Rice cake shop in a small retail space

Shoppers from Asian communities, food-curious locals, students, and people buying gifts or treats for festivals and celebrations.

Per-item and gift box sales in store, with extra income from festival orders, party platters and add-on snacks and drinks.

• Knowing your products and where to source them
• Customer service
• Basic food handling and stock control
• Managing a small budget and lease

• Food business registration with your local council and any fit-out or inspection requirements, which vary by state and council
• Food safety supervisor and food handler training rules in your state
• Allergen and ingredient labelling for packaged goods, so check the Food Standards Code
• Public liability insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff
• Lease terms, rent and fit-out costs, and busy seasons around festivals that can swing sales
• Fresh rice cakes have a short shelf life, so waste can eat into profit

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $80,000, depending on the lease, fit-out and whether you buy in or make your own products. These are estimates, so get quotes for rent and fit-out first.

Check food business registration with your local council and any fit-out or inspection requirements, which vary by state and council. Also check food safety supervisor and food handler training rules in your state, and allergen and ingredient labelling under the Food Standards Code.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on location, range and festival seasons. Fresh rice cakes have a short shelf life, so waste can eat into profit. Hours are estimated at 30 or more a week.