Soft and no-alcohol drinks supplier

Cafés, delis, farm shops, gyms, offices, schools' caterers and independent shops.

You buy cases at trade prices and sell them on at a margin, with repeat orders as outlets restock. Some producers may offer a commission for bringing them new customers.

• Selling and following up with small businesses
• Spotting products that suit local customers
• Organised stock and order records
• Reliable delivery

• Check whether you need to register as a food business with your local council
• Check labelling and product responsibility with each supplier, especially for imported drinks
• Public liability and goods in transit insurance, and a car or van policy that covers business use
• Short shelf lives and breakages can eat into margin, so order carefully
• Storing stock at home may need permission from your landlord, lender or council
• Margins per case can be thin, so work out your costs before pricing

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £1,500 to £8,000, depending on how much stock you hold, the range you offer and how you deliver. Starting with a modest range and a small amount of stock can keep the figure lower.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on how many cafés, delis, gyms and shops you supply and how often they reorder. Margins per case can be thin, so work out your costs before pricing.

Check whether you need to register as a food business with your local council, and check labelling and product responsibility with each supplier, especially for imported drinks. Also check you have public liability and goods in transit insurance, and a vehicle policy covering business use.