Pop-Up afternoon tea events

Guests buying tickets, plus groups booking private events like bridal showers, birthdays and baby showers.

Ticket price per seat or per party set menu, with extra for private bookings, and tea or treats sold to take home.

• Baking or sourcing good food
• Event planning and table styling
• Social media and local promotion
• Customer service

• Health permits for temporary food events and the use of a licensed commercial kitchen (rules differ by state and county, and cottage food rules may not cover this)
• General liability insurance, as venues often ask for proof of cover
• Venue agreements, including cancellation terms and any cost to hire the space
• Sales tax registration with your state for prepared food
• Weak ticket sales on a given date, so start with small numbers and low upfront costs

Estimated startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on venue hire, food and equipment, table styling and insurance. Starting with small numbers and low upfront costs helps limit your risk.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,500, depending on how many events you run, ticket sales and private bookings. The estimate assumes from about 8 hours a week, and sales can vary by date.

Check health permits for temporary food events and use of a licensed commercial kitchen, since cottage food rules may not cover this. Also check liability insurance, venue agreements and cancellation terms, and state sales tax registration.