Independent loose-leaf tea shop

Local residents, gift shoppers, tourists and tea enthusiasts.

Tea sold by weight at a mark-up, plus higher-margin gifts, teaware and seasonal sets. Online orders can add sales.

• Tea knowledge and friendly customer service
• Stock buying and cash flow control
• Merchandising and local marketing

• Business rates and lease terms, so check what applies to your unit and whether any relief is available
• Food business registration with your local council, particularly if you serve drinks or repack tea
• Food labelling and allergen rules for loose and blended teas
• Public liability and stock insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire
• Slow seasons and high fixed costs, so plan your cash reserves

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on your premises, shop fit-out and opening stock. Check lease terms and business rates, and whether any relief is available for your unit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your location, range and footfall. These are revenue estimates, not profit, and slow seasons and high fixed costs mean you should plan cash reserves.

Check food business registration with your local council, particularly if you serve drinks or repack tea, and food labelling and allergen rules. Also check public liability and stock insurance, and employer's liability once you hire.