How to Run an Online Grocery Store
Running a business online is totally different in several ways from operating a bricks and mortar operation. And, when a large portion of your inventory is food, and you are charged with its timely delivery, the process is like running several businesses in one. Here are a few tips on how to run an online grocery:
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Things You'll Need
- Truck
- Groceries
- Invoice
- Computer
- Website
- Dolly
- Small refrigerator
- Freezer
- Portable printer
- Safe
Instructions
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Before you commit to starting an online grocery, make sure you have reliable transportation, preferably a truck or van with open space in the back. The lifeblood of running an online grocery is having the means to transport perishables to customers. Customers depend on the arrival of certain foods and supplies that you have picked up. If your vehicle is not working, you simply can't run an online grocery.
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Devise a process map that outlines all the steps it will take for you to make money delivering groceries. When it comes to overhead, you will need to be able to offset the price of gas and everything related to the operation of the vehicle including repairs and maintenance. You will find it worthwhile to set a minimum price on food deliveries, which is practiced by several online grocers including Delivery.com
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If you have a van, it's a good idea to remove the rows of seats behind the driver's seat since you will need maximum space to efficiently store groceries. You will need to install a freezer or use a portable refrigerator to keep items cold. Milk crates, plastic or paper bags can be used to carry the goods to customer doors.
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Create a website, perhaps designing it with seniors in mind, as they could be your main demographic as they age. The site should have a list of groceries to choose from and payment process equivalent to grocery stores. Along with your website, you will need to keep your laptop computer with you at all times. Not only will the laptop show you the orders that have been placed, but the computer can come in handy if you don't have GPS or need to consult with Mapquest or some other online street directory.
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A portable printer is ideal for itemizing what the customer ordered and can produce a receipt to sign. Once you have completed a transaction--delivered the groceries and received payment--you will need a place to keep the money. A small safe is sufficient to store currency or checks until you come in from the road.
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Tips & Warnings
Always solicit feedback from your customers after you have completed a transaction.
Keep a clock or watch in the vehicle to keep up with the time.
A delivery schedule, a policy practiced by Netgrocer, is a good idea.
Never keep a large amount of cash on you when you're traveling.
If your portable refrigerator doesn't have a thermostat, use a freezer thermometer.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit carton of eggs image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
