Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
What is the average cost of opening a salvage grocery store? And the annual profits? I am wanting info on opening one and supplying in Texas.
Find out Texas requirements for setting up a salvage food store. I would also contact the Small Business Administration. It is made up of retired businesspeople who volunteer their services.
I am looking for information about opening one in Florida.
There is a lot involved in opening a bent & dent store and each state has different rules and regulations.
What is the total cost for all products to open a bent and dent store?
The cost to open a bent and dent store would depend on a lot of factors - such as cost of renting or leasing a building and how large an operation as well as many other factors.
Step 1
Probably no matter how you cut it - $25,000 may be the very lowest amount you would need. It costs about $25,000 or more to open a store and that includes opening inventory, deposits and opening expenses.
Step 2
It is true that some have done it on less inventory and smaller stores, while others have invested in excess of $100,000 to get underway.
Step 3
There is a lot of information on the Internet about how to open a bent and dent store and it is not just a "turn-key" operation. There are several government license to purchase and get approval before you even start the process. Insurance is another problem.
Step 4
Check out some of the on-line sites and since you are on ThriftyFun you can check out all the previous answers to this question.
Step 5
www.thriftyfun.com/
What many people fail to figure in is the amount of money needed for owners to survive. Do they have other income that supports them so they do not need a salary for even up to one year? This is a big problem and this fact alone causes many small businesses to fail within one year.
It depends on where you are but it is said that costs around $25,000 or more to open a store and that includes opening inventory, deposits and opening expenses.
Here is a good read: www.bananaboxwholesalegrocery.com/
Are there any suppliers for discount or Bent N Dent groceries in the Utah/Idaho area?
I did a simple Google search and came up with quite a few hits. I would call the stores directly and ask if they are happy with their current distributor and then introduce yourself.
Most of the prominent stores will usually sell by contract through bidding so it would be best to talk with someone in management at several of your local stores and see what their policy is. You do not say if you already have a store or if you are thinking/planning to open one so you may need to acquire a lot of information before renting a building.
Here is a link that has some suggestions on locating suppliers, etc.
smallbusiness.chron.com/
I am starting my own dented canned food store. Where do I get my stock?
By Jimmy
Starting and running a Bent n Dent store is a really big challenge. There are a lot of city/county/state laws/rules/regulations that have to be followed or you could get into a lot of "legal" trouble.
Maybe you already know all of this and just need supplies. Most of the time there is a bidding process involved with grocery stores that spell out what you have to do to obtain their "damaged" goods.
Try your question on Google but include your city, county or state.
I believe you will be surprised at how much information is available.
Looking to open a salvage grocery store in New Hampshire, and would like to know if anyone has any info on reputable suppiers in the New England area. Thank you!
By Chris
Start your research with answers that have been given others on Thrifty.
Opening a salvage store is very complicated and legal aspects should be researched before looking for "suppliers" (if you have not already done this).
Almost any store in your community could be a "supplier" as most stores use services like this (usually larger stores).
The problem is that almost all stores will use a bidding process to find their buyers. This is many times required by state laws (called "fair" by state/county). This means you would have to find when a contract will be up for bid and go through the whole process and you would be bidding against very experienced store owners.
The contract would have a time frame (maybe 3 - 6 or 12 months). Also you will find that part of the contract will require that you purchase EVERYTHING they have that week. Also, they are usually very strict on the "buyer" being on time and if you miss a week they can cancel your contract.
Most new store owners will try to buy from the person who "wins" the contract and this way they can buy only what they can afford and learn the business in the process.
Hi Chris
We are the largest wholesaler or Salvage Grocery in the region and are the primary vendor for almost all of the bent and dent / discount grocery stores. We are family owned, in business for 30 years. Our warehouses are in St Paul, MN and we ship across the country. We sell mixed loads of Dry Grocery, Frozen Grocery and Fresh Grocery- by the case or by the pallet.
Give me a call as we would like to explore doing business together. I can also be helpful with advice as we have helped many stores open.
Michael Burt
Reclaim Center Inc
651-646-1839
Email- michael (at) reclaimcenter (dot) com
I was in a bent and dent years ago, now again, how can I have one?
By Jane W
I assume you wish to know how to open a store? If you will Google; how to open a bent & dent store? You will see lots of sites and some may help you. There is a lot to know about opening a store like this.
A lot of the sites are selling eBooks on this subject but I do not know anything about these books. There is probably a "Dummies" book on this? Takes lots of research and several weeks/months of filing government forms, finding resources, etc.
I am interested in starting a bent and dent store in south eastern Minnesota and was wondering if anyone had some information or contacts to purchase merchandise to start up my store. Any information or contacts would be very much appreciated. Thank you in advance!
By Lacy May
Hello and good luck with your idea as I believe the Bent'n Dent stores are great. I live in Florida and I know the laws are very stringent on what and also how you can open a store like this. You may have already gone through your local zoning board but if not, that is a good place to start.
As to finding products to sell - you will have to do your own research in your local or surrounding areas as anyone in this business will not usually share their "contacts".
After you have all of your permits you can visit any local store and ask your questions. Stores usually have "sales" every week and some stores use the highest "bidder" but most stores have contracts for certain periods of time and you have to bid on these.
There is lot to learn in this area but it can be done. You may be able to find a helpful person at one of your local Bent and Dent stores.
Hi Lacy May,
We are the largest wholesaler or Salvage Grocery in the region and are the primary vendor for almost all of the bent and dent / discount grocery stores. We are family owned, in business for 30 years. Our warehouses are in St Paul, MN and we ship across the country. We sell mixed loads of Dry Grocery, Frozen Grocery and Fresh Grocery- by the case or by the pallet.
Give me a call as we would like to explore doing business together. I can also be helpful with advice as we have helped many stores open.
Michael Burt
Reclaim Center Inc
651-646-1839
Email- michael (at) reclaimcenter (dot) com
I am planning to open a dent and bent grocery store. I have a great location, but I need to find out where and how to get product.
By Mark R
Where would you be planning on opening this new store?
Hi Mark,
We are the largest wholesaler or Salvage Grocery in the region and are the primary vendor for almost all of the bent and dent / discount grocery stores. We are family owned, in business for 30 years. Our warehouses are in St Paul, MN and we ship across the country. We sell mixed loads of Dry Grocery, Frozen Grocery and Fresh Grocery- by the case or by the pallet.
Give me a call as we would like to explore doing business together. I can also be helpful with advice as we have helped many stores open.
Michael Burt
Reclaim Center Inc
651-646-1839
Email- michael (at) reclaimcenter (dot) com
Does anyone know where I can find wholesale/salvage food vendors that sell by the box or pallet?
Thanks!
By Diane W. from Fountain Inn, SC
I live in Anderson, SC, go to church in Greenville,. SC. This week a lady told me about a place on Wade Hampton Blvd, in Greenville, called Save Mor or Save More - have a box sale every 2nd Saturday, $8 a box. She says the food goes quickly. Don't know what time they open, but might be worth it to check out this store.
Hi Diane,
We are the largest wholesaler or Salvage Grocery in the region and are the primary vendor for almost all of the bent and dent / discount grocery stores. We are family owned, in business for 30 years. Our warehouses are in St Paul, MN and we ship across the country. We sell mixed loads of Dry Grocery, Frozen Grocery and Fresh Grocery- by the case or by the pallet.
Give me a call as we would like to explore doing business together. I can also be helpful with advice as we have helped many stores open.
Michael Burt
Reclaim Center Inc
651-646-1839
Email- michael (at) reclaimcenter (dot) com
What does it take to open a scratch and dent can store and how big do you need your spot to be in size?
I am looking to open a Bent N Dent in Wisconsin and would like to know areas where they already are. I am trying to find the best spot.
By Laurie S
Have you tried your question on Google?
Maybe just Google your question:
Bent n dent stores in (state/city).
Lots of answers/information.
Probably should Google How to open store also.
Does anyone know who a supplier for the Kentucky area is?
By Latisha
I live in Florida but here there is no "one" supplier. Do you mean that you are looking to open a store? If so there is a lot to learn (and DO) before finding a supplier.
Suppliers here are any store that "sells" their damaged items and usually you have to bid against several potential "buyers".
I have researched Nebraska for a bent and dent salvage store, in the entire state, there are none anywhere. I would love to start one, but it makes me wonder if Nebraska has laws and regulations that prevent these type of stores to exist? Please advise me if you know. And where do you get the goods to line the shelves for start up endeavor?
By Paige
Hi Paige,
We are the largest wholesaler or Salvage Grocery in the region and are the primary vendor for almost all of the bent and dent / discount grocery stores. We are family owned, in business for 30 years. Our warehouses are in St Paul, MN and we ship across the country. We sell mixed loads of Dry Grocery, Frozen Grocery and Fresh Grocery- by the case or by the pallet.
Give me a call as we would like to explore doing business together. I can also be helpful with advice as we have helped many stores open.
Michael Burt
Reclaim Center Inc
651-646-1839
Email- michael (at) reclaimcenter (dot) com
How do you get started with opening a scratch and dent store in Alabama?
By Jeanette
I've been serving in the Retail Salvage Food business for over 25+ years. I can supply product to anyone interested in opening a bent and dent store. Please visit our website at sbkliquidators.weebly.com/
I looking for where I can CVS banana boxes. I am just starting out. I live in Stone Mountain and will go as far as South Carolina, Florida, or Alabama.
By oneal3416
Not really sure if you mean you plan to open a store? If that is the case...
There are so many things to consider (city, county and state laws) before finding where to "buy".
Most stores do not just "sell" these boxes of goods. Most take bids at different times of the year and remember - you cannot pick and choose if you have a contract - you are obligated to take everything they have - on a certain pick-up schedule.
Who would I order food from in the Florida area?
By jeanneanderson from Fort Meade, FL
Hi - I have a friend with a Bent n Dent store in Florida and he had to go to each store (not just one of a chain but each store) and find out if they are taking bids or even discussing who they will sell their "stuff" to.
If you have to bid for a contract you will have to agree to pay "so much" per pallet or pound or whatever they specify. Be prepared to take everything they have and this can sometimes be a lot of money. This will usually be on a weekly basis and you cannot miss a date or your contract can be voided.
Just remember - not everything you "buy" can be sold - for many reasons. You do need to find out about the state and county laws concerning selling these goods.
Your place will be inspected (you have to be in certain zones only) on a regular basis for cleanliness and reporting your sales.
There are many other things you will find out if you pursue this but as you can see - this is not a small venture at least not that I can find out.
What are the good and the bad sides to opening a Bent-n-Dent grocery store?
By Billie M.
I personally would never purchase any dented can of food for fear of food poisoning. I know it is said that most cans that are dented are safe to eat as long as the can is not bulging, that the top and bottom have a good seal, and it is not rusted. But the potential health hazard and possible medical cost outweighs the savings of buying a couple of cans of food. Sorry for the negative input, but you asked for feedback. I can think of no pros. If you go forward, try to cut costs; like do not provide bags. Let people bring their own.
Where in Oregon can I find a place to buy banana box or truck loads of bent and dent items?
By Tina from Gresham, OR
I would like info on how to start a bent and dent store and around how much it cost to get one started in Alabama.
By R. M.
ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.
How would you go about starting a Bent and Dent store?
How do you open a bent and dent grocery store? How much does it cost?
I want to open up a Dent and Bent store. I have my EIN number. Do I need to contact the Department of Health?
