Starting up my own sandwich/ lunch time snacks delivery business

[naynay]

Hi all

My name is Nay and i am new to this forum, so sorry if i have broken any of the golden rules!

I am thinking of setting up my own sandwich and lunch time snacks delivery business. This would consist of me making and packaging the products, then transporting them in a cooler to offices and other establishments.
I would like to gain any tips, help and knowledge from any one in this business, or that has any advice to help me get started.

Im not sure whether to approach the offices first to make some sort of informal arrangement, or turn up with some products, and see if they would be happy for me to stop by each day?

Whats the best way to gain market research?

I look forward to your views and comments

Thanks

Nay

 

[Spearmint]

If you don't have one already, you should aim to take a Food Hygiene Certificate as you may be asked if you possess one, when you approach the companies that you have in mind.

Its also reassuring for your customers if you have one.

 

[naynay]

thank you for your comment. The person who's kitchen i will be using has a certificate. Do i personally have to have one too?

 

[Siteopia Domains]

I would do some research first, go round and talk to local companies.

Whilst not having a direct experience in this type of business I am I frequent visitor to such vans. One of the main things that used to stand out for me was the ability to pre- order, so I could phone through and place a specific order for sandwich.

Also variety helped too. Speak to the businesses that you will be delivering too and ask for ideas. I know our van also does things like hot soup, jacket potatoes, cakes, ice cream in summer months etc.

Just a couple of ideas for you - good luck

 

[Spearmint]

thank you for your comment. The person who's kitchen i will be using has a certificate. Do i personally have to have one too?

I dont know its not my industry. You could ask your friend who has the certificate. I don't think it costs too much to do the training.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

This is quite old,but it may help you.
http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=40907&highlight=sandwich+delivery

 

[MOIC]

Hi all

My name is Nay and i am new to this forum, so sorry if i have broken any of the golden rules!

I am thinking of setting up my own sandwich and lunch time snacks delivery business. This would consist of me making and packaging the products, then transporting them in a cooler to offices and other establishments.
I would like to gain any tips, help and knowledge from any one in this business, or that has any advice to help me get started.

Im not sure whether to approach the offices first to make some sort of informal arrangement, or turn up with some products, and see if they would be happy for me to stop by each day?

Whats the best way to gain market research?

I look forward to your views and comments

Thanks

Nay

Start with a small quantity of sandwiches.

Choose your location ( Be prepared for them to say no, or they already have an existing 'supplier of sandwiches'), do your research first.

Use quality ingredients.

Be competitive with your pricing.

Package the food nicely, give napkins.

Have a selection of 'healthy' snacks, fruit and drinks.

Give them variety, but do your research to what the best selling fillings are.

Give yourself a smart appearance / uniform / cap and a smile.

Don't be despondent if you have not sold what you was expecting to sell in the first few weeks............if you choose your area carefully, there will be many outlets / industrial estates / offices that you can target.

Be careful not to over produce.

The idea is to be different with a clean image.

Do leaflet drops to all potential outlets in the area you are targeting.

Get a cheap (£300 is enough to spend) website for customers to be able to order from and see your menu.

Perseverance is key.

Good luck with it.

Ron
MYOFFICEINCHINA

 

[naynay]

thank you all.
I think i will makes some calls and do some research into which areas i could attack.
I am very passionate about making this a business, but am just stuck on how to start it properly and make it profitable and long term, i have not done anything like this before.
I am in south london. Does anyone know any area's they think may require this service?

 

[MOIC]

thank you all.
I think i will makes some calls and do some research into which areas i could attack.
I am very passionate about making this a business, but am just stuck on how to start it properly and make it profitable and long term, i have not done anything like this before.
I am in south london. Does anyone know any area's they think may require this service?

South London is a big place.

Which area are you near to ?

 

[naynay]

south west. wimbledon

 

[MOIC]

south west. wimbledon

What is going to be your mode of transporting the sandwiches to each location. vehicle, bike, foot ?