How Much Does It Cost to Open a Candy Store?
Summary
Table of Contents
Getting into the confectionary business is no small feat. Whether you choose to take the DIY route or invest in a franchise, such as River Street Sweets®, entering the world of sweets sales will require a proactive approach, determination, hard work, and lest we forget, money. But how much? On average, investors can expect to put down an initial investment of at least $50-100k in order to get the ball rolling. However, each individual circumstance can vary widely based on a number of factors, including location, size, inventory, and more. Additionally, there are costs that folks taking the independent route may incur that those who decide to franchise with their investment will not.
To open a candy store business, budding confection crafters will have to take a close look at their finances and personal resources to determine the best course of action. Not all business models work for all investors, so finding the right one for you will be pivotal to your success in the long run. Depending on which route you take, your personal costs can differ dramatically.
Building A Candy Store Business Plan
Up-and-coming investors have seen the data and are eager to cash in on the lucrative, time-honored business of selling candy. Operators of any candy store are well aware that on average, Americans spend about $240 a year on confections alone, and they’re in a prime position to pick up those sales. However, before rushing headlong into an investment of your own, do yourself a favor and start drafting a proper business plan.
Take a realistic look at where you are, where you want to be in the future, and how you aim to get there. What personal financial resources can you leverage to start your journey? Will you require a loan? Multiple loans? Consider your costs and make room for the unexpected: emergencies, repairs, and the like. For franchisees, this is a somewhat less intensive process and requires mostly a deep examination of your personal finances. On the other hand, for independent entrepreneurs, an entirely different set of considerations are present, since they don’t benefit from the resources, tools, and guidance of a larger company.
No matter which route you take, specific legal registrations will be required before you can start slinging sweets to the public, so be sure to check your local guidelines on what licenses you need to open a candy store.
In general, you can expect to acquire:
- Health Permit
- Seller’s Permit
- EIN (Employee Identification Number)
- Business License.
Take your time, do the research, and make sure everything is above board.
The Candy Store Franchise Model
Several candy store franchise opportunities exist in today’s market, but few have the steadfast reliability and franchisee benefits that help investors be the best they can be. Investors looking for new horizons in commerce may be dissatisfied with their chosen franchise family if they don’t take the time to read the details and learn what differentiates the best from the rest.
With River Street Sweets®, you’ll know that your investment is working for you every moment of the day. As soon as you step foot into one of our stores, it’s apparent how much care and effort we put into each and every one of our franchise locations. When you buy into our franchise, you purchase that promise and gain access to the plethora of resources that we provide. Administrative and operations support, guidance with suppliers, and marketing resources– your investment affords you a suite of tools that will strengthen your business.
How To Open A Candy Store: The Hard Numbers
It’s important for investors to know that, whether they join us at River Street Sweets® or go a different route, a substantial initial investment will be required of them. Going further, franchisees can expect to forfeit a percentage of their gross sales to support efforts within the company as a whole. Nobody likes paying more money, but the benefits are often worth the price; company-wide resources are fortified via funding from franchisees, which then circle back to benefit them directly as needed. It’s a system that works, but potential franchisees should be aware of fees that stretch beyond their initial investment.
In the case of River Street Sweets®, investors can expect to put down an initial investment of between $419,550 and $844,000 to get started, including a franchise fee of $40,000. As a thank you for their service, military veterans are eligible for a discount on the franchise fee, so don’t forget to inquire if you potentially qualify. Beyond that, ongoing costs include 5% of gross weekly sales for franchise royalties, 2% for a collective marketing fund, and a $300/month technology fee. These payments are essential to the support and continued success of not only your franchise but the network as a whole.
Equipment For Starting A Candy Store, Know-How, And More
For those interested in breaking into the business, equipment for starting a candy store is essential. Not only that, but actually knowing how to use the equipment and make the candy is equally important. If you have no prior candy-making experience, possess zero knowledge of the machines required, and simply have a love for sweet treats, you’ve come to the right place.
Other candy franchise opportunities can be intimidating if you don’t have any prior experience, but not so with River Street Sweets®. Franchising with us buys you an intensive 3-week training session at our flagship store in Savannah, GA, where you will learn the ins and outs of candy craft, as well as how to support and maintain your business on a day-to-day basis. Throughout the onboarding process, you will learn everything you need to know in order to flourish and confidently create the perfect candy store setup.
As mentioned previously, your ongoing fees afford you access to tools that you can utilize often as your business continues to grow. We offer best-in-class support that makes all the difference in the lives of our franchisees each day.
How To Start A Candy Business: Taking The Next Step
Ready to learn more about how you can start Creating Sweet Memories with River Street Sweets®? Take a look at our FAQ page for more information on this exciting, one-of-a-kind opportunity, and then reach out to our team to get the ball rolling!
