Independent chocolate shop

Gift buyers, locals treating themselves, tourists, and businesses buying corporate gifts.

Profit on each sale, with higher margins on gift boxes and own-brand lines. Sales usually peak around Christmas, Easter and Valentine's Day.

• Customer service
• Buying and stock control
• Merchandising and gift presentation
• Basic bookkeeping

• Register as a food business with your local council before you start trading
• Check allergen labelling and information rules, especially for loose or repackaged items
• Chocolate can melt and has a shelf life, so check storage, cooling and stock rotation in summer
• Check lease terms, business rates, and any relief you may qualify for
• Take out public liability and shop contents insurance, and employer's liability insurance if you hire staff
• Sales are seasonal, so plan cash flow for quieter months

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, stock and insurance. Also check lease terms, business rates and any relief you may qualify for.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on location, footfall, range and season. Sales are seasonal, so plan cash flow for quieter months. Plan on at least about 40 hours a week.

Check that you register as a food business with your local council before trading, and check allergen labelling rules, especially for loose or repackaged items. Also check storage and cooling for chocolate, and insurance, including employer's liability if you hire staff.