Neighborhood coffee bean and gear shop

Home coffee drinkers, gift buyers, remote workers and nearby offices and small cafes that want good beans.

You buy beans wholesale and sell them by the bag or by weight at a markup. Brewing equipment and gifts add higher-value sales, and subscriptions or bean clubs bring repeat orders.

• Knowing coffee origins, roasts and brewing methods
• Retail sales and friendly customer service
• Ordering stock and managing a budget

• Retail food or health department permits, which vary by county and state, especially if you grind, weigh out or repackage beans
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire staff
• Lease terms, zoning and signage rules for the space
• Tight margins on equipment and stock that sits unsold, so start with a small range

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the space, equipment and opening stock. Margins on equipment can be tight and stock can sit unsold, so starting with a small range helps.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on location, product range and how many regulars you build. Estimates assume about 35 hours a week or more of running the shop.

Check retail food or health department permits, which vary by county and state, especially if you grind, weigh out or repackage beans. Also check general liability insurance, workers' compensation once you hire staff, and lease, zoning and signage rules.