Key Points
- As a foodie and lover of long drives, Cervantes’ decision to take up a side gig of delivering and reselling food was prompted by her partner.
- Time and a roadworthy vehicle are the biggest investments in pursuing a food delivery and reselling service.
- Requirements for food delivery and reselling service include: ABN (Australian Business Name); food handling certificate; GST (Goods and Services Tax of 10% on goods, services and other items sold)
Full-time transport technician Camille Cervantes and her partner are in good company. They set up a side gig as food delivery and reseller service providers in Melbourne.
Full-time transport technician Camille Cervantes and her partner set up a side gig as food delivery and reseller service providers in Melbourne. Credit: Camille Cervantes
She shares, “I would go on hours driving - not knowing where to go.
Driving numbs the pain and takes my mind off my mum. At the time, I would only go home when it was time to sleep. It was my way to cope with sadness.
Foodie turned food delivery and reseller
Out of concern for her well being, Cervantes’ partner persuaded her to take on food delivery as a side hustle. This way, not only will she be productive, but there will also be a purpose for the long hours on the road.
Initially, Cervantes was hesitant, but soon, gave in.
After work, I would take food delivery orders. I didn’t care how much I was going to earn, whether it was below $200. I just wanted to drive and somehow the payment I got was just a bonus.
The potential of expanding the side gig to include being a reseller of Filipino products was further broached by Cervantes’ partner given that she is a foodie and knows the type of food that the Filipino community wanted.
Branding their reseller services, “Love, Cami,” Cervantes took on one supplier at the time. Currently, her suppliers’ list has 20.
The food offerings they resell and deliver include popular Filipino dishes from lechon, Sisig, Pancit Guisado along with pork barbecue, food trays, pastries and Kakanin delicacies (or glutinous rice), among others.
To legitimise their side hustle, Cervantes gathered the following:
Food delivery and reseller requirements
2) is a tax of 10% on most goods, services and other items sold or consumed in the country; One can either approach a tax agent or get in online.
4) Roadworthy vehicle and car insurance
Time is the biggest capital
When asked about how much it would take to put a reseller business, Cervantes was quick to say that time is the biggest investment. It’s hard to put a price tag on that.
It’s time consuming because you must talk to the customers when they reach out.
You have to be able to answer their questions instantly, otherwise you might miss out on their cravings and their orders.”
Because Cervantes works full-time servicing Myki machines, she has established a routine to manage her side hustle.
Mondays through Thursdays at 5 p.m. she posts food offerings on her Facebook page where clients can place their orders.
Weekends are meant for delivery in different parts of Melbourne, covering regional areas.
Profits come from padding minimum charges to the food she resells.
Pricing varies depending on the space the food occupies in the delivery vehicle and how sought-after the pastries or food products are.
Cervantes also invests a bit of time in packaging the food.
Currently, she now has a team that helps her deliver in Melbourne while she and her partner take care of orders in regional areas.
For those who are keen trying their luck in this side hustle, Cervantes has this to say,” You have to follow your passion and make sure you establish good relationships with your suppliers and clients. It’s never too late to dream big.”
