Mobile grocery for staples and bulk goods
Starting costs about $3,910 in the United States and 678,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $1,900 net per month in the United States and 452,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 7 months, with 40 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 | $3,910 | $1,900 |
| Nigeria | 678,000 NGN | 452,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £2,670 | £1,330 |
| Kenya | 174,000 KES | 65,400 KES |
| India | 84,800 INR | 47,700 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
In outlying neighbourhoods and villages, elderly people and households without a car travel far to buy basic goods.
The solution
A fixed weekly round with a fitted vehicle or trailer: staples, bulk goods, local fresh produce and pre-ordered items.
Your customers
Older people, car-free households, hamlets and outlying areas poorly served by shops.
How you make money
Retail margin of 20 to 30 % on an average basket of 15 to 30 €, plus a 2 € home-delivery fee.
Competition
Supermarkets, corner shops, weekly markets, informal street vendors and big retailers' online delivery.
Who has an edge
A locally known, reliable and sociable person who builds trust and takes personalised orders.
The risks
Thin margins, fuel costs, fresh-food waste, weather and reliance on a single vehicle.
The first 3 steps
- Spot five poorly served areas and talk to residents.
- Negotiate prices with one wholesaler and two local producers.
- Test a round for four weeks with a reduced range.
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €10,000 − costs €8,700 = €1,300 net per month. Revenue: 500 baskets × €20. Costs: stock purchases, van, fuel, market pitches, 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: Mobile grocery?
About $3,910 (United States), 678,000 NGN (Nigeria), £2,670 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 247 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $1,900 (United States), 452,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,330 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 7 months, with 40 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Thin margins, fuel costs, fresh-food waste, weather and reliance on a single vehicle.
Where do I start?
1. Spot five poorly served areas and talk to residents. 2. Negotiate prices with one wholesaler and two local producers. 3. Test a round for four weeks with a reduced range.
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