Why Is This Business To Consider For Young People Right Now?
Youth unemployment rate is high and many young people are no longer waiting for jobs. Instead, they are starting their small businesses — and one of the fastest-growing hustles is selling fruits and vegetables.
If you have ever asked:
- “What business can I start with little money?”
- “How can I make money while unemployed?”
- “What can I sell daily and get cash?”
This guide is for you.
Why?
Because people eat every day, and fresh produce is always in demand.
If you’re unemployed, a student, or hustling to make extra income, this guide will show you step by step how to start a fruit and vegetable business — even with a small budget.
Why Selling Fruits & Vegetables Is a Smart Business for Youth?
✔ Low start-up costs
✔ Daily demand (people eat everyday)
✔ Can start small and grow
✔ No qualification required
✔ Cash business (daily income)
Frequently asked questions to help you START:
Question 1: How Much Money Do I Need to Start?
You don’t need thousands.
You can start with:
R500 – R1,500 for a very small setup
R2,000 – R5,000 for a more stable setup
This money is mainly for:
Buying stock (fruits & vegetables)
Plastic bags
A table, crate, or stand
💡 Start small, sell fast, reinvest profits.
Question 2: Where Do I Buy Fruits and Vegetables?
You can buy stock from:
Local fresh produce market: Joburg Market, Address: 4 Fortune St, City Deep, Johannesburg, 2049
Other street vendors who sell in bulk
Tip: Go early in the morning for cheaper prices and fresher produce.
Question 3: What Fruits and Vegetables Sell Fast?
Start with high-demand items:
Fast-Selling Fruits
Bananas
Apples
Oranges
Pears
Avocados (seasonal)
Fast-Selling Vegetables
Potatoes
Onions
Tomatoes
Spinach
Cabbage
Carrots
Tip: Don’t buy everything. Start with 5 –10 items only add sweets and snacks.
Question 4: Where Should I Sell?
Location is EVERYTHING.
Best places: Taxi ranks, bus stops , busy streets , near schools or colleges Near factories or offices and outside your home (if area is busy)
Monitor foot traffic. More people = more sales.
Question 5: Do I Need a Permit or Registration?
If you’re starting very small:
Many youth start without registering immediately
As you grow:
Register your business with CIPC, be tax complaint, have a business account and have a swiping machine (E.g. Capitec card machine)
Apply for a trading permit from your municipality: City of Joburg Situated at 66 Harrison Street, Newtown.
Tip: Don’t let paperwork stop you from starting small.
Question 6: How Do I Price My Products?
Simple rule:
Buy low, sell fairly, still make profit
Tips: Check competitor price, don’t overprice and offer combos (e.g. 3 apples for R10)
Question 7: How Do I Avoid Losses and Rotten Stock?
This is VERY important.
✔ Buy small quantities
✔ Sell fresh items first
✔ Keep produce shaded
✔ Sprinkle water on leafy vegetables
✔ Discount items that are about to spoil
Freshness = customers returning.
Question 8: How Can I Attract More Customers?
You don’t need advertising money.
Practically do this :
Be friendly and greet customers
Keep your stall clean
Arrange produce nicely
Offer small discounts
Be honest about prices
Word of mouth is powerful.
Question 9: Can I Grow This Business Bigger?
YES!
As you make profit, you can:
Add more products
Supply spaza shops
Sell to schools or restaurants
Open a bigger stall
Employ other young people
Many successful traders started with one table and one crate.
Final thought:
If you’re waiting for a job, start selling.
If you don’t have capital, start small.
If you’re scared, start anyway.
Every business you see today started with one step.
Your fruit & vegetable business can start this week, let’s go!
Youth Opportunities SA – Your Partner In Progress
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