Launch a Successful Box Lunch Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

A box lunch business can be the perfect business idea for someone who enjoys cooking food and doesn't mind working hard. People are always looking for new options for lunches brought right to the office. Even in today's recession, you can be successful running a box lunch business by following these tips:

1. Develop a business plan for managing and growing your new company. Identify your goals and lay out all the financial requirements. Figure out what kind of initial investment you will need, based on any equipment or other necessary purchases [source: SBA].
2. Determine where your delivery boundaries will be, and what you will charge. Consider the costs of transportation and the speed with which you can make deliveries.
3. Plan a simple yet tasty menu that will entice people to order. Keep your ingredients cheap enough to make a profit, but delicious enough to draw lots of business. Find food suppliers to lower your costs. Continually seek feedback from your clients about how to improve your menu [source: Myers, Olson].
4. Advertise yourself so you can find your first customers. Drop flyers in mailboxes around your delivery area. Put up posters around commercial centers and office buildings. Fax menus to other local businesses. Put an ad in the yellow pages, newspapers and on the Internet. You can offer coupons to attract new business. It's up to you to generate your own business.