Costs to Start a Candy Store
It’s possible to start a small candy store and then gradually expand that store as it’s profitable. Small stores cost $20,000 to $50,000, while a larger store can cost as much as $75,000 to start up.
Common startup costs for a candy store include:
- Candy making equipment
- Inventory
- Supplies, like shopping bags, candy scoops, and ingredients
- Shelving and displays
- Signage
Steps to Starting a Candy store
Step 1. Write your Business Plan
After coming up with the idea, the next step in starting your business should be to write a business plan. Not only will a bank require you to have a business plan, but multiple studies have shown that a business plan helps increase the odds of starting a successful business.
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Step 2. Form a Business Entity
A business entity refers to how a business is legally organized to operate. There are four primary business entities to choose from which include the sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation and LLC. Each type of entity has its own pros and cons such as liability exposure, costs and administrative requirements.
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Step 3. Choose a Business Name
A business name will be needed for your candy store. Registration of the name will vary depending on the business entity, availability, trademarks, and more.
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Step 4. Select your Location
Rent costs will depend on the size and location of the store, as well as what amenities are available. A candy store that makes its own candy will need access to a large kitchen area, potentially driving up rent costs. Stores located in high-traffic retail locations typically bring higher rent costs, but they can also generate valuable walk-in traffic.
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Step 5. Apply for Business Licenses and Permits
A candy store owner will need to obtain certain business licenses and permits. These permits and licenses can vary based on the state and town where the business is located.
According to Profitable Venture, candy stores must also obtain county health department permits, which cost about $25. Stores that resell candy may need to obtain a resale certificate, though different states have different requirements. If the store makes its own candy, it will be subject to additional food licensing and permitting requirements. These requirements vary from state to state.
Some other common local, state and, federal registrations a candy store may need include, a , , and Occupancy Permit among others.
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Step 6. Find Financing
Coming up with a good business idea and having the skills to run it are one thing, but getting the funding to start a candy store is another. In order to get a loan, the borrower(s) will need to have good credit and be able to invest 15-25% of their money towards the total start-up costs.
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Step 7. Get your Marketing Plan in Place
Marketing is an ongoing expense for a candy store. Common marketing techniques include social media marketing, online advertising, print advertising, and radio advertising. Some stores may establish a loyalty rewards program to encourage returning customers. Marketing costs will depend on the volume and type of activity performed.
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Step 8. Get Insurance
A candy store needs several types of insurance for full coverage:
- General liability insurance offers protection against expenses that a business might face if a customer is ever injured while on the property or made sick by eating candy that the store sold.
- Commercial property insurance can help to cover expenses and losses that could result if the building or inventory is damaged or destroyed in an event like a fire.
- Worker’s compensation insurance helps to cover expenses like medical bills and legal fees that could result if an employee were hurt while on the job.
Insurance policy costs depend on factors like the business’ size, location, the number of employees on staff, and the value of its inventory and equipment. To get the most accurate idea of what to budget for insurance, request quotes from multiple providers. When evaluating the quotes, compare not only the premiums, but also the plan exclusions, coverage limitations, and deductibles compare.
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Step 9. Hiring Employees
Most candy stores need at least a few employees. According to PayScale, a candy store manager earns an average salary of $14 per hour, while cashiers earn an average of $10 per hour. Simply Hired reports that confectioners earn approximately $82,682 per year.
When a store owner hires employees, the store’s budget needs to cover not only salary costs, but also other related expenses. Workman’s comp insurance, unemployment insurance, and paid time off all need to fit within the budget.
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How much can you potentially make owning a candy store?
A store’s profits will vary depending on factors like the store’s size, its profit margins, its location, and how many years it’s been in business. Store owners can maximize profits through market research, careful product selection, and creative marketing.
Things to consider before starting a candy store
The candy industry can be competitive, so before opening a store, do some research into competing stores in the area. Visit the stores and see what they offer, but also pay attention to what they don’t offer. There might be an opportunity to offer candy deliveries, candy bouquets, specialty candies, and other products and services that aren’t currently available in the area. Be sure to not only focus on specialty candy stores as big-box stores and online retailers are carrying many of the same items, making it harder for specialty stores to compete.
If you plan to make your own candies, test the market first by making candies from home without investing in a storefront. This is the perfect opportunity to develop and refine your recipes and offerings, find out what’s most popular, and build up a customer base that will support you when you do decide to open your store.
Many candy stores offer both candy and ice cream. This popular pairing can help to expand your customer base and your profits, but be sure to perform a cost analysis to make sure that expanding into ice cream is worth the cost. Ice cream freezers, supplies, and inventory will drive up your operating costs, but it can also be a wise investment if carefully implemented.
Resources:
American Sugar Alliance
National Confectioners Association
