Japanese candy and snack shop

Anime and Japan fans, students, families with kids, gift buyers and tourists in busy shopping areas.

You buy in cases and sell by the piece or in gift bundles at a markup. Snack boxes, gift sets and seasonal items help raise the average sale.

• Spotting trends and choosing stock
• Managing inventory and expiry dates
• Friendly customer service
• Basic bookkeeping

• Food retail or health department permit requirements for your city or county
• Labels on imported products: check that ingredients and allergens appear in English as required by the FDA
• If you import directly, check FDA food facility registration and prior notice rules, or buy from US importers to avoid them
• Short shelf lives and seasonal stock that can go unsold
• Lease terms, general liability insurance and sales tax registration with your state

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $80,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and opening stock. Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your location, foot traffic and product range.

Check food retail or health department permit requirements for your city or county. Check that imported product labels show ingredients and allergens in English as the FDA requires, and FDA registration and prior notice rules if you import directly.

The idea typically needs at least about 30 hours a week. Useful skills are spotting trends, managing inventory and expiry dates, friendly customer service and basic bookkeeping. Check your lease terms, insurance and state sales tax registration.