How to Start a Meal Kit Delivery Business in 5 Easy Steps

How to Start a Meal Kit Delivery Business in 5 Easy Steps

Meal kits have become very popular over the last few years, and especially in 2020 when many of us were living in quarantine conditions and couldn’t leave the house to go to the shops. If you have a talent for developing new recipes and good organizational skills, you may want to consider starting a meal kit delivery business. Here are some tips on how to do just that!

Find a Niche

Research takeaway venues and meal delivery services in your local area and try to think of a concept that isn’t already being done – or if it is, do it a million times better! Think about the people who live in your area – are the majority or residents older who might have more traditional culinary tastes, or are they young or perhaps multi-cultured and appreciate a more complex variety of dishes.

Advertise

As well as being a good organizer, you will need to advertise your business correctly so that you can reach as many customers as possible. Many companies today succeed in attracting attention with online advertising, so it may be beneficial to enroll in a digital marketing course so you can learn how to market your new venture effectively.

Aside from advertising online, you can make flyers and post them around the neighborhood or ask local shops and businesses to place them in their window or on countertops.  You could also advertise in the local newspaper or magazine.  Another way to be seen is to hire a stall at a local food market or farm shop.

Compile a Plan

Once you have decided on a culinary theme for your meal box, you will need to decide upon a few things: where will you source supplies such as boxes, packaging materials, and recipe ingredients? How will you store the elements and keep them fresh? How will you transport the boxes? Where will you prepare the kits? Will you need to hire an assistant?

Do the Paperwork

Check with your local council authority to see what licenses or qualifications you may need to run a food delivery business. You might be required to purchase permits or complete a course in Food Hygiene and Safety. If you are planning to work from home, you might need to have your homes checked over by a Food Safety officer, to check that you are storing ingredients at the correct temperature and you are aware of use-by dates and any insurance you may need.

Think Out of the Box

Your food box needs to look appealing. Source a supplier who will provide you with substantially constructed boxes that allow you to fit your ingredients inside without being squashed. Design an eye-catching logo to print onto the boxes and ensure any chilled ingredients are kept cool with food-grade ice packs or suchlike.  Use quality ingredients at all times and label them clearly with their use-by date.  Construct recipes that are clear and easy to follow and print them out on large, easy-to-read laminated menus. Above all, make the meals tasty so that your customers will come back for more!