How to Start a Chocolate Store
From chocolate Belgian truffles to chocolate Easter bunnies, chocolate delights the senses of all who try it in some form or another. It can also be a lucrative industry for a committed chocolatier looking to start a chocolate shop that can offer something a cut above the dozens of chocolate treats found at every corner store.
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Things You'll Need
- Food handler's permit
- Liability insurance
- Business license
- Location
- Website
Instructions
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Draft a business plan. Sit down and calculate how taxing starting a chocolate shop will be in time, money and effort to ensure that you understand the gravity of your undertaking. Starting any business will be taxing, but a chocolate store, in particular, has unique challenges, such as controlling food waste while experimenting with recipes, locating suppliers who may not speak English and convincing potential customers to spend twice as much money on your chocolate as they would at their local grocery store. Develop a business plan that addresses the cost of travelling to the suppliers, equipment, commercial space requirements, advertising techniques, packaging supplies, shipping methods, education, food permits, business licenses, insurance and anticipated food waste.
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Take a crash course in Spanish. You may be able to rent tapes or CDs from your local library. Some basic communication skills will go a long way when dealing with cocoa bean suppliers and growers whose first language is Spanish. While getting your business up and running, take every opportunity to tune in to your tapes.
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Become a knowledgeable chocolatier by enrolling in a chocolate school that teaches the art of making and processing chocolate, the history of chocolate, how to create gourmet recipes and how to use chocolate molds and packaging.
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Contact your Health Department to obtain a copy of your state's food safety regulations and to apply for your food handler's permit. Take note of the inspection requirements for kitchen equipment and supplies.
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Consult with an attorney and accountant to help you establish the legal aspects of your business, such as forming a limited liability company, addressing tax concerns associated with employees and various entities and liability concerns. Register your business with your county clerk.
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Secure commercial space for your chocolate shop. Look for a well ventilated, high visibility location in a relatively upscale part of town, since the majority of your clients will be middle to upper class. Ideally, your location will have excellent air conditioning, a kitchen large enough to accommodate a preparation table, shelving for supplies, refrigeration and sinks, as well as a good sized storefront where you can set up display tables, a cash wrap and shelves for products. You may want to set up two or three small tables or bar stools at your counter for customers who may want to eat in. In which case, it's a good idea to have refreshments for sale, such as coffee, espresso and milk. This might require another type of license, so check with your local governmental agencies.
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Purchase kitchen equipment, a cash register, counter, display cases and shelving. Then contact an insurance provider to purchase fire and liability insurance. Set up an inspection with your health department or fire marshal.
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Find quality cocoa suppliers. Statemaster.com has a list of chocolate manufacturers around the world. You can also find information about manufacturers and cocoa farms at your local library.
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Advertise your business. Months before your grand opening, put up a banner advertising the big day. Consider hiring a musician to perform. Offer samples. Start a website for your business and have it up and running before the big day. On your site, blog about your adventures in finding suppliers around the world. Take pictures of your destinations and include them on your site. Contact your local newspaper to inform them of your grand opening and leave fliers at upscale boutiques and gift stores. Other venues that may share a client base include yoga and Pilates studios, particularly if you will offer organic or natural treats.
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Tips & Warnings
Create a website for your business.
Contact FedEx and UPS to learn their rates for overnight or express shipping and which company works better for you. Use insulated containers to ensure the goods don't melt.
You may find that there is a lull during warm months on chocolate orders, when customers are more interested in ice cream and cool treats. Use that time to fine tune recipes, work on equipment or stock your shelves with packaging supplies and materials in preparation for the impending, busy holiday season.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit chocolate cake image by Antonio Oquias from Fotolia.com
