Food products are essential products that are in high demand regardless of the season. This type of product includes vegetables and fruits. It is the high demand in this area that pushes many aspiring entrepreneurs to open such a business. Below we propose to consider where to start a vegetable business and carefully analyze the nuances of this market.

Market Review

Fruits and vegetables are in high demand not only in summer, but also in the winter months. This category of products is rich in vitamins and nutrients necessary for the body. Despite the high demand at any time of the year, this business is seasonal. Such an enterprise generates its main income from early August to November.

It is very important that the sale of such products is often accompanied by various difficulties. When considering opening a grocery store, it is necessary to take into account the various difficulties associated with constant inspections by quality control authorities. That is why such an enterprise requires a thorough analysis of possible risks.

What to pay attention to

Before opening a retail outlet, it is necessary not only to draw up a business plan, but also to develop a business development strategy. In order for a store to become a source of constant income, many different nuances should be taken into account. It is equally important to attract the attention of a potential audience and win the favor of buyers.

Before opening a retail outlet, you should carefully study the proposed location. An open retail outlet should be convenient for visiting residents of the surrounding areas. In order to attract a potential audience, you need a rich and rich assortment. The interior of the store itself plays an important role.

You should also work out a strategy for attracting clients in advance. In order to increase your potential audience and not lose regular customers, you should sell only fresh and high-quality products. Poor quality of products is a sure way to lose the bulk of customers, which negatively affects daily profits.

What products are in high demand?

A profitable business selling vegetables and fruits is built on constant analysis of consumer needs. An interesting, popular and wide range is a real guarantee of the company’s profitability. When developing an enterprise development strategy, you should take into account the seasonal demand for various products. The offered assortment should include dozens of different items so that every potential buyer has the opportunity to choose.

Speaking about seasonal preferences, it should be noted that in the winter months tangerines, lemons, apples, beets and potatoes are in high demand. In the summer months, the role of popular goods goes to berries, cherries, cherries, watermelons and melons. There is another category of goods that is popular regardless of the season. These items include onions, pumpkins, zucchini, eggplants and cauliflower.

A competent approach to assortment compilation and a thorough analysis of seasonal demand will not only increase income, but also significantly increase the coverage area of ​​the potential audience.

Where to get the goods

There are several ways to obtain products, so at the stage of creating a business plan it is necessary to take into account how to obtain goods. Let's look at the main ways to obtain an assortment:

1. Purchasing from farmers. One of the most common ways to obtain the necessary goods. Most residents of villages and villages willingly enter into contracts for the supply of vegetables and fruits. This option involves a low level of investment in the purchase of goods.
2. Import. This method is most often used to purchase exotic products that are grown abroad. These foods include mangoes, kiwis, pineapples and bananas.
3. Own farm. One of the most expensive options, due to the need for a prepared plot of land. A similar method is used by various hypermarket chains. Here it is important to take into account that own farming is significantly limited due to climatic conditions.

The business plan of a vegetable store is based precisely on the method of obtaining goods. All of the above methods can be combined, which will significantly reduce the cost of purchasing certain goods.

Sales format

There are several formats for the appearance of a retail outlet. Below we suggest familiarizing yourself with various formats of retail outlets:

1. Tent at the market. In order to interest a potential buyer, it is necessary to have a wide and rich assortment. A tent at the market must attract the attention of the audience due to the high level of competition.
2. Selling from a car. This method is most often used by farmers who, after harvesting, export their products to markets and food fairs.
3. Stationary store. When opening such a point, you should take into account the future location of the store. It is very important that your store is located near residential areas and roadways. A small store should offer the buyer a rich assortment. In order to increase the number of regular customers, it is necessary to pay increased attention to the quality of the product.
4. Wholesale. The last option considers selling existing products to catering establishments or small retail outlets.

Wholesale trade of fruits and vegetables as a business can become a source of constant profit and high income, taking into account the presence of certain connections. Useful contacts with the management of catering establishments will allow you to have a stable demand for your offer. Despite this, the most popular format for such a business is opening a full-fledged retail outlet.

Market analysis

Before opening a retail outlet, you should carefully analyze the market situation. Increased attention should be paid to possible competitors. An objective assessment of competitors' offers will allow you to correctly approach the assortment. Also, this business plan must take into account possible risks.

Such an analysis allows you to obtain a lot of information that will serve as a kind of foundation for your business. At the initial stage, the location and number of competitors should be determined. Next, you should analyze the demand for various categories of goods.

The target audience plays an important role in this matter. At the stage of market analysis, you should identify the possibility of supplying your future store with unique or rare goods.
A business plan for fruits and vegetables should be based on careful processing of competitors' offers. In order to interest the buyer, your store must offer services and products that competitors do not have.

Possible risks and benefits

It should be understood that, despite the profitability of this area of ​​​​business, such an enterprise is always accompanied by certain risks. That is why, before opening a store, you should carefully weigh various factors that negatively affect business development.

One of the highest risks in this area is the short shelf life of the product range. If the received goods are not sold within the first week, then most products will lose their aesthetic appeal. Loss of marketability is one of the most common causes of losses. Competition also plays a significant role, so you need to constantly monitor the price dynamics of your competitors.

The above risks, with the right approach to the organizational issue, can become a kind of advantage. The short shelf life of fruits and vegetables allows you to avoid renting a warehouse with a large area. You can also refuse significant investments in the purchase of large quantities of goods, and purchase the necessary products in small wholesale. At the initial stages of development, this approach allows you to assess audience demand.

The main advantage of this area of ​​​​trade is that the products in question are always in demand regardless of the region. Also, the low cost of the offered range allows us to work for a wide audience.

Marketing Promotion

When considering the question of how to open a grocery store from scratch, it is necessary to highlight the importance of a marketing plan. The right approach to an advertising campaign allows you to attract the attention of the general public. To do this, it is necessary to equip the store with a bright sign. The aesthetic appearance of the room itself plays an important role.

To attract your first customers, you should organize the distribution of leaflets and arrange “discount” days. In order to increase the potential audience, the products offered must be of only high quality. In addition, the level of service is of no small importance.

Selecting the right room

At the stage of developing a business strategy, it is necessary to take into account the location of the future store. You should also take care in advance about suppliers and the purchase of various equipment. One of the most important aspects of development in this area is the correct choice of location for trade.

When opening a small store, factors such as distance from possible competitors and location close to a busy road should be taken into account. It is important that the store being opened is located within walking distance for residents of nearby residential areas. The main requirement for grocery stores is to be located on the ground floor. You should also take care in advance about placing bright outdoor advertising, so that at the equipping stage, the surrounding residents will look forward to the opening of the outlet.

How to properly equip a store

Equipment for a vegetable store is one of the most important components of a profitable business. It is necessary to purchase freezers that allow you to increase the shelf life of the goods and maintain their presentation for a long time. In addition to industrial freezers, cooling chambers are also needed for fruits that require careful storage.

However, the first place in importance is given to display cases for displaying goods. When purchasing equipment, you should give preference only to high-quality models from a trusted manufacturer. Proper display of fruits and vegetables is the key to increasing profits.

But in order to have the goods, it is necessary to select a responsible and conscientious supplier. Most of these companies independently supply goods to retail outlets. However, some farmers do not have such opportunities, so care should be taken in advance to rent trucks and hire appropriate personnel.

In order to avoid possible financial losses due to the expiration of the product, the store must be equipped with sufficient cooling equipment. Compliance with storage conditions will significantly extend the shelf life of many vegetables.

Organizational plan and business design

At the time of opening your store, your business must be officially registered. In addition, the required staff must be fully staffed. With a small retail outlet, the staff may consist of four people. To sell goods, two sellers are needed, working on a shift schedule. To deliver goods from farmers and village residents, it is necessary to hire a driver who can combine the position of a loader. Such an enterprise necessarily requires an accountant who will keep financial records.

One of the important requirements for hired personnel is the availability of a medical record.

When opening a grocery store, you must register with the tax authorities as an individual entrepreneur. Before the official opening, a number of certain documents should be collected. To open a retail outlet, you must obtain permission from Rospotrebnadzor, the fire inspectorate and the sanitary and epidemiological station. Having such a package of documents will help you avoid various problems during inspections.

The opening of a grocery store is carried out in two stages, lasting several months. At the first stage, suppliers are searched and a more convenient location is selected. At the second stage, goods and specialized equipment are purchased, employees are hired, and goods are placed on display.

Business plan with calculations

The average initial cost of opening a retail outlet is about 1,200,000 rubles. The cost of monthly rent of the premises is 25,000 rubles. Repair work and outdoor advertising will cost an amount equal to 200,000 rubles. The approximate cost of purchasing fruits and vegetables is 200,000 rubles. The purchase of freezers and cooling chambers, as well as display cases, will cost 250,000 rubles. The cost of purchasing freight transport will be about 500,000.

Next, you should consider your monthly expenses. To renew the sold goods, at least 200,000 will be required. Staff compensation is about 55,000 (for regions). Costs for gasoline, utility bills and taxes are about 20,000. It is also necessary to take into account unforeseen expenses - about 5,000 rubles every month. Thus, the amount of monthly expenses is about 300,000 rubles.

Let's evaluate the level of profitability of such an enterprise. The average daily income of a small retail outlet is 12,000. The average revenue for one month is about 350,000. If you subtract monthly expenses from this amount, you can get an approximate monthly income of about 50,000 rubles. Thus, the invested capital can be repaid within two years.

A business related to the sale of fruits and vegetables is a profitable enterprise, suitable for both men and women. Due to the high demand for such essential goods, it is possible to recoup the invested capital in just a few years. In order to attract public attention to your store, you need to constantly analyze changes in this market.

In contact with

Sale of vegetables and fruits- one of business ideas from scratch, although not new. But this is also its advantage, because there is no need to follow the unbeaten path. In addition, this is one of the few niches in the trading system that allows even a novice businessman to compete with large retail chains.

Advantages of a shop selling vegetables and fruits

Supermarkets purchase vegetables and fruits in large quantities, so the products may be unripe, which greatly affects their taste. A small store can afford to buy fresh fruits and vegetables every day, which means that such high-quality goods will sell out quickly. At the same time, the losses of small shops with proper organization of procurement and sales will be less than 15%, but not more than 20. But this is only one side - positive.

The problem may be the selection of premises for organizing a point sales of vegetables and fruits. You will need a retail space of at least 45 square meters. meters. It is necessary to provide 2-3 additional rooms where perishable goods can be sorted. It is imperative to make a good ventilation system.

It is better to place the pavilion in residential areas at some distance from large retail outlets and supermarkets.

For successful business development, it is important to provide for the possibility of selling related products, because in the summer the demand for fruit and vegetable products decreases. At this time, you can offer customers the purchase of freshly squeezed juice and drinks.

Another feature of a store that will sell vegetables and fruits can be sales.

To do this, you will need to find farmers and buy fruits and vegetables from them. True, you will have to acquire documents confirming the safety of agricultural products based on the content of harmful substances in them.

Opening a store

To open a store, you will need to register an individual entrepreneur, obtain permission from the SES, state trade inspection, state supervision and electrical supervision to conduct trade.

Since vegetables and fruits are “capricious” goods, it is advisable to draw up a competent agreement with suppliers, which will include a clause allowing the return of part of the unsold goods. It is better to conclude an agreement with wholesale stores for several years, and go to purchases yourself. In this case, the risk of purchasing illiquid products will be minimized.

One of the ways to reduce losses from food spoilage is to timely reduce the price of goods that are beginning to deteriorate.

It is better to reduce the price and sell fruits and vegetables even without a trade markup than to make losses.

Independent purchases will require constant availability of transport. This is an important point. If you don't own a car, you can rent one. You will have to go shopping often. To reduce costs, it is necessary to carefully study the demand for vegetables and fruits. Some of them are in very high demand, others are of interest to a narrow circle of buyers.

For example, exotic fruits are unlikely to be of interest to residents of residential areas.

If the store is located in a shopping center, then there is an opportunity to sell expensive exotic items. Fruit and vegetable pavilions operating for a long time can help in choosing the right assortment. If they manage to stay afloat, then they are doing everything right.

It is enough to observe the assortment of several fruit and vegetable shops or stalls to understand which assortment of goods is most in demand. Having analytical information, you can plan the required volume of purchases and calculate fuel consumption for the month.

Any business starts with. Such a plan will allow you to calculate the risks and payback period of the store according to sale of vegetables and fruits. It is necessary to correctly calculate the size of the required trade margin, taking into account payments for energy resources, payment of taxes, payment of wages to employees and the purchase of fuel for transport. The trade margin for fruits and vegetables starts from 30% and reaches 250-300. The payback period for such a store can vary from 6 to 18 months.

Shop equipment

The main equipment for a store is display cases, shelving and refrigerators or freezers for frozen products. This is another option for related products that will help reduce risks from seasonality of demand. To compete with other stores, you need a diverse assortment. A store selling fruits and vegetables must have at least 35 types of goods.

The influx of customers and, accordingly, such a store brings in the greatest income in December. During this period, there is an opportunity to earn more than 200 thousand rubles. In other months, the profit will be about 100 thousand rubles.

A very important point is the display of goods. It is worth using to display knowledge on the psychological impact of color on the mood and purchasing activity of consumers. The more attractive the design of the premises and display windows, the more potential buyers the store will attract. Therefore, you need to attach importance to such little things as accessories in the form of wicker baskets, vases or “bouquets” of fruit.

Sale of vegetables and fruits It’s not a complicated business, but it can’t be said to be simple either. If you manage to reach a profitable level and stay afloat, you can think about opening a chain of stores.

Good luck to you!

At peak sales, the profit of a small specialized fruit and vegetable store can reach $10 thousand per month.

The fruit and vegetable business is characterized by seasonality. A decline in sales is observed from the end of July to October, with a peak in December-January. On average, the owner of a specialized store can earn from $3.5-5 thousand per month.

Registration

It will take about 2 months to register and obtain permits from the SES, fire safety service, state trade inspectorate and others.

An entrepreneur who decides to open a fruit and vegetable store just needs to register as a private legal entity. Then it is necessary to obtain a conclusion from the state sanitary and epidemiological inspection service (4-5 thousand rubles) that the premises meet the necessary parameters.

You will also need, in accordance with the requirements of the state trade inspectorate, an agreement with a certain company for the maintenance of store equipment (cash registers, scales, refrigeration units). Equipment maintenance costs will be about 2 thousand rubles per month.

Room

It is better to open a fruit and vegetable store either in a residential area or near the metro.

Both location options guarantee the store a fairly high sales volume. In the first case - at the expense of regular customers living nearby. In the second - due to the large flow of people.

For a fruit and vegetable shop, a room with an area of ​​50-60 m2 is sufficient. As a rule, about 40 m2 is allocated for the sales area, the remaining area is for utility rooms, warehouse, bathroom, etc.

“Each case has its own operating features,” explains Andrey Lebedev, director of the Vegetables and Fruits specialized store and owner of three points in shopping centers. “The success of a convenience store depends on the smallest details: from the smell in the store to the smile of the seller. Opening a store near the metro, you need to be prepared for the fact that a stronger competitor may appear nearby at any time, so you will need a quick change of store format or another course of action.”

According to Andrei Lebedev’s calculations, the best option for an entrepreneur who wants to engage in a fruit and vegetable business is to open one store with good storage space and four to five points in shopping centers.

Organization of supplies

Only after studying the market for the wholesale sale of fruits and vegetables in detail should you choose two or three regular suppliers.

“The mistake of a novice entrepreneur is that he does not want to purchase products on his own for at least the first 2-3 months, and it is better to do this from different suppliers,” emphasizes Andrei Lebedev. “Without such experience, it is difficult to find a supplier of quality products at low prices.”

If the store operates profitably, then it is necessary to purchase goods worth 10-15 thousand rubles every day. In a specialized store, the goods must always be fresh.

Damage to unsold goods can reach 15% or more. After appropriate processing, such vegetables and fruits are sold in stores at a 50-70% discount.

Formation of assortment

The store's assortment should include everything: from traditional pumpkins to exotic fruits.

“If you place exotic fruits on the top shelves, you will get the impression that this store has everything,” advises Ilya Polikarpov, merchandising specialist at BusinessIntel LLC. “The optimal number of product items for a store with a sales area of ​​about 40 m2 is 70-80 units "I would advise you not to hide fruits behind glass display cases. They should smell. Neither in markets nor in supermarkets do fruits and vegetables smell." A fruity smell can become the highlight of a specialty store: “You can use fruit flavors to enhance the smell,” adds Ilya Polikarpov.

You should not sell unrelated goods in a specialized store. This could level his image. It is good to offer customers related products: oils, seasonings, fresh frozen and canned vegetables and fruits, fruit and vegetable juices, including freshly squeezed ones.

Recruitment

Small shops can gain a large percentage of regular customers due to friendly staff.

“A seller who knows how to talk about the latest news with grandmothers, who usually come shopping from 10.00 to 12.00, and in the evening quickly serves customers who are tired after a working day, has a higher sales volume than a seller who does not feel such subtleties,” comments Liliya Chinakaeva , head of the agricultural store "Kherson". The rest of the entrepreneurs absolutely agree with her.

How much does it cost to open a fruit and vegetable store?

Rent of premises 50-60 m2 - $1-2.5 thousand per month.

Renovation of the premises (minimum) - $10-12 thousand.

Costs for purchasing equipment - $3.5-4 thousand:

Showcases, wall racks, slides, counters - about $1 thousand.

One refrigerated display case - $1.5-2 thousand.

One chest freezer - $400.

Two scales - $150.

Two cash registers - $460.

The cost of purchasing the first batch of goods is $2-2.5 thousand.

Salary to staff (three salespeople and one loader) - $800-1 thousand.

Total: $17.3-22 thousand.

From 30-40% to 200-250% is the markup on vegetables and fruits in retail sales.

Svetlana Khorosheva, Business Petersburg (Saint Petersburg Business Guide)

Fruits and vegetables are in demand at all times, so there will always be a buyer for this product. There are many options for organizing a vegetable business, so you can always find something for your starting capital.

Business organization options

Trade in vegetables and fruits can be organized in the following ways:

• Through a tent or kiosk.
• From a car on the street.
• At the market from a retail outlet or car.
• A full-fledged store.

The most popular option is selling from a car. If something happens, you can always move the outlet to another location if it turns out to be not very profitable. In addition, there is no need to obtain various permits from the SES and fire inspection when you set up a kiosk. An unspoken agreement with local authorities is enough. True, such trade will bring less profit than a stall. Therefore, having tested several options for mobile points, it is worth deciding in which place trade is best and set up a kiosk there.

Legal registration of business

A business plan for a vegetable store must include registration of business activities. It is best to formalize it as the activity of an individual entrepreneur under simplified taxation.

In addition, trade can be carried out with permission from the state trade inspectorate, after which the fruit trading kiosk must obtain permission from electrical inspection, fire inspection and SES.

Place for a kiosk or store

To sell fruit on the street, you need to find a place where there is a large flow of people during the day. These could be exits near the metro, pedestrian crossings, intersections of large streets, or residential areas. You can install a kiosk in approximately the same places.

It’s a little more difficult to answer the question of how to open a grocery store. In this case, in addition to the requirements described above, the room must have an area of ​​at least 40 square meters. m. and be divided into the following zones:

• room for sorting vegetables;
• fruit sorting room;
• goods warehouse with refrigeration chambers;
• Utility room.

It is very important to equip it with good ventilation to eliminate the smell of rotten vegetables and fruits.

Product suppliers

It doesn’t matter what you decide to open, a store or a stall, the first thing you need to start a business with is finding reliable suppliers. When sales are organized from scratch, entrepreneurs travel to nearby villages and buy products from farmers or subsidiary plots. True, in this case it is difficult to obtain a document from them. Confirming that the products are grown without nitrates. It is difficult to conduct official trade without this document.

Therefore, most often the goods are purchased at vegetable warehouses. In this case, you can agree on the return of a certain amount of damaged goods, as well as obtain all the necessary documents for the products. With reliable bases, you can enter into contracts for several years.

Logistics

The next important point in the question of how to open a grocery store or stall is the availability of transport. The products you will be selling are perishable. It must be purchased in small quantities, but the goods must be replenished frequently. Therefore, you will have to travel quite often. In addition, different products may be located in different vegetable bases. And if you have several retail outlets, then fuel costs can be high. Therefore, it is important to study demand in advance, think through the range and routes of transport.

Business risks

Before opening a tent, you need to think through all the risks of this business. These include two factors: commodity and human. Commodity is associated with the fact that vegetables and fruits quickly deteriorate, so the main risks associated with the sale of this product are:

• rotting (15%);
• shrinkage;
• shaking;
• broken glass containers (when selling canned products in glass containers).

The human factor is related to the integrity of sellers. It is difficult to find a seller who will not put part of the proceeds into his pocket. But all issues are resolved by thoughtful steps in organizing a business.

Price formation

The markup is set taking into account all risks and the approximate sales of goods per day. This should also include associated costs:

• rent;
• electricity;
• public utilities;
• taxes;
• salary;
• fuel.

The markup on average is about 30-40%, and for certain groups of goods – up to 200%.

Staff

At least one salesperson is needed per outlet, and preferably two to work in shifts. We need a driver who will also unload the goods. If you open a store, you will need another person to sort out vegetables and fruits. The functions of the driver can be performed by the entrepreneur himself, especially since it is advisable for him to purchase goods at the base personally.

Shop equipment

Another question is where to start trading, what is needed for this, besides the product itself? If it will be carried out at the market from a car or on the street, it is enough to have commercial scales and bags in which the goods will be sold.

To start trading in a store, you will need to purchase special trading equipment:

• showcases for displaying goods;
• counter and shelving;
• cooling chamber;
• scales;
• refrigerated display case for frozen vegetables and fruits.

Product range

A retail outlet on the street should offer the most popular seasonal goods. In the store, it is advisable to offer a wide range of not only seasonal vegetables and fruits. You can start trading at a stationary point with the following range of goods:

• potato;
• garlic;
• carrot;
• tomatoes;
• eggplant;
• cucumbers;
• apples;
• plums;
• cherry;
• pears;
• cherries;
• Exotic fruits;
• frozen fruits and vegetables;
• canned vegetables and fruits;
• dried fruits;
• water;
• juices

The success of selling goods in a store largely depends on the correct display of goods. It should be convenient for the visitor and attract his attention.

Small calculations

If you plan to start trading from a car, having your own car, investments in the business will be minimal. It will be more expensive to start trading in a stall. In addition to purchasing goods and paying labor, you will have to purchase a kiosk, which costs from 43 thousand rubles. On average, a business will require start-up investments of about 100 thousand dollars, but they will pay off in 12-14 months.

Trading vegetables and fruits is a fairly common business. With the right approach to business, a vegetable stall can bring good income. There is an average level of competition in this market segment.

Start-up capital

When thinking about how to open a vegetable stall, calculate future expenses. The amount of investment may vary depending on the size of the locality. To open a vegetable stall in the regional center you will need approximately 500 thousand rubles. This amount includes the following expenses:

• for opening and legalizing an enterprise, obtaining certificates from various government bodies - about 10 thousand rubles;
• for renting a stall – from 40 thousand rubles;
• for the purchase of equipment: slides, refrigerated display case, scales, cash register - 50 thousand rubles;
• for equipment maintenance – 2 thousand rubles per month.

To start, you can buy used counters and slides. Partial refusal of hired labor will help you save money. Take on the responsibilities of a buyer or seller. Additional staff can be recruited after the promotion of the outlet. This way you will get to know the market from the inside, study your competitors, and feel all the nuances of your own business.

Decor

Select the form of doing business: individual entrepreneur or LLC. An individual entrepreneur opens faster; maintaining documentation does not require special knowledge. Fines for violations for individual entrepreneurs are less than for LLCs. But there is also greater responsibility: in case of failure, you will be personally responsible for all debts and fines of your enterprise. Opening an LLC is a more expensive and time-consuming process. You will need an accountant to keep records. However, the presence of an authorized capital in an LLC guarantees the inviolability of your personal savings. In the event of bankruptcy, funds from the authorized capital will be spent to satisfy the claims of creditors.

After registering your business activity, you will have to obtain permission to open a retail outlet. The easiest way would be to open a stall in the market. If you want to set up a kiosk near a stop or metro station, you will have to obtain permission from the building and architectural department. You will also need opinions from inspection commissions of sanitary, fire, and trade services. Be prepared for all sorts of bureaucratic tricks. Study the laws so that representatives of various structures do not take you by surprise.

Choosing a location and premises

Before opening a vegetable stall, draw up a business plan. Calculate how many visitors per day you will need to serve in order for your expenses to pay off. Then go outside, stand near the future retail outlet and count the people passing by. If the number of passers-by significantly exceeds the number of your potential buyers, feel free to open a stall in this place.

Options for placing a retail outlet:

• near the metro or stop. To attract the attention of passers-by, work on outdoor advertising;
• in a residential area. The stall will be open for regular customers living in the neighborhood.

Don't forget about transport links. Vegetables will need to be delivered to the kiosk somehow, right? It will be good if you manage to rent a warehouse located near the kiosk. In this case, you can purchase vegetables in large quantities and deliver them to the kiosk as needed. We are talking about shelf-stable vegetables. Perishable fruits will have to be purchased in small quantities. Conditions for storing products with a short shelf life can only be provided within the walls of special warehouse complexes.

Build a kiosk according to a good architectural design. No matter how much you want to save money, don’t discount your point of sale design.

The design can be ordered from freelancers. It’s very inexpensive, sometimes you can get it for just 500 rubles. It is best to use a specialized platform, for example, “I will perform”, where the process of interaction with performers will be simple and safe.

Modern buyers are accustomed to large counters, glass display cases, and good lighting. The purchasing process should be comfortable. Take care of the asphalt near the kiosk, equip a low stand for bags, and customer interest in your outlet will grow before your eyes.

Minimum equipment:

• racks for goods,
• counter,
• chair,
• cash machine,
• scales,
• small safe.

Work with suppliers and assortment

Try to find good suppliers. Make every effort to do this. Of course, you won’t be able to separate the “wheat from the chaff” right away. Therefore, purchase goods in small quantities. Over time, you will understand which partner is better to deal with. The ideal option is one permanent supplier who fully supplies your business with its products.

The following factors are important:

• reputation of the supplier in your city,
• origin of the goods,
• taste qualities of fruits and vegetables,
• availability of certificates of conformity.

Your main competitors will be points in markets and vegetable departments of supermarkets. Therefore, you must offer something different from the competition. Your vegetable stall will differ from a market outlet in terms of service and tidiness. The main advantage over supermarkets is the domestic origin of the products.

Offer your customers local tomatoes, cucumbers, apples, and pears. Find a dealer who specializes in the supply of berries and fruits from the southern regions. Complete the assortment with out-of-season bananas, oranges, and lemons. Add some exotic fruits. Offer your customers dried fruits, herbs, and juices. Place a small freezer with frozen fruit in your stall.

Staff

Is it worth opening a vegetable stall if you cannot personally control the process? No, it's not worth it. Vegetables and fruits are a business that you need to constantly keep in your hands. Once again, we strongly recommend saving on staff. Occupy at least one of the positions at your company. If you don’t want to trade, hire a seller and supply the goods yourself.

Experienced entrepreneurs advise personally handling deliveries. Some wholesalers offer goods with delivery. This option is not suitable for you. Having personally arrived at the wholesale warehouse, you can choose the product to your liking. In addition, delivery costs are often included in the price of the product. And they don’t just lay it down, but greatly increase it.

It will be good if at first you can personally control the trading process. The issue of control becomes especially relevant when the business goes beyond the family. Trading loves counting. No one will give you guarantees of the honesty of the hired seller. Therefore, try to be present at the point as often as possible. From time to time, trade on your own, replacing the seller at the stall. You may learn a lot about your employee from talkative customers.

Conduct re-registration periodically. Don’t skimp on your salary, otherwise no amount of inventory will help you. A person who earns little will still steal from you or “borrow” money from the cash register until payday. The optimal remuneration option is rate and percentage. This form of payment encourages the seller to work.

Profitability

The minimum markup on your product will be 30%, the maximum – about 250%. When setting the price, do not forget that vegetables and fruits tend to spoil. According to experts, about 10–20% of produce spoils at a vegetable stall. This product can be sold at a 50-60% discount before it becomes obsolete. Finally, spoiled products will have to be thrown away. It is estimated that the payback period for a stall ranges from 2 to 6 months, depending on the season. In winter, fruits and vegetables are in high demand, so investments pay off faster. After promotion, the business will bring in about 50–100 thousand rubles monthly.