Specialty grocery wholesaler with a small warehouse

Independent and ethnic grocers, specialty food shops, small chains and some restaurants that want a dependable local supplier.

Markup on bulk-bought goods, often better margins on niche items than on mainstream lines. Revenue grows with the number of accounts, order size and delivery frequency.

• Knowledge of your niche products and buyers
• Negotiating with importers and suppliers
• Inventory and expiry date management
• Managing a small team and deliveries

• State or local food wholesaler licensing, health department inspections and FDA food facility registration, so check each early
• Importing directly brings FDA labeling and import rules, so start by buying from US-based importers if unsure
• Large upfront stock and a lease tie up cash, so start with a narrow range
• General liability, product liability, property and commercial auto insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Food safety, labeling accuracy and recalls, with the need to track lots and expiry dates

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on your warehouse lease, the size of your opening stock and how narrow your product range is. Large upfront stock and a lease tie up cash, so these are estimates to test.

Check state or local food wholesaler licensing, health department inspections and FDA food facility registration early. If you import directly, check FDA labeling and import rules, or start by buying from US-based importers. Also check insurance and recall and lot-tracking needs.

Monthly revenue is typically around $15,000 to $75,000, depending on your niche, the range you stock and how many stores and restaurants you supply. Treat this as an estimate, and remember that stock and rent tie up cash.