Small-Batch coffee roaster selling online

Home coffee drinkers, gift buyers and people who want a regular fresh delivery.

You buy green beans in bulk and sell roasted coffee by the bag, with subscriptions giving steadier repeat orders. Margin comes from the gap between green bean cost and the price per bag, after packaging and postage.

• Patience and attention to detail
• Tasting and recording roast results
• Online selling and photography
• Packing and order handling

• Register as a food business with your local council before you start roasting, and check what they expect of your premises
• Check food labelling, allergen and traceability rules for packaged coffee
• Roasters create smoke, smell and fire risk, so check ventilation, fire safety and any planning or landlord restrictions
• Check product liability and public liability insurance
• Check with your landlord, mortgage lender or council before roasting at home
• Postage costs and freshness expectations can squeeze margins

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on the roaster and the space you use, such as a garage, outbuilding or small unit. Postage costs can also squeeze margins.

Check you register as a food business with your local council, plus food labelling, allergen and traceability rules. Also check ventilation, fire safety, planning or landlord restrictions, insurance, and permission if roasting at home.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £500 to £3,500, depending on how many subscribers and online customers you win. That is revenue, not profit. It can start from around 10 hours a week.