Local herb and tea shop

Local shoppers interested in natural and traditional products, tea lovers, keen home cooks and gift buyers.

Retail sales by weight or pack, plus gift sets and tea blends. Regular customers who return for refills help keep income steady.

• Customer service and friendly advice
• Product knowledge about herbs and teas
• Stock control and ordering
• Basic bookkeeping

• Herbal products sold with health claims may count as therapeutic goods, so check Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) rules before making any claims
• Food registration with your local council and food labelling rules for packed products
• Lease terms, fit-out costs and rent versus likely sales
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• ABN registration, and GST once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $20,000 to $70,000, depending on the lease, fit-out, stock and insurance. Compare rent and fit-out costs with likely sales before you sign a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your location, range, prices and foot traffic. Treat these figures as estimates, and weigh them against rent, stock and other running costs.

Check Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) rules before making any health claims, as herbal products may count as therapeutic goods. Also check food registration with your council, labelling rules for packed products, insurance, and ABN and GST requirements.