Chinese herbs and wellness shop

Local customers interested in natural health products, including many from Chinese and wider Asian communities, plus shoppers looking for herbal teas and tonics.

Retail sales of loose herbs, packaged teas and ready-made products, with a markup on wholesale prices. Regular customers and repeat purchases keep sales steady.

• Product knowledge and willingness to keep learning
• Customer service
• Stock control and ordering
• Mandarin or Cantonese is helpful in many areas

• Therapeutic goods rules: check with the TGA what products can be sold and what claims you can make about them
• Some herbs are restricted or prohibited, so check the rules for imports and for each product you stock
• Giving diagnoses or treatment advice: the Chinese medicine practitioner title is protected, so check AHPRA rules and consider employing a registered practitioner
• Herbal teas and foods may need food business registration with your local council
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Lease terms and fit-out costs

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $120,000, depending on the premises, lease terms, fit-out and opening stock. Lease terms and fit-out costs are worth checking carefully before you commit to a site.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on location, your product range and foot traffic. This is revenue before rent, stock and wages, and you should expect at least about 30 hours a week.

Check with the TGA what products you can sell and what claims you can make. Some herbs are restricted or prohibited. The Chinese medicine practitioner title is protected, so check AHPRA rules, and check food business registration for teas.