Wedding favors and keepsakes boutique

Engaged couples, parents and bridal party members shopping in person, plus online buyers.

Retail markup on stock and personalization fees, plus larger bulk orders for whole weddings.

• Retail buying and stock control
• Merchandising and display
• Sales and customer service
• Budgeting for rent and inventory

• Lease terms, rent and deposits, which are the biggest fixed cost; budget for the first months of rent before sales build
• Fit-out, shelving, signage, point-of-sale system and opening stock all need to be paid for before you open
• Sales tax permit and local business license, check with your state and city
• General liability and property insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire
• Seasonal sales, since many weddings cluster in certain months
• Unsold stock, so start with a small range

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $90,000, depending on your lease, fit-out, shelving, signage, point-of-sale system and opening stock. Budget for the first months of rent before sales build.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your location, range and how many couples visit or order online. Sales are seasonal because many weddings cluster in certain months, so plan cash accordingly.

Check lease terms, deposits and rent carefully. Also check your sales tax permit and local business license with your state and city, plus general liability and property insurance, and workers' compensation if you hire staff.