Small-Scale grocery supplier with a delivery van

Independent convenience stores, small grocers, gas station shops, delis and small markets that are too small for the big distributors' minimum orders.

You buy at wholesale prices and sell to stores at a markup, usually a thin margin per item. Profit depends on steady repeat orders, a tight route and low waste.

• Sales and relationship building
• Basic bookkeeping and pricing
• Route planning and reliable driving
• Stock control and keeping to dates

• Check your state and county for a food wholesaler or warehouse license, and ask the FDA whether your storage space needs food facility registration
• Home storage of food for resale may not be allowed, so check local zoning, HOA or lease rules and health department requirements
• Thin margins and late-paying customers can strain cash flow, so set clear payment terms and limit credit
• General liability, commercial auto and product liability insurance, plus a plan for recalls and expired stock
• Cold or frozen goods need refrigerated storage and transport, which raises costs a lot

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your van, your first stock purchases and any small rented storage space. Cold or frozen goods need refrigerated storage and transport, which raises costs a lot. These are estimates only.

Check your state and county for a food wholesaler or warehouse license, and ask the FDA whether your storage space needs food facility registration. Also check local zoning, HOA or lease rules and health department requirements, since home storage of food for resale may not be allowed.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your product lines and how many stores are on your route. Margins can be thin and late-paying customers can strain cash flow, so set clear payment terms.