Local tableware delivery round for cafes and caterers
Deliver cups, plates and packaging by van to cafes, food traders and event caterers in your area.
- £2.5k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
6,931 UK companies in this field, 40% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 46499 “Wholesale of household goods (other than musical instruments) n.e.c.”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A local supply service where you buy disposable tableware and packaging in bulk, store it, and deliver it on a regular round to businesses nearby, often on a weekly or fortnightly schedule.
Your first three steps
- Open trade accounts with two or three wholesalers or cash and carries and compare bulk prices
- Visit local cafes, food traders and caterers to find out what they buy and what they pay now
- Arrange storage space and a vehicle, then start with a small set of regular customers on a weekly drop
Who pays
Independent cafes, takeaways, food vans, mobile caterers, market traders and local event organisers.
How it makes money
Margin on the products you sell, with regular standing orders and a small delivery charge on smaller drops.
Skills that help
- Driving and route planning
- Negotiating with suppliers
- Building relationships with local businesses
- Keeping track of stock and invoices
Watch out for
- Motor insurance that covers carrying goods for business use
- Public liability and goods in transit insurance
- Storage space at home or in a unit, and whether you need permission from a landlord or the council
- Customers paying late, so agree terms and consider limits for new accounts
- Check the rules on single-use plastic items and food-contact packaging
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a tableware delivery round?
Startup costs are typically around £2,500 to £12,000, depending on your vehicle, stock and storage. These are estimates, so get quotes for insurance and wholesale stock before you commit.
What insurance and rules should I check for a tableware delivery round?
Check you have motor insurance covering carrying goods for business use, plus public liability and goods in transit cover. Also check storage permission from a landlord or council, and the rules on single-use plastics and food-contact packaging.
How much can a tableware delivery round earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on how many regular customers you build and your order sizes. Customers paying late can affect cash flow, so agree payment terms and consider limits for new accounts.
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