Start a frozen seafood broker business

Caterers, small grocery stores, meal prep companies, food trucks and ethnic markets that want steady frozen supply without large minimums.

You sell by the case or pound at a markup over your buying price, with extra for delivery. Standing orders from a few repeat customers cover your storage costs.

• Price comparison and negotiation
• Organizing stock, orders and invoices
• Understanding frozen storage and labeling rules
• Selling to small food businesses

• Home-based food storage is often not allowed for wholesale, so check your state and local rules and use a licensed cold storage site if required
• Check labeling rules and whether HACCP training applies to your activities
• Business license, state wholesale or food dealer permit and sales tax registration where applicable
• Product liability and general liability insurance, including cover for stock in storage
• Freezer failures or delivery delays can ruin stock, so check storage backup and insurance
• Tied-up cash in inventory if orders are slow

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your cold storage arrangement and insurance. Cash can be tied up in inventory if orders are slow.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many caterers, shops and other food businesses you supply. Freezer failures or delivery delays can ruin stock, so check storage backup and insurance.

Home-based food storage is often not allowed for wholesale, so check your state and local rules and use a licensed cold storage site if required. Also check labeling rules, whether HACCP training applies, and any wholesale or food dealer permit.