Milk and dairy delivery round for cafes and shops

Independent cafes, delis, corner shops, bakeries, small restaurants, B&Bs and caterers.

You buy at trade price and sell at a margin, often with a delivery charge or minimum order. Margins per item are thin, so a tight, dense round with regular weekly orders matters.

• Reliable early-morning driving
• Route planning and stock control
• Building relationships with business customers
• Basic bookkeeping and invoicing

• Food business registration: you normally need to register with your local council before you start trading, usually at least 28 days beforehand. Also ask them whether storing or handling dairy products (for example at a depot or cold store) would need approval rather than simple registration
• Keeping milk and dairy at the right temperature, plus written food safety and traceability records
• Motor insurance for carrying goods for hire and reward, plus public liability insurance
• Thin margins and late-paying customers, so set clear payment terms
• Competition from large wholesalers who may offer lower prices

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your vehicle, chilled storage and initial stock. Monthly revenue is estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on how many customers you serve and how often.

Check food business registration with your local council, normally before you start trading and usually at least 28 days beforehand. Ask whether storing or handling dairy at a depot or cold store needs approval. Also check temperature control, food safety records, and motor and public liability insurance.

The estimates start at around 20 hours a week. Reliable early-morning driving, route planning, stock control and invoicing are the key skills. Margins can be thin and customers may pay late, so agree clear payment terms.