Fruit and veg box delivery

Busy households, older people and families who prefer regular fresh produce delivered rather than shopping in person.

Customers pay per box or by subscription. Your margin is the gap between box price and produce, packaging and delivery costs.

• Organising orders, packing and delivery routes
• Buying produce and keeping waste low
• Customer communication, including online or by phone

• Food businesses must register with the local council, including those run from home
• Check storage needs, as fresh produce needs cool, clean space
• Running a business from home may need permission from a landlord, mortgage lender or council
• Vehicle insurance must cover business use, and public liability insurance is worth checking
• Lots of small orders can push up delivery time and cost, so keep your area tight

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your packing equipment, storage, vehicle needs and opening stock. Get your own quotes for supplies and insurance before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many regular customers you build and your delivery area. Revenue is not profit, so allow for produce, waste and fuel.

Check that you must register as a food business with your local council, including if you run from home. Check storage needs for cool, clean space, and any permission from a landlord, mortgage lender or council. Also check your vehicle insurance covers business use.