Coffee bean and equipment shop

Local coffee drinkers, home baristas, gift shoppers and small offices buying beans and gear.

Retail margin on beans and equipment, with extra income from higher-priced machines, gift packs, workshops and regular bean customers.

• Strong coffee and equipment knowledge
• Retail selling and customer service
• Stock ordering and cash flow
• Basic bookkeeping

• Commercial lease terms, bonds and fit-out costs, ideally reviewed by a solicitor
• Council approvals for the premises, and food registration if you sell brewed coffee or handle open food
• Public liability, contents and business insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff
• Stock tied up in beans and equipment, and thin margins if you compete only on price

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the premises, lease bond, fit-out and how much bean and equipment stock you buy at the start.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, range and pricing. A shop usually needs at least around 35 hours a week of your time to run.

Check lease terms, bonds and fit-out costs, ideally with a solicitor. Check council approvals for the premises, and food registration if you sell brewed coffee or handle open food. Also check insurance and workers compensation once you hire staff.