Bubble Tea Shop

Students, teens, young professionals, shoppers and families, especially near campuses, shopping areas and busy walking streets.

Price per drink, usually with paid extras like toppings and larger sizes. Snacks and combo deals raise the average order. Ingredient cost per cup is low, but rent and labor are the big costs.

• Customer service
• Speed and consistency making drinks
• Basic cost control and ordering
• Social media for local promotion

• Health department permit and plan review for the space, check local rules before signing a lease
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire staff
• Business license and sales tax registration, check your city, county and state
• Allergen labeling and safe handling of milk, fruit and cooked tapioca
• Franchise agreements, if you go that route, can carry fees and restrictions, so read them closely
• Long leases and build-out costs are the biggest financial risk, so negotiate carefully

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the space, build-out, equipment and lease terms. These are estimates only. Long leases and build-out costs are the biggest financial risk, so negotiate carefully before signing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your location, opening hours and foot traffic near campuses or shopping areas. This is revenue, not profit, and the estimates assume roughly 40 hours a week of work.

Check for a health department permit and plan review before signing a lease, plus a business license and sales tax registration with your city, county and state. Also check insurance, allergen labeling and safe handling of milk, fruit and tapioca.