Local wholesaler with a unit and delivery van

Convenience stores, corner shops, cafes, takeaways, small caterers, schools and care homes buying for themselves.

A margin on each case sold, plus volume from regular rounds. Some wholesalers add a delivery charge below a minimum order value.

• Stock control and ordering
• Sales and customer relationships
• Driving and route planning

• Food business registration with the local council, and food hygiene and storage rules, check what applies
• Alcohol wholesalers must be approved by HMRC, and tobacco has extra rules, so check before stocking either
• Public liability, goods in transit and stock insurance, plus employers' liability if you hire a driver
• Thin margins and slow-paying customers can strain cash flow
• Unit lease terms, business rates and planning use class, check before signing
• Vehicle costs and any weight limits on your driving licence

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit you rent, the range and volume of stock you hold, and the van you choose. Insurance and any deposits on the lease will also affect the total.

Monthly revenue is typically around £15,000 to £60,000 as an estimate, depending on your range, number of customers and delivery area. That is revenue, not profit, and margins can be thin. Time needed is typically at least 35 hours a week.

Check food business registration with your council plus food hygiene and storage rules. Alcohol wholesalers must be approved by HMRC, and tobacco has extra rules. Also check unit lease terms, business rates, planning use class, insurance, and any weight limits on your driving licence.