East asian herbs and tea shop

Walk-in customers from local communities who grew up with these products, plus people curious about herbal teas and natural wellness, and sometimes practitioners buying stock.

Retail sales of herbs and teas weighed out by the gram, plus packaged products, gift items, teapots and accessories. Regular repeat customers and a good local reputation matter most.

• Knowledge of herbs and tea products
• Customer service and clear communication
• Stock control and supplier relationships
• Language skills useful for your local community

• Therapeutic goods rules: check with the TGA which products need to be listed or registered before you sell them, and avoid making health claims or suggesting a product treats a condition
• Some herbs are restricted or banned, so check the Poisons Standard, your state or territory rules and import rules (including Department of Agriculture biosecurity requirements) before ordering
• Diagnosing and prescribing are the work of registered health practitioners such as Chinese medicine practitioners registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (AHPRA). Check with the TGA and AHPRA where your shop staff's advice should stop, and refer customers seeking health advice to a registered practitioner
• Teas and some other products are food, so check labelling rules (Food Standards Code) and food business registration with your local council
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus a shop lease you can afford if sales start slowly

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on location and range.

Things to check include therapeutic goods rules with the TGA, restricted herbs under the Poisons Standard and state or territory rules, import and biosecurity requirements, and food labelling and council food business registration. Avoid health claims and refer customers wanting advice to a registered practitioner.

Diagnosing and prescribing are the work of registered health practitioners, such as those registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (AHPRA). Check with the TGA and AHPRA where staff advice should stop, and refer customers seeking health advice to a registered practitioner.