Pre-Order produce supplier for small food businesses

Small cafes, caterers, pop-up food traders, meal-prep businesses and small grocers who want a flexible order with no big minimum.

You add a margin to each order and may charge a small delivery fee. Because you buy to order, cash is not tied up in stock.

• Organising orders and deliveries
• Clear communication with customers and suppliers
• Basic spreadsheet or order-tool use
• Knowing seasonal produce and prices

• Food business registration with your local council, check whether it applies if you handle or store produce
• Using a rented van or a courier, make sure insurance covers carrying goods for hire and reward
• Relying on one supplier, so have a back-up if they run short or raise prices
• Price swings, as wholesale prices can change daily, so agree how and when you update your list
• Check whether you need to register for VAT as you grow, as fresh fruit and veg are often zero-rated but this needs confirming for your situation

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £4,000, depending on your ordering tools, how you deliver and any insurance. Treat this as an estimate and check quotes for van hire or courier options.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on your customers and order sizes. These are revenue estimates, not profit, and wholesale prices can change daily. Allow at least around 12 hours a week.

Check whether food business registration applies if you handle or store produce. Make sure insurance covers carrying goods for hire and reward, and check whether you need to register for VAT as you grow, as fresh fruit and veg are often zero-rated but this needs confirming for your situation.