Online chocolate gift store

Online gift buyers, people sending treats to friends and family, and businesses ordering client or staff gifts.

Margin on each order, with higher prices for curated or personalized boxes. Seasonal peaks and repeat corporate orders help, while shipping and packaging costs need to be built into prices.

• Online store setup
• Social media and photography
• Packing and shipping
• Sourcing products

• Selling food online may need a food business license or permit, check your state and county rules
• If you make chocolate at home, check your state's cottage food law, since many exclude some products or limit sales across state lines
• Sales tax registration and collection rules for online sales, check with your state
• Heat damage in shipping, plan insulated packaging and shipping days
• Allergen and ingredient labeling requirements
• General liability and product liability insurance

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $10,000, depending on your stock, packaging, website setup and whether you make the chocolate yourself. Insulated packaging for shipping is worth planning for.

Selling food online may need a food business license or permit, so check your state and county rules. If you make chocolate at home, check your state's cottage food law, which may exclude some products or limit sales across state lines.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $5,000, depending on your range, marketing and how many hours you work. These are estimates only, and shipping, packaging and heat damage can affect what you keep.