Neighborhood general store

Local residents, workers on their lunch break, and people who want a quick trip for essentials without driving to a supermarket.

You buy from wholesalers and distributors and sell at a markup. Many owners add higher-margin extras like deli items, coffee, local products or a few services such as package pickup.

• Friendly customer service
• Ordering and stock control
• Basic bookkeeping and pricing
• Managing staff or long opening hours

• Sales tax registration with your state, and a local business license from your city or county
• A health department permit if you sell prepared, hot or fresh food; rules vary by county
• Separate state licenses for alcohol, tobacco or lottery sales, if you plan to sell them
• Accepting SNAP/EBT needs authorization, so check the requirements first
• General liability and property insurance; workers' compensation once you hire
• Thin margins and spoilage, so start with a modest range and watch what sells
• Long hours and the lease commitment, so read the lease carefully before signing

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your location, lease terms, stock and fit-out. Starting with a modest range and watching what sells can help you manage spoilage and thin margins.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your location, product range and opening hours. These are revenue figures, not profit, and the estimates assume at least about 40 hours a week.

Check sales tax registration with your state and a local business license from your city or county. If relevant, check health department rules for prepared food, state licenses for alcohol, tobacco or lottery, SNAP/EBT authorization, and insurance.