Chocolate workshop and wholesale maker

Gift shops, cafes, delis, gift hamper businesses, event and wedding clients, corporate buyers and direct online customers.

Wholesale sales to shops at a lower price per item, plus higher-margin direct sales, custom corporate orders and event stalls. Regular wholesale accounts give steadier income.

• Chocolate tempering and production planning
• Costing and pricing
• Selling to shops and corporate buyers
• Food safety and record keeping

• Council food business registration and premises fit-out requirements, check before signing a lease
• Food safety supervisor requirements and a food safety program where your state requires one
• Allergen and ingredient labelling rules for packaged products
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus workers compensation if you hire staff
• Lease terms, rent and equipment costs, and slow periods outside peak gifting seasons
• Heat control for storage and delivery during summer

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your premises, fit-out, equipment and lease terms. These are estimates, so get quotes for rent and equipment before signing anything.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your wholesale accounts, events and online sales. Expect slower periods outside peak gifting seasons. The estimates start from about 30 hours of work a week.

Check council food business registration and premises fit-out requirements before signing a lease, plus food safety supervisor and food safety program requirements in your state. Also check allergen and ingredient labelling rules, and public liability, product liability and workers compensation insurance if you hire staff.