Dessert shop with a small shopfront

Walk-in customers, families, couples on a night out, and locals ordering desserts for birthdays, work events and celebrations.

Sales per item and per dessert box, plus higher-value pre-orders for events. Drinks such as coffee can lift the average spend per customer.

• Baking or dessert making
• Food safety and hygiene
• Customer service
• Costing and pricing menu items

• Food business registration with your local council and food safety rules in your state, including a trained Food Safety Supervisor where required
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Allergen labelling and handling, such as nuts, dairy, egg and gluten
• Lease commitments, rent and fit-out costs, check these carefully before signing
• Staff costs and workers compensation insurance once you hire

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, equipment and lease terms. These are estimates, so check lease commitments and fit-out costs carefully before you sign.

Monthly revenue is typically around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on location, menu, opening hours and event orders. These are estimates only, and staff costs and rent will affect how much you keep.

Check food business registration with your local council and your state's food safety rules, including a trained Food Safety Supervisor where required. Also check allergen handling, public and product liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire.