Neighbourhood milk and dairy round

Households in a few nearby neighbourhoods who want fresh local dairy at the door, especially busy families, older people and people who prefer glass bottles.

You add a margin to the wholesale price of each product. Customers subscribe to a regular order, so income is predictable. A delivery fee or minimum order can cover fuel and time.

• Reliable and punctual
• Route planning
• Keeping accurate customer orders
• Friendly customer service

• Check with your local public health unit what permit or inspection you need to store and deliver dairy
• Keep products cold the whole way. A cooler failure on a hot day means wasted stock and a food safety risk
• Check your provincial rules on dairy resale. Selling raw milk is generally restricted in Canada, so stick to pasteurized products from licensed suppliers
• Commercial general liability insurance and a check that your car insurance covers deliveries
• Check whether you need a municipal home-based business licence
• Winter driving, ice on steps and freezing temperatures affecting products and bottles

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your coolers, bottle stock, your first dairy order and how much you need to set up for deliveries.

Check with your local public health unit what permit or inspection you need to store and deliver dairy, and your provincial dairy resale rules. Raw milk sales are generally restricted, so stick to pasteurized products from licensed suppliers. Also check insurance and any municipal home-based licence.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many homes subscribe and what products you offer. The estimated minimum time is about 10 hours a week.