Self-Serve frozen yogurt shop

Families, teens and students, after-school and after-dinner crowds, and people out shopping or walking near your location.

Most shops charge by the ounce, so the bill grows with the cup. You can add income from pre-packed pints, party bookings and school fundraiser nights.

• Friendly customer service
• Managing stock, costs and waste
• Keeping a food space spotless
• Hiring and scheduling part-time staff

• Health department permit and plan review for the build-out, requirements vary by county
• Check your state's rules on frozen dessert and dairy handling, and whether staff need food handler cards
• General liability insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Lease terms, rent and build-out costs can be the biggest risk, so have a lawyer read it
• Sales tax registration with your state and local business license from your city or county
• Sales often dip in cold months, so plan cash reserves for the slow season

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $50,000 to $250,000, depending on your lease, build-out and equipment. Lease terms, rent and build-out costs can be the biggest risk, so have a lawyer read the lease.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around $10,000 to $45,000, depending on your location, foot traffic and season. Sales often dip in cold months, so plan cash reserves for the slow season.

Check for a health department permit and plan review for the build-out, since requirements vary by county. Also check your state's frozen dessert and dairy handling rules, food handler card requirements, sales tax registration and your local business license.