Local fresh fruit wholesale delivery

Independent restaurants, cafes, juice bars, small grocers, caterers and farm stands that are too small for the big distributors.

You sell by the case or pound at a markup over your buying price. Regular weekly standing orders from a handful of buyers make income more predictable.

• Judging fruit quality and ripeness
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Route planning and driving
• Keeping records and invoicing

• Check your state's rules on food business or produce wholesaler registration and whether you need a license through the state agriculture or health department
• Food safety rules for transporting fresh produce, including temperature control; check what applies to your state and to the FDA's produce guidance
• Some buyers may ask for product liability insurance or proof of food safety practices
• Spoilage is a real risk, so buy only what you have orders for until you know your demand
• Check your city or county for a business license and sales tax registration or resale certificate rules in your state

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your vehicle, cooling equipment and how much stock you buy at first. Spoilage is a real risk, so buy only what you have orders for until you know your demand.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many buyers you serve, the fruit you carry and your prices. These are estimates, not guarantees, and results will vary with your route and supplier terms.

Check your state's rules on food business or produce wholesaler registration, and whether a state agriculture or health department license applies. Also check food safety rules for transporting produce, including temperature control, plus city or county business license and sales tax or resale certificate rules.