Chinese herbs and teas shop

Local people interested in natural health, the Chinese and East Asian community, and visitors looking for specialist teas and gifts.

Profit on each sale, from loose herbs and teas sold by weight to packaged remedies and gift sets. Regular customers who return for the same herbs and teas are the core of the business.

• Good product knowledge and willingness to keep learning
• Friendly, careful customer service
• Basic stock control and bookkeeping

• Herbal medicine rules: many products need a traditional herbal registration or other authorisation, and some herbs are banned or restricted. Check with the MHRA before you stock anything
• Health claims: you generally cannot say a product treats or cures a condition. Check advertising and Trading Standards guidance
• Protected species and imports: some ingredients are covered by wildlife trade rules (CITES), so check your suppliers
• Food and labelling rules for teas and supplements, and registering with your local council if you sell food products
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus lease terms and business rates

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the premises, shop fit-out, initial stock and lease terms. These are estimates, so also check rent, deposits and business rates before signing for a unit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on location, range and footfall. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for rent, rates, stock and insurance. Treat it as an estimate rather than a promise.

Check with the MHRA before stocking anything, as many products need registration or authorisation and some herbs are restricted. Check health claim rules, wildlife trade rules (CITES), food labelling and council food registration, plus liability insurance.