Price: $80,000 ($100,000 with truck) – Weekly Gross Earnings: $2,400
This listing is for a Russian food distribution route with a price of $80,000. The owner distributes a variety of bread/bakery and other grocery products to retailers in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The accounts are mostly in MA but there are some in CT as well. Most MA accounts are serviced on Tuesday and then Thursday is just CT accounts. The facility for product pickup is located in Sunset Park/Brooklyn. While not required, someone who speaks Russian or has some familiarity with the language/culture will be in a great position to succeed. 36′ 2013 Freightliner truck in excellent condition is available. The truck was just purchased in 2020.
The route is currently averaging approximately $2,400 per week in gross earnings. Products have varying commission rates depending on the product category/type and customer.
The distribution rights and protected territory are purchased through the current route owner and contracted through the product manufacturer. This is a turnkey wholesale distribution route opportunity with consistent sales volume. Full training will be provided.
WHAT ARE THE DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROUTE OWNER?
The route owner is responsible for servicing their customer base and ensuring that product is well stocked and maintained for the consumer. Route owners will order, deliver and stock product accordingly. The current owner makes deliveries four days per week. Two days are only four hours long, one day is six hours, and the other day is 18 hours total. This is largely due to the travel time to MA and back. Most weeks require 32-35 hours total.
GROSS EARNINGS/COMMISSIONS
This route is currently averaging approximately $2,400 in weekly gross earnings. The sales volume can be confirmed through sales reports/invoices. Sales reports and other information can be provided once we receive an NDA submission.
OPERATING COSTS
Typical expenses include fuel/gas, vehicle insurance, vehicle maintenance, commercial liability insurance (often added on to vehicle policy), etc. Currently the route operators cover all of their own operating costs. Operating costs will vary from owner to owner depending on a variety of factors but mandatory costs are estimated at $760 per week and are projected as follows:
$300 gas, $100 insurance, $50 maintenance, $125 storage, $60 tolls, $125 truck parking
The current owner pays a route driver $800 per week…both of these costs could be eliminated depending on the new owner’s setup.
GROWTH POTENTIAL
Nearly every route has growth potential both within the current accounts or by adding new customers to the route. The route owner can work with current accounts and company managers to maximize sales volume. New accounts such as independent grocery stores, restaurants, schools, hospitals and other accounts could potentially be added to the business as well. The company sales managers do provide support with these growth efforts.
FINANCING
The owner has discussed their business with a local lender who will offer financing to qualified buyers with a minimum 20% down payment.
VEHICLE AND OTHER EQUIPMENT
N/A
TRAINING
The current owner has agreed to provide training to the buyer. In addition to training from the current route owner, the company will provide some assistance when possible and will always provide administrative/sales support. The manufacturer wants their route owners to be successful so you will have a solid support system behind you.
SCHEDULE
The current route owner makes deliveries four days per week and typically works 32-35 hours per week.
Owning a route means that you are an independent owner/operator/contractor. You are ultimately responsible for the success of the route operation and you will need to find route coverage if you are sick or on vacation. Most route sellers and existing owners have a coverage person whose contact information they can share. Otherwise you are free to train someone to run your route while you are unavailable. It can require some effort and coordination to setup time off…but it does provide a lot of flexibility once you have a person or two that can cover your route operation when requested.
PURCHASING PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS
Route buyers will have an opportunity to meet with both the current route owner and the management team at the company. You will need company approval to purchase the route. Credit checks and background checks may be necessary as well. Most companies are requiring that route owners have an LLC or corporation so that they are personally separated from the business. The incorporation process is relatively straightforward for most states and can typically be completed through your state’s secretary of state/business registration website.
REQUEST MORE INFORMATION
Our route blog is a fantastic place to find more information on the distribution route business. There are a wide variety of articles including overviews on different types of routes (bread, snack, vending, etc) and others that discuss general route operating topics.
If you are interested in acquiring more information on this route please submit our non-disclosure agreement here. Please note the route number or route location on your NDA submission so that we can send over the correct information.
If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us through this form or by email at Jay@TheRouteExchange.com