Selling cheese

Ravin

I work for a cheese exporter and so get decent offers and staff prices and was wondering about selling some cheese to local businesses or friends and family to earn some extra money what type of markup do you think is exceptable. I want to earn some money but still want to be reasonably priced so I can attract customers
Thanks

simplydevine05

Hi, I know very little about cheese other than that I like it. One thing I can say though is I would be careful who you sell to as you may find yourself in trouble with your employer for using your staff discount in this way. You may also be classed as setting up a business that is too close for your employers comfort. Check your contract of employment and if you do go ahead don't forget to register with hmrc as self employed. Hope that was of some help!

heretolearn_2

1) If you sell food products you need to be registered with your local authority, even if it isn't food you are making yourself.
2) you need to set up a business and declare income/pay tax
3) you need to satisfy environmental health that you can store and transport the cheese correctly at the right temperature etc
4) your employer would probably sack you for using their staff discount to set up in competition with them. Or even if not in competition, for commercial purposes.

If you have the idea of sneaking around selling cheese randomly I blame that programme The Apprentice. No reputable business is going to buy random food from god knows where handled god knows how 'off the back of a lorry', which is how it is going to seem.

Selling to friends and family - this will probably get you in trouble for misuse of staff discount scheme. Have a search on here for threads where people working for supermarkets have let others use their staff discount - instant dismissal for gross misconduct is not uncommon, as you are essentially stealing from your employer. The discount is meant as part of your recompense for work, and not to be used to benefit other people, or for you to earn money from. I'm sure the odd block of cheese for your mum at Christmas is not going to be noticed, but start buying in bulk then expect to be standing in front of your bosses desk.

Unless of course you approach your employer with a proper business proposition about becoming a local wholesaler/retailer of their products.