Frozen food stores primary function is to refrigerate the
meat for later date sales. The business is very lucrative and they sell based
on kilograms.
Startup capital is
low depending on the business format and size of your enterprise. Frozen fish
sellers purchase stock directly from vessels or from fish wholesale
markets.
Another source includes major fish companies in your
locality. Before launching your business you need to understand what it entails
to sell frozen fish.
Determine
the Type of Frozen Fish
The most important aspect of the business is determining
the type of fish to sell. There are a huge variety of choices so making the
right one is crucial to the success of your enterprise.
The best way is to focus on what people in you immediate community
loves to eat. Although people have different tastes there are some choices that
attract more patronage.
A good way is to select the three top fish favored by
customers in your area. For example in my locality they love Titus, Mackerel,
and Croaker fish.
Other types they favor are ladyfish, tilapia and catfish.
Catfish are usually sold live while the others are sold frozen.
Stocking only popular fish is the best business strategy.
This reduces the storage time and allows quicker turnover.
Source
the Fish
As mentioned earlier you need to stock popular fish. Many
frozen fish mongers buy directly from major distributors of frozen fish.
Others purchase their stock from fishermen. Secure a reliable
source for your frozen fish supply. Once you have a major distributor or
wholesaler the supply end is covered.
Things
that Affect cost of Fish
The fish market is highly regulated and the product
attracts tax. The frozen fish seller needs to factor tax, cost of
transportation and refrigeration. You need to pay for utilities, equipment,
leasing a property and labor costs.
Equipment
The main equipment you need is a high quality freezer.
The freezer is the bedrock of the frozen fish business.
Purchase appropriate freezers and store only the same
type of fish in one freezer. There is nothing wrong in putting them in the same
freezer.
However the first suggestion provides faster and easier
access to the product during a sale. Other equipments you need are weighing
machine, sharp knives for cutting and packaging material.
Locating
the Frozen Fish Business
The ideal location is close or within an open market. Another
good location is beside a grocery store, restaurant or supermarket. The
location should be visible and have lots of foot and vehicular traffic.
Funding
the Enterprise
You need moderate funds to start a frozen food business.
You can source funds from cooperative societies or micro finance banks. Why not
try to save judicious through target saving or borrow money from friends and
family.
Market
You need moderate marketing to sell your fish. Since your
business is community based print media is the best choice.
Create big signage
boards, flyers, billboards and handbills. Print complementary cards, brochures
and banners for maximum visibility. You don’t need newspaper advertisement
because that will be overkill.
Website
Building
If you are inclined to build a website it should be
targeted to your locality. Frozen food is perishable and hardly stands extensive
transportation or movement.
Focus your business on local markets, individuals and
food related businesses. Frozen fish prices are also regulated to accommodate
uniformity in prices.
Make sure your prices are competitive and your frozen
fish fresh. Avoid long storage periods or defrosted fish.
Labor
A small frozen fish enterprise needs a maximum of two
members of staff. The staffs are basically sale personnel who handle purchase
orders.
Frozen fish business does not require serious skills. The
knowledge you need revolves around inventory, purchase and sales.
Registration
Register the frozen fish business as a sole
proprietorship. Then obtain a trade license and tax cover. Make sure your
frozen fish conforms to health department safety protocols concerning food
items.How to start a Frozen Food Business
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