Neighborhood health food store

Health-conscious locals, people on special diets, fitness fans and shoppers looking for items regular supermarkets don't carry.

You buy from wholesalers and distributors and sell at a markup. Regular customers, loyalty offers and a few higher-margin items like supplements and your own gift bundles help build sales.

• Product knowledge and curiosity about nutrition
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control
• Friendly customer service
• Buying and negotiating with suppliers

• Check with your city or county for a business license, certificate of occupancy and sign rules
• Register with your state for sales tax, and check which items are taxable
• Selling packaged food may need a retail food permit from your health department; check what applies to you
• Supplement labeling and health claims are regulated by the FDA and FTC, so avoid making medical claims
• Carry general liability and product liability insurance, and check what your landlord requires
• Stock ties up cash and food expires, so order cautiously at first

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on shop size, fixtures and how much opening stock you buy. Stock ties up cash and food expires, so ordering cautiously at first is worth planning for.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on location, shop size, product range and opening hours. That is revenue, not profit, so rent, stock and other costs come out of it. Estimates assume at least about 40 hours a week.

Check your city or county for a business license, certificate of occupancy and sign rules, plus state sales tax registration. Packaged food may need a retail food permit, and supplement labeling and health claims are regulated by the FDA and FTC.