Small-Batch coffee roaster selling direct

Coffee lovers buying online or at farmers markets, subscription customers, gift buyers and local offices.

Profit is the gap between the price per bag and the cost of green beans, packaging and shipping. Subscriptions and repeat customers help keep income steady.

• Patience and attention to detail
• Tasting and recording roast notes
• Basic marketing and social media
• Packing and shipping orders

• Food business permits, and whether your state allows roasting under cottage food rules (many do not, so check)
• Home roasting may need zoning approval and must respect HOA or lease rules
• Roasters make smoke and chaff, so check ventilation and local air quality or fire rules
• Product labeling rules and sales tax registration for your state
• General liability and product liability insurance
• Used or home roasters can be a fire risk, so check safety and electrical or gas requirements

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your roaster, space, packaging and permits. Treat this as an estimate and compare new and used equipment before you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on batch size, sales channels and how much time you spend roasting and selling. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week.

Check your food business permits and whether your state allows roasting under cottage food rules, since many do not. Also check zoning, HOA or lease rules, ventilation and fire requirements, labeling, and sales tax registration.