Food broker for small producers

Small and mid-sized food and drink producers pay you commission. Buyers at shops and wholesalers pay the producer for the goods.

A percentage commission on each sale you secure, agreed in writing with each producer. Income builds as repeat orders from your accounts come in.

• Confident selling and negotiating
• Knowing the food trade or a product category well
• Staying organised with leads and follow-ups
• Building long-term relationships

• Check whether you need professional indemnity or public liability insurance
• Agree in writing the commission rate, when you are paid and what happens on returns or late payments
• Producers remain responsible for food safety and labelling, so check who is liable and that they are registered with their local council
• Commission only income can be slow to start, so plan for a few months with little coming in
• Check with your landlord or mortgage lender if you work from home

Startup costs are typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on your equipment and setup. These are estimates. You hold no stock, as producers ship the goods and you earn commission on sales.

Check whether you need professional indemnity or public liability insurance. Agree commission, payment timing, returns and late payments in writing. Producers remain responsible for food safety and labelling, so check who is liable and that they are registered with their local council.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £3,000, depending on the producers you represent and the buyers you win. Commission-only income can be slow to start, so plan for a few months with little coming in.