Neighborhood candy shop

Families, tourists, gift buyers, and local businesses ordering party favors or corporate gifts.

You buy wholesale and sell at a markup, by weight, by pack or as gift bags. Seasonal peaks like Halloween, Valentine's Day, Easter and the holidays bring extra sales.

• Friendly customer service
• Stock ordering and cost control
• Merchandising and display

• Health department permit rules for selling packaged or loose bulk candy, which vary by county, so check yours
• Sales tax registration with your state, and whether you need a resale certificate for wholesale buying
• General liability insurance, plus a lease that fits your cash flow, since rent is often the biggest cost
• Heavy dependence on seasonal peaks, so plan for quieter months
• Allergen handling and clear labeling, especially for nuts

Estimates put startup costs typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on your location, lease and stock. Rent is often the biggest cost, so check that a lease fits your cash flow.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on foot traffic and season. Sales depend heavily on seasonal peaks, so plan for quieter months.

Check health department permit rules for selling packaged or loose bulk candy, which vary by county. Also check state sales tax registration, whether you need a resale certificate, and allergen handling and labeling, especially for nuts.