Independent food broker for small producers

Small food and beverage producers who want shelf space but have no sales team. They pay you a commission on sales you win.

A commission on each order, usually a percentage of the sale. Some brokers also charge a small monthly retainer. Income builds as repeat orders from your accounts grow.

• Sales and negotiation
• Building relationships with store buyers
• Organized follow-up and record keeping

• Check your state's rules on food broker or wholesale registration, as these vary
• Get general liability insurance and ask whether product liability is covered by the producer's policy
• Make sure the producer has the required food licenses and insurance before you sell their goods
• Commission-only income can be slow to start, so plan for a few lean months
• Check HOA or lease rules if you run the business from home

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on samples, insurance, and the tools you need for outreach and record keeping. Working from home helps keep costs down.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on the producers you represent and the sales you win. Commission-only income can be slow to start, so plan for a few lean months.

Check your state's rules on food broker or wholesale registration, as these vary. Also check insurance, including whether the producer's policy covers product liability, and make sure producers hold the required food licenses and insurance.