Kosher grocery orders and local delivery business

Busy families, older people and those living away from a kosher shop who want regular or festival orders brought to them.

You buy kosher products from wholesalers and sell at a mark-up, adding a delivery fee or a minimum order value. Festival hampers and regular weekly orders can build steady income.

• Understanding kosher requirements and certification
• Organising orders and stock
• Reliable driving and timekeeping
• Customer service by phone and message

• Register as a food business with your local council, and check whether storing food at home is acceptable under your tenancy or mortgage
• Check chilled and frozen storage and transport rules for the foods you plan to sell
• Check what kosher supervision is needed for anything you repack or prepare yourself
• Distance selling rules, allergen information and delivery risks such as late or damaged orders
• Delivery vehicle insurance that covers business use, plus public liability insurance
• Deliveries timed around Shabbat and festivals

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your storage, packing equipment, ordering system and vehicle. These are estimates, so price up your own setup before you buy stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on how many regular customers you have and the size of their orders. That is revenue, not profit. You would typically need at least 15 hours a week.

Check food business registration with your local council, and whether storing food at home is acceptable under your tenancy or mortgage. Also check chilled and frozen storage and transport rules, kosher supervision for anything you repack, and business vehicle insurance.