Local food wholesaler with a small unit and van

Independent cafés, restaurants, grocers, caterers and bakeries that want smaller, more flexible orders than the big distributors offer.

You buy in bulk and sell in case or half-case quantities at a margin. Regular weekly or fortnightly orders on trade accounts, plus delivery fees for small orders, make up the income.

• Building relationships with buyers
• Stock control and ordering
• Basic bookkeeping and invoicing
• Reliable delivery scheduling

• Check whether you need a Safe Food for Canadians licence, especially if you import or sell across provincial borders
• Check with your local public health unit and municipality about permits and storage rules for the products you handle
• Commercial general liability and commercial vehicle insurance
• Margins can be thin and unpaid trade invoices hurt cash flow, so set clear payment terms
• Cold storage and winter driving add costs and risk

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your unit, van, initial stock and any cold storage. Margins can be thin, so set clear payment terms for trade customers from the start.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your product range, number of trade accounts and delivery area. Unpaid trade invoices can hurt cash flow, so watch your payment terms.

Check whether you need a Safe Food for Canadians licence, especially if you import or sell across provincial borders. Also check permits and storage rules with your local public health unit and municipality, and your insurance cover.