Local wholesale delivery route to corner stores

Independent convenience stores, bodegas, delis, small grocers, cafes and corner shops that can't easily get small orders from large distributors.

You earn the markup between your bulk purchase price and your wholesale price to stores. Volume per stop and a tight route are what make the margins work.

• Route planning and driving
• Inventory and invoicing
• Building relationships with store owners

• Check city, county and state business licensing, resale certificate and sales tax rules
• Food warehouses may need a health department permit or FDA registration, so check your state and county
• Commercial auto insurance, general liability and product liability, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Late-paying customers and cash tied up in stock, so set clear payment terms
• Perishable and expiring stock can lead to losses, so track dates carefully
• Alcohol and tobacco need separate licenses, so check before stocking them
• Startup costs add up quickly: a used van, warehouse deposit and rent, insurance and a first stock order can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars

Startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $200,000, depending on the van, warehouse deposit and rent, insurance and the size of your first stock order. These are estimates, so price each item before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on how many stores you serve, your order sizes and your product mix. These are estimates, and the idea assumes at least 30 hours a week.

Check city, county and state business licensing, resale certificate and sales tax rules. Also check whether a food warehouse needs a health department permit or FDA registration, commercial auto and liability insurance, workers' compensation if you hire, and separate alcohol or tobacco licenses.