Sell Exotic Foodstuffs Online

This is a business where you don't need to think about creating a niche for yourself since the business is a niche in itself. 

We are talking about importing and selling exotic food such as alligator meat, kangaroo jerky, chocolate covered ants, etc.  You start by making sure that your contemplated meats and other foodstuffs can be legally introduced to your own country and to places where your buyers live.  Do this by checking with your solicitor or other legal advisor or do a comprehensive search on Google.

The first step would be to learn as much as possible about various types of exotic foodstuffs and their varieties. 

There is a whole range of exotic food for you to consider importing.  However, you may start with a narrow range initially and move on to find out what is more in demand before adding too many varieties you may have trouble selling later. 

Get started by utilising market research already done by current businesses, such as local foods suppliers and restaurants.  This exotic food will already be available at very select places such as big restaurants and hotels, so you must be ready to explore a little.  Since most of the big restaurants and hotels have a website too, you might start your exploration on the Internet.  As always, Yellow Pages are a handy tool. 

Your goal is to get three very basic pieces of information from restaurants, hotels and other premises already marketing exotic food, being:

1) What exotic food and varieties are served there?

2) How long have they been serving it?

3) How much do they charge?

Keep all of your researched information in well-organised manner, such as in a computer document or a spreadsheet.  This will be useful for you in future as your business grows and develops.

Once you know which exotic foods would sell best, check the legal implications with business advisors at your local bank or Chamber of Commerce.  Alternatively, seek professional advice from someone in the import/export business who you can probably contact through local Chambers of Trade.

Procuring the exotic food is the next important step.  The Internet is the best place to look for various avenues of procurement, and there might be a good deal available locally to you.  Check shipping and packaging costs, as well as any import duty before arriving at your final buying costs.  Check the credentials of the company or person you intend to buy from.  With all this information in place, you can arrive at the terms that give the best deal for you.

As with any business, selling is your main challenge.  Creating a simple website for your business will not only give a more professional look but will also spread the news far and wide about your business.  Yellow Pages advertisements are extremely useful and so are appealing brochures.  The brochures should be distributed in libraries and food courts, also in shopping malls and at trade fairs, as well as other places where there is a large influx of people.  You can also collaborate with local event organisers and offer to supply exotic food for parties and other meetings.  Offer a commission or discount for using your foods over rival sellers, if there are others selling similar foodstuffs.  Set up your stall at food festivals. 

Build a list of potential clients for your business, and continue growing it and mailing entrants with news about your business and unusual foods being introduced. 

Once you become known as an exotic food supplier, the sky is the limit.