Online supplier of catering dry goods and packaging

Caterers, food trucks, small cafes, bakeries, meal prep businesses and event planners.

You add a markup to bulk wholesale prices and charge for shipping or local delivery. Repeat orders and subscription-style reorders raise your revenue.

• Sourcing and negotiating with suppliers
• Basic online store setup
• Inventory tracking
• Customer service

• Your state's seller's permit or resale certificate, and sales tax rules for business-to-business sales
• Local business license and home occupation rules, plus HOA or lease limits on storing stock at home
• Whether selling packaged food items triggers state or FDA registration or labeling requirements, so check before you stock them
• Food-contact packaging should be sold with proper supplier documentation
• Competition from big suppliers, so avoid competing on price alone and focus on a niche or on service

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your storage space and how you set up your online store. These are estimates, so price your own plan first.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your niche, product range and pricing. Big suppliers are strong competitors, so focus on a niche or on service rather than price alone.

Check your state's seller's permit or resale certificate and sales tax rules for business-to-business sales. Check local business license, home occupation, HOA or lease limits, and whether selling packaged food triggers state or FDA registration or labeling requirements.