language rules if you sell there. Check with your local public health unit before storing food at home, and GST/HST registration.