Dry-goods wholesale distribution for small shops and restaurants
Starting costs about $62,500 in the United States and 11,000,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $3,570 net per month in the United States and 903,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 22 months, with 50 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 247 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $62,500 | $3,570 |
| Nigeria | 11,000,000 NGN | 903,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £42,500 | £2,500 |
| Kenya | 2,830,000 KES | 124,000 KES |
| India | 1,380,000 INR | 90,100 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Small shops and restaurants buy in small quantities, pay high prices and lose time travelling to distant wholesalers.
The solution
Buy a short range of fast-moving products in volume and deliver grouped weekly orders, with a reasonable minimum order.
Your customers
Corner shops, small restaurants, snack bars, canteens and kiosks within a one-hour delivery radius.
How you make money
Gross margin of 8 to 15 % on orders of 150 to 600 €, delivery included above a minimum.
Competition
Established wholesalers, buying groups, cash and carry, brand distributors and informal middlemen.
Who has an edge
A former sales rep, buyer or logistician with a local network and strict discipline on stock and collections.
The risks
High working-capital needs, unpaid invoices, theft and shrinkage, thin margins and price pressure from large distributors.
The first 3 steps
- Interview twenty retailers about their purchasing and frustrations.
- Negotiate a thirty-product range with three suppliers.
- Rent a small depot and a used delivery van.
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €40,500 − costs €38,000 = €2,500 net per month. Revenue: 135 orders × €300. Costs: stock purchases, truck and fuel, warehouse rent, insurance, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Dry-goods wholesale?
About $62,500 (United States), 11,000,000 NGN (Nigeria), £42,500 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 247 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $3,570 (United States), 903,000 NGN (Nigeria), £2,500 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 22 months, with 50 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
High working-capital needs, unpaid invoices, theft and shrinkage, thin margins and price pressure from large distributors.
Where do I start?
1. Interview twenty retailers about their purchasing and frustrations. 2. Negotiate a thirty-product range with three suppliers. 3. Rent a small depot and a used delivery van.
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