Bulk Food Store

Buying items at a bulk food store can save the average family trips to the store for the staples that they use most often. It can also save the planet by eliminating packaging on multiple products. Some bulk stores allow you to bring your own bags and containers to purchase your items saving the need for plastic bags and such.

License, Registration, etc.

In most areas, there are zoning laws that will regulate where food items can be sold and how they must be stored and handled. You will need a business license as well.

Why should people want to buy your product; what makes it green?

If you buy ten pounds of flour at one time instead of two five pound bags, you have eliminated packaging from one bag. If your customers bring their own bags and containers, you further eliminate packaging as well. In addition to the bulk goods that are offered, you could also offer local grown produce as well.

What does it take to get started?

Once the location is found and brought up to code (as it relates to food sales); you will need to have the bins, barrels and other storage containers. In some cases, the inventory will come in containers that can be used to display it as well. Stocking the basics will allow you to get a core customer base and find out what items they think they would like to see added as your business expands.

What is the market size or market potential?

Depending on your location and what items you are offering, your business can draw in the customers who would like to spend far less time at the local grocery store, saving the energy needed for frequent trips while saving money by buying in bulk at the same time. Customers who use extraordinary amounts of some staple items would also be another big source of your revenue, so areas where there are catering businesses, restaurants and other types of businesses would do well.

Identify the competitors

Competition would include the bulk food sections of the local grocery store. Because they are much bigger they may be able to offer better prices on some of the items. However, it should be noted that the bulk foods section of most grocery store is limited at best. Another competitor may be the sales on items such as flour and sugar in the regular areas in the store, such as with double coupons. (This does not make the item "green," only cheaper in some cases.) Your advantage would of course be greater ecological savings, a wider range of choices and selection and the best prices for the item.

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