Chinese grocery delivery and pickup business

Families, students and professionals in your area who live far from an Asian supermarket or prefer to order ahead.

Markup on the products you buy wholesale, plus a delivery fee or minimum order size. Weekly or bulk group orders help you plan stock and cut waste.

• Knowledge of Chinese groceries and brands
• Organizing orders and routes
• Using social media or simple online store tools

• Many states and counties limit selling food from home or need a food retailer permit or registered storage space. Check with your health department.
• Sales tax registration and collecting tax where it applies
• Imported items need proper English labels. Avoid selling fresh meat or refrigerated goods unless you have the right permits and equipment.
• Vehicle insurance for deliveries and general liability insurance
• Home occupation permit, HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how much stock you buy, what storage space you use and how you handle deliveries. These are estimates, so build your own budget from supplier quotes before you commit.

Check with your health department, since many states and counties limit selling food from home or require a food retailer permit or registered storage space. Also check sales tax registration, English labels on imported items, insurance, and home occupation, HOA or lease rules.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your customer base, order sizes and how many hours you work. The estimate assumes about 15 or more hours a week. Revenue is before costs such as stock and fuel.