Glassware and Gift Shop Storefront

Local households, gift shoppers, wedding and event hosts, and small hospitality businesses buying in volume.

Retail margin on in-store sales, plus bulk orders for restaurants, bars and events. Gift wrapping, engraving and registry-style sets can add extra income.

• Buying and stock management
• Retail merchandising
• Customer service and sales
• Basic bookkeeping

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and build-out costs, so read carefully before signing
• Local business license, sales tax permit and zoning: check with your city or county
• General liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire staff
• Slow seasons and heavy stock costs tie up cash
• Breakage and shoplifting losses

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on your lease, deposits, build-out and opening stock. Read commercial lease terms carefully before signing, since deposits and build-out costs vary.

Check your local business license, sales tax permit and zoning with your city or county. Also check general liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation if you hire staff. Read your commercial lease terms carefully before signing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your location, stock and whether you add wholesale supply for cafes and bars. Slow seasons, heavy stock costs, breakage and shoplifting can affect what you keep. Expect about 35 hours a week at minimum.