Back to the future..........Food for thought?

[homeshop]

Only found the forum an hour ago?
Next Thursday start my first day as Homeshop!, hopefully simple concept based on good old fashioned grocery delivery service, but to sheltered/residential homes. What sets this different from others is the fresh, local, and CHEAPER than supermarkets, we are getting a discount from local baker, butchers, farm/dairy producers, also taking advantage of supermarket offers to build stock and also splitting bulk/multipacks but passing the savings on as elderly disadvantaged by not being able to buy larger packs.
also using supermarkets for fresh fruit/veg. Looking to establish timed delivery every week to homes.
Main reason to start as nobody catering for elderly as they need personal contact, struggle to carry shopping and appreciate quality food, if they get this and save money then everybody is happy.
Shop is assembled indoors so as not out in the cold/rain (takes five minutes to set up as have stackable boxes in refrigerated van) Had final inspection of my converted garage/prep room/storage from local environmental health and awarded 5 stars, have crb, public liability insurance and initially looking to deliver on thurs/fri and sat am as am still working full-time! Have fully costed and run trials, beauty is this 'should' work nationwide with local people.
Am looking forward to any suggestions you may have
Regards
Colin (oop north)

 

[David1962]

also splitting bulk/multipacks

Be careful, many multipack products don't carry the correct labeling so it's illegal to retail them individually.

 

[cjd]

Sounds like you've got it all worked out. G'luck.

 

[homeshop]

mostly using major brands, tins, chocolate, loo rolls, all long-life products, have already checked with local trading standards who are happy about concept, even goods stating multipacks not for splitting, this is purely from manufacturers, marketing from them, not enforceable, trading standards happy as long as the product is not falsely advertised ie loose loo rolls sold as andrex must be andrex, no prob
Catering packs of teabags also using and repacking in paper bags, smaller bags but elderly don't have pint pots of tea, they are happy to save money and still have recognised brands. (brand is stamped on teabag by manufacturer)
Local producers of quality products at sensible prices is the main concern, have sourced local ready meal supplier of fresh goods and have trialed, main ethos is quality, price and service to a market that needs and appreciates the service....................watch this space
regards
Colin

 

[Newchodge]

Hi Colin

Sounds interesting. Whereabouts oop north are you?

 

[homeshop]

After researching local award-winning producers ie cheese, yogurt, free-range eggs, bakery was amazed with the help they offered as all potential customers are new business to them as elderly currently reliant on friends/family buying for them. After spending time with potential customers finding likes/dislikes,
Also pleasantly surprised at costs which pass to customers whilst still having good margins. Main concern to keep overheads to minimal, hence operating from home
regards
Colin

 

[snakeeyes121]

Be careful, many multipack products don't carry the correct labeling so it's illegal to retail them individually.

No its not, not even in the slightest. Could you point to the legislation to back this up, or any convictions coming from this.

 

[David1962]

No its not, not even in the slightest. Could you point to the legislation to back this up, or any convictions coming from this.

Ingredients are not on the packaging of many multipack products, hence you can't sell them individually. There is plenty of legislation relating to what details need to be on products that are being retailed, just Google it

You could always print your own labels of course, but that is very time consuming and may not be worth while on low value products. Tea bags being split from catering packs is simple to get around with just putting the best before dates on the new packaging and the "ingredient"!

 

[homeshop]

a certain gentleman from Holmfirth by the name of Arkwright was one of the first retailers to 'split' peek fream fig rolls in the early sixties and selling at three'halfpence each, woodbines at tuppence, his nephew Grenville is still doing it!!
Colin

 

[David1962]

a certain gentleman from Holmfirth by the name of Arkwright was one of the first retailers to 'split' peek fream fig rolls in the early sixties and selling at three'halfpence each, woodbines at tuppence, his nephew Grenville is still doing it!!
Colin

If you are selling products lose (sweets, cakes, veg, meat etc) it's different. Any food item that's packaged though has to comply with legislation.

It really is best not to fall foul of the laws regarding product labeling. Obviously your choice though if you choose to "wing" it, personally I'd go for the professional and legal angle rather than the Del-Boy route

 

[noo81]

Sounds great, looks like you have it all figured out. Let us know how it goes. Good luck.

 

[snakeeyes121]

Ingredients are not on the packaging of many multipack products, hence you can't sell them individually. There is plenty of legislation relating to what details need to be on products that are being retailed, just Google it

You could always print your own labels of course, but that is very time consuming and may not be worth while on low value products. Tea bags being split from catering packs is simple to get around with just putting the best before dates on the new packaging and the "ingredient"!

So, we are in agreement then, splitting multipacks to sell isn't illegal.

 

[ConstanceSpry]

If you are selling products lose (sweets, cakes, veg, meat etc) it's different. Any food item that's packaged though has to comply with legislation.

It really is best not to fall foul of the laws regarding product labeling. Obviously your choice though if you choose to "wing" it, personally I'd go for the professional and legal angle rather than the Del-Boy route

Richard Branson says "Screw it; Just do it"

 

[ConstanceSpry]

mostly using major brands, tins, chocolate, loo rolls, all long-life products, have already checked with local trading standards who are happy about concept, even goods stating multipacks not for splitting, this is purely from manufacturers, marketing from them, not enforceable, trading standards happy as long as the product is not falsely advertised ie loose loo rolls sold as andrex must be andrex, no prob
Catering packs of teabags also using and repacking in paper bags, smaller bags but elderly don't have pint pots of tea, they are happy to save money and still have recognised brands. (brand is stamped on teabag by manufacturer)
Local producers of quality products at sensible prices is the main concern, have sourced local ready meal supplier of fresh goods and have trialed, main ethos is quality, price and service to a market that needs and appreciates the service....................watch this space
regards
Colin

All the best Colin.

Wiltshire Farm Foods have built a business helping elderly with regular frozen meal deliveries. The delivery guys are usually very charming and helpful.

Advice for later. If you are dealing with the elderly they are vulnerable. You will need to make sure that your employee's do not take advantage so you will need to understand about safeguarding. Please don't think it can't happen to your firm.

 

[homeshop]

thought that was Nike factories in th'east staff motto
Went to Costco and pleasantly surprised catering Tetley, pg abd typhoo 100% markup and selling 50 bags for a quid, also doing taste comparisons with certain major brands and aldi/lidl goods, tropicano juice costs me £1.28 ltr, Tesco have offer 2 for £4.00!!, they are robbing public big time!!
can't wait..............

 

[homeshop]

have just had staff meeting and read riot act to 'em, won't stand any malarkey, ................all hr staff, customer liason officers, buying staff, order takers, accounts department, delivery staff, etc, etc, ...........quite often chunnering to meself............wysiwyg..........me!
All whilst doing my current full-time employment, (only four days, t'other three days homeshop)
Colin

 

[homeshop]

forgot to mention, my wife and I have enhanced CRB, registered with social services/care network/age concern, food hygiene certs, public liability ins, refrigerated kangoo van, and just want to make a difference to these peoples lives, good food is a pleasure that most people have forgot about, if this doesn't cost more than they are currently spending then everybody is happy.
Only supplying sheltered schemes initially, but would love to expand when viable

 

[cjd]

Give us a weekly update.....we all love a good business launch story

 

[Lentinus]

Give us a weekly update.....we all love a good business launch story

Especially one that is launched with passion whilst at the same time appearing to be well researched, piloted, costed and planned.
You don't need luck - you have planning, and I wish you the very best with it!

 

[homeshop]

Many thanks for all your positiveness, it is all most welcome
regards
col

 

[Jack@GillespieBS]

Sounds very interesting! Good luck.

 

[Cameron1]

Hi Colin,

Good luck with your venture if you need any help with sourcing a good refrigerated van please do let me know.

Regards

Cameron

 

[homeshop]

been busy over the Christmas period, had three waifs turn up on the doorstep at midnight , Friday before Christmas and only just gone to foster carers nearer their home!!
Back to homeshop...........need to concentrate on presentation and hopefully spending more time, looks like jumping in up to my neck (currently only paddling) , if to succeed, then, have to resign from full-time employment of 23 yrs ! , loved it but time to move on .Already bought kangoo maxi chilled van, great piece of kit..
arranging more homes to visit this week and had first emergency call from care network last week that resulted in another regular visit. Main priority now is to setup and ready for sale within 5-10 mins
anyways, more soon, happy new year to all
cheers
Colin