How to Sell Food Online from Home in India?

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 Aspiring chefs and small entrepreneurs have never been at the brink of a more exciting opportunity. The pandemic shut down restaurants, but naturally, people’s cravings for well-cooked food did not disappear. Entrepreneurs went beyond homemade food at fairs and developed their niche markets. Growing through word-of-mouth into much bigger businesses, these home-cooked food supply chains needed to be streamlined. Home-cooked food sellers are now expanding their menu cards, creating Facebook pages or websites. Some are narrowing their focus after realizing what sells and what does not. People are selling different cuisines, usually those not available in the area – Bengali food in Mumbai, Chinese, Polish food in the UK, etc. It is an excellent way of turning one’s hobby or passion into a money-making venture.

Key Factors to Consider

If you’re wondering how to deliver homemade food online, think of the area you can serve in. Everyone agrees that food should be at the right temperature. If it's pre-packaged food, you wish to sell online, hot/cool bags ensure the right temperature. Keep in mind the nature of traffic when you consider how far away you can deliver. 

Do some research on existing home-cooked food delivery service providers. You will get valuable insight. You could start by first sell homemade snacks online – that's less expensive, and you get the experience of increasing menu options while you build your customer base.

Supplementary Points to Bear in Mind

  • Market analysis is mandatory. Know what to make and how to sell it. Find a gap in the market and fill that market. Make that your USP.

  • Find local suppliers to help deliver goods at competitive prices.

  • Get a brand-conscious packaging and labeling system – this could be the differentiator.

  • Get the business registered with FSSAI in India.

  • Want to expand in the future? GST registration is necessary if the business is beyond a stated limit

  • Wish to join forces with other e-commerce food platforms? This is easier. Explore that option in the beginning. Otherwise, set up your website/app to take orders and ensure fulfillment. 

  • List menu online and the prices of items. Do market analysis to know if they are competitive. 

  • To allow online ordering, get into partnership with a payment platform for smooth transactions. 

  • Try creative branding/marketing.

  • Build loyal word-of-mouth-based clientele to start with; they will refer others to you.

  • Build marketing strategies for the organic growth of the brand.

  • Keep in mind legal requirements as you venture into this kind of business.

Registering with FSSAI


If you wish to sell homemade food online in India, you need to register with India's Food Safety and Standards Authority. Doing so will also add credibility and trust. An FSSAI registration is enough for a small-scale operation, but larger establishments require a license. In India, all Food Business Operators must register with the FSSAI as per the Food Safety and Security Act, 2006.

To sell homemade food online, people need to trust your business. Getting the license is the easiest way to gain that and credibility. It is your proof that you’re following the highest standards. Showcasing the number in your online portal adds immense value, assuring your customers that you don’t compromise on their safety. Helps avoid legal problems too.

Decide whether to obtain an FSSAI license or get registered. The three options available to people who wish to sell homemade food online are:

  • Registration (Form A) if annual turnover is below INR 12 lakhs

  • State License (Form B) with yearly turnover between INR 12 and INR 20 lakhs

  • Central License (Form B) for annual turnover exceeding INR 20 Lakhs 

Basic FSSAI Registration

A basic FSSAI registration is mandatory to sell homemade food up to 12 lakh/year in revenue. It’s easy to get one and costs Rs. 100 through the government portal here: https://foodlicensing.fssai.gov.in. This can take a month. If you can’t wait, it’s best to go via an agency. Here is one: https://fssaiindia.in/

Documents Required for FSSAI License

  • Filled/signed Form A 

  • 2 Passport-sized photographs

  • PAN Card of owner

  • Proof of address of business premises

  • Partnership Deed/Incorporation Certificate/Articles or Memorandum of Association

  • List of items 

  • Declaration form

  • Letter of authority

  • Form IX: Board Resolution

Failing to Comply with the FSSAI Licence

  • FSSAI License’s validity is from one to five years. All homemade food businesses need to apply for renewal at least 30 days before the expiry of their license. Missing this deadline results in paying a penalty of INR 100 for each day. Thus, keeping track of license validity is vital.

  • If authorities find no registration with FSSAI or non-compliance with their terms, severe repercussions can lead to even imprisonment or fine up to INR 5 lakhs.

Getting an App to Manage your Business


Today’s technology makes it easier to sell food via websites, but there are also apps to sell homemade food. There are very efficient and user-friendly apps that deliver homemade food, taking care of everything, from support, website to delivery. Some even do it without any upfront fee.

When looking for the best homemade food platform, connecting to your community is prime. The wide reach in your neighborhood comes in very handy. 

The app should be easy-to-use for you and your customer. Registration for consumers should be quick and simple. Importantly, payments should be safe and secure. It would be best if you track inventory and orders with ease, or you might lose customers. The app should allow you to mark items as sold out.

Keep the cost of doing business in mind. Pickrr ecommerce services helps you with that. The app you select should be economical for all. Apps require you to pay a monthly fee to use it or take a small percentage of each sale. Some pass on a service fee to your customers. Ensure you know of costs to price the menu for profits and customer satisfaction appropriately.

You can also use the niche market of food delivery through apps. These apps connect people looking for homemade delivery with pre-approved home cooks in their areas. They vet cooks posted on their platform, do their quality checks with on-site inspections, interviews, and proof of food safety. Swiggy and Zomato in India are ideally suited to act as delivery agents for app-based home-cooked food.

Conclusion

Online services for homemade food are perfect for new and young entrepreneurs to step into the market. Pickrr gives them ideal exposure and a chance to explore their hobbies while contributing to the economy. Software developers continue improving the apps to sell homemade food, build features, and support business operations.

Again, providing the best quality services is the way to flourish in the market. Pickrr aids in letting you do what you want without compromising quality and keeping in mind delivery best practices.
Location: India

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