Weekly soup preorder and pickup business

Busy families, office workers, older neighbors and people who want ready-made meals during cold months.

Price per quart or pint, plus bundle deals such as a four-soup weekly box. A small delivery fee can cover local drop-offs.

• Cooking in batches
• Food safety habits
• Basic bookkeeping and pricing
• Customer service

• Soups are often not covered by cottage food laws, so you may need a licensed kitchen and a health department permit
• Check rules on cooling, hot holding and labeling, including allergens
• General liability insurance and a food handler card or manager certification
• Check city or county business license rules and your state's sales tax rules for prepared food

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your kitchen access, equipment, containers, permits and insurance. These are estimates, so check local permit and kitchen costs before you set a budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many preorders you take, your prices and your local customers. The idea assumes at least 10 hours a week. These are estimates, and revenue is not profit.

Soups are often not covered by cottage food laws, so check whether you need a licensed kitchen and health department permit. Check rules on cooling, hot holding and allergen labeling. Also check liability insurance, food handler certification, city or county business licenses and sales tax on prepared food.