Food machinery dealer and repair service

Regional bakeries, butchers, produce packers, small food manufacturers and commissary kitchens.

Commission or margin on machine sales, plus paid service calls, maintenance contracts and parts.

• Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting
• Understanding food production workflows
• Sales and relationship building
• Quoting and organizing service schedules

• Check whether your state or city requires a contractor or electrical license for installation work
• General liability, product liability and commercial auto insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire
• Dealer agreements may limit territories or require minimum orders, so read them carefully
• Food plants may require safety training, lockout/tagout procedures and sanitary rules for technicians
• Inventory of parts and demo machines can tie up cash

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on how much parts inventory and how many demo machines you carry, plus tools and a service vehicle. Treat this as an estimate and build a budget around your own dealer agreements.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on which brands you carry, how many food businesses you serve and how much service work you win. These are estimates, and revenue is not the same as profit.

Check whether your state or city requires a contractor or electrical license for installation work. Also check insurance needs, any territory limits or minimum orders in dealer agreements, and the safety training, lockout/tagout and sanitary rules food plants may require.