Neighborhood herbal shop

Local shoppers interested in natural wellness, home tea drinkers, home cooks, and people who make their own balms and remedies.

Retail sales of herbs sold by weight and packaged products, with a markup over wholesale cost. Workshops and gift sets can add extra sales.

• Knowledge of herbs and their common uses
• Customer service and a friendly manner
• Stock ordering and inventory control

• Health claims: check FDA and FTC rules, as you generally cannot say products treat, cure or prevent disease
• Labeling rules for dietary supplements and packaged teas, which you should check with the FDA and your state
• Whether your state or county requires a food or retail permit for repackaging herbs
• General liability and product liability insurance
• Sales tax registration and a local business license, which differ by state and city
• Sourcing quality: buy from suppliers who can show purity and identification of their herbs

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on store size, location and how much stock you buy. Sourcing quality herbs from suppliers who can show purity and identification is worth planning for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on location, product range, opening hours and whether you add classes or tastings. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check FDA and FTC rules on health claims, since you generally cannot say products treat, cure or prevent disease. Also check labeling rules, any food or retail permit for repackaging herbs, insurance, sales tax registration and local business licenses.