The ultimate entrepreneur's guide while starting an online meal prep business
Tags: management, business, software, mealprep
Published: 2021-12-21 04:44:22

The food industry has changed to a different dimension post-pandemic. Various factors are affecting the new face of the industry. If an entrepreneur is planning to start a meal prep business there are certain important variables to be considered.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ty4j8zuch39uif19tkc0.jpg)

Here are some basic steps: 

- Choose a niche
- Write a business plan
- Get the proper licenses, permits and insurance
- Decide how to sell your meals
- Obtain small-business funding
- Find and manage your supplies
- Create a marketing plan

**Read the following in details:**

**Financial Planning**

This variable helps entrepreneurs in managing their finances appropriately. Calculating the gross margin will help you create your budget and manage your balance sheet.

**Gross Margin=Total Sales-Cost of meals Delivered**

**Licenses and Permits**

Registering your business will secure your business legally. It also entitles the business owner to avail of tax benefits and other government schemes. Private investors generally show interest in registered businesses only, which in itself is a big advantage over other non-registered businesses. 

A few important business licenses and permits are:

- Business license
- Employee Identification Number (EIN)
- Food establishment permit
- Seller’s permit
- Employee health permit 
- Building health permit

**Software Technology**

Seamless working of a meal prep business relies on its extensive features such as order management, catalog management, user management, and handling deliveries. Building the software from scratch can come with various hurdles as well. The best approach is to use a market-ready solution and customize and rebrand it as per your business requirements.

**Server and Hosting**

The software requires a server hosting firm for the complete working of the website. The hosting firm is responsible for managing the server and the hosting if the business has opted for the software with a hosted server. The firm also makes sure of timely updates and server maintenance  various types of server hostings are listed below:

- SaaS Hosting
- Cloud Hosting
- Dedicated Server Hosting
- On-Premise Hosting

**Managing Human Resources**

The biggest challenge faced by an entrepreneur is to hire business professionals for his business and build trust with his team. A few methods and ways can help ease the process: recruitment of experienced staff, hiring a virtual assistant, hiring freelancers for website development, and so on.

**Business Insurance**

Insurance for your business against major losses is very important, especially for a startup. Some insurance policies provide cover for third-party liabilities as well. All policies do not provide similar benefits and it is imperative to look for a policy that would be beneficial for your business.

Here is the the detailed post that you can read before starting online [meal prep business](https://www.fatbit.com/fab/how-to-start-a-meal-prep-business/).