Online loose-leaf tea shop

Home tea drinkers, gift buyers, and people who want a curated or hard-to-find selection delivered.

Margin on each tin or pouch sold, higher order values from sampler sets, gift boxes and accessories, and repeat orders from subscribers.

• Knowing teas and flavors
• Basic online store setup
• Packing and shipping orders
• Simple marketing and photography

• Food labeling rules for packaged teas: check FDA requirements and your state's rules on food labels
• Whether your state requires a home food or cottage food permit, or restricts repacking food at home
• Sales tax registration with your state and any rules on collecting tax for online sales
• Health claims about tea: avoid medical claims, which can create legal problems
• General liability and product liability insurance
• HOA or lease limits on running a business and storing stock at home

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how much stock you buy, how you set up your store and what packaging you choose. These are estimates, so build your budget from real supplier quotes.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your range, marketing and order volume. That is revenue, not profit, so remember to subtract stock, shipping and fees. Treat it as an estimate, not a promise.

Check FDA and state food labeling requirements, whether your state requires a home food or cottage food permit or restricts repacking at home, and sales tax registration. Avoid medical claims about tea, and look into liability insurance and HOA or lease limits.