A medicinal herbs business may involve the actual growing and selling of herbs used for medicinal use. As an alternative to growing their own, owners of this type of business may purchase medicinal herbs in bulk from a grower and then resell the herbs to individuals or retailers.
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Start a medicinal herbs business by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Medicinal Herbs Business
- Form your Medicinal Herbs Business into a Legal Entity
- Register your Medicinal Herbs Business for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Medicinal Herbs Business
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Medicinal Herbs Business
- Get Medicinal Herbs Business Insurance
- Define your Medicinal Herbs Business Brand
- Create your Medicinal Herbs Business Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
We have put together this simple guide to starting your medicinal herbs business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.
Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.
STEP 1: Plan your business
A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:
- What will you name your business?
- What are the startup and ongoing costs?
- Who is your target market?
- How much can you charge customers?
Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.
What will you name your business?
Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Medicinal Herbs Business Name Generator
If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.
When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:
- Your state’s business records
- Federal and state trademark records
- Social media platforms
- Web domain availability
It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.
What are the costs involved in opening a medicinal herbs business?
The cost of starting this type of business differs greatly depending on the business model but there is a place in this industry for people with almost any budget.
The easiest and cheapest way to start this type of business is to purchase medicinal herbs through a wholesale distributor and then resell these herbs online. This type of setup would require getting the proper licenses, a website, bulk herbs, and packaging material. Someone could start this type of business for less than $300 if he or she already owns a computer. For only a little more money, someone can easily rent a booth at a farmers market or fair and sell directly to customers.
Opening a permanent store to sell medicinal herbs requires a person to have access to much more capital. The biggest expense is rent, which can be thousands of dollars a month. In addition, if someone wants to go this route, they will need to invest in inventory, store fittings, utilities, insurance, and everything else which comes with running a retail location. Potential medicinal herb business owners who are interested in operating a retail location may want to consider one of the medicinal herb retail franchises which are available.
The largest expense for those who decide to grow their own medicinal herbs is the land. Land costs vary depending on the location and the quality of the land. Potential business owners who do not currently own land may wish to rent land at first to save money. Besides the cost of the land, costs include seeds, tools, water, and labor. Greenhouses and polytunnels can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, but can extend your growing season. In order to label herbs as “organic”, growers need to apply for at least one certifying organization in the US for an organic certification. The certification process can cost up to $1500. Transporting products to market is an additional expense.
What are the ongoing expenses for a medicinal herbs business?
Depending on your business model, you will have to pay monthly for rent, utilities, seeds, inventory, and labor.
Who is the target market?
Medicinal herb businesses have several kinds of customers. The best retail customer is a person interested in living a natural, healthy lifestyle and already has experience with herbal medicine. A good wholesale customer is an established herbal medicine store which is looking to expand its product line. Herbal practitioners interested in earning more money by creating a white-label brand under their own name are great potential customers.
How does a medicinal herbs business make money?
Medicinal herbs business owners make money by selling herbs.
How much can you charge customers?
It depends on your product’s quality, uniqueness, and where you choose to sell. Resellers who handle name-brand products can face stiff competition online which can drive down the prices customers will pay. Business owners with unique products have much more flexibility on setting their own prices.
How much profit can a medicinal herbs business make?
Growers can earn as much as $25 a square foot over the course of a year depending on the type of herbs they grow and the customer base. Medicinal herbs businesses that re-sell bulk herbs typically charge 30% or more over their costs.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Businesses that grow medicinal herbs can also plant culinary herbs to diversify their customer base. All owners of medicinal herbs businesses can create “value-added” products like herbal pillows and gift sets. Teaching classes in the proper use of herbs or on herb gardening is also a good way to increase profits.
Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!
STEP 2: Form a legal entity
One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your medicinal herbs business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.
This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.
In practice, this means that if your medicinal herbs business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.
Ready to Turn Your Business Idea Into a Reality?
Tailor Brands is our top recommendation because it guides you through every step of the formation process with hands-on support — from paperwork and compliance to devising a detailed plan to help you achieve your business goals.
Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!
You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?
There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card
Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
Open a business bank account
Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.
Get a business credit card
Getting a business credit card helps you:
- Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business’ expenses all in one place.
- Build your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.
STEP 5: Set up business accounting
Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.
STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
State & Local Business Licensing Requirements
In most states, it is necessary to obtain an herb business license. Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a medicinal herb business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.
Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
Certificate of Occupancy
A medicinal herb business is generally run out of a garden. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.
- If you plan to lease a location:
- It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
- Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a medicinal herb business.
- After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
- If you plan to purchase or build a location:
- You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
- Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your medicinal herb business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.
Food Regulations
When selling food, you will need licensing from a local health department; all establishments serving food are required to pass a health inspection. Tips for faring well on health inspections
There are federal regulations regarding what can and cannot be added to, sold as, and processed with food. Attached is a resource from the Food and Drug Administration detailing the process of starting a food business: How to Start a Food Business
STEP 7: Get business insurance
Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.
There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.
Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.
Find out what types of insurance your Medicinal Herbs Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Medicinal Herbs Business.
STEP 8: Define your brand
Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.
How to promote & market a medicinal herbs business
The best way to market a medicinal herbs business which sells straight to individuals is to provide information about the benefits of medicinal herbs. You may wish to do this online, through articles and websites, or in person by giving talks and hosting classes on herbal remedies. You should contact large companies directly if you plan to sell wholesale.
How to keep customers coming back
Become part of the community by being a resource for more than your products, but for your knowledge as well. Since this industry is part of healthcare, customer service is especially important.
STEP 9: Create your business website
After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.
While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.
STEP 10: Set up your business phone system
Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.
Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com
Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.
Is this Business Right For You?
The owner of a medicinal herbal business should have a background in using herbs as a medicine, even if they are not a certified herbalist. Owners who plan on growing their own medicinal herbs need a background in gardening and enough land to grow herbs. All owners should be open and care about people, and they should have a desire to give back to their communities, but the industry also requires a shrewd business sense to stay profitable.
Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?
Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!
What happens during a typical day at a medicinal herbs business?
Herbal medicinal business owners spend much of their time handling marketing and sales. This may mean working in a store or creating websites and running ads to sell online. Medicinal herb business owners which grow their own herbs will spend a good portion on their days planting, tending to, and harvesting herbs. Those owners which buy wholesale will need to talk with suppliers, order supplies, and repackage herbs.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful medicinal herbs business?
The owner of a medicinal herbs company needs to have an understanding of the proper use of medicinal herbs. This does not mean that everyone who owns this type of company needs to be a certified herbal practitioner, but this would certainly help. Owners who grow their own herbs need to have an adequate level of gardening skills and knowledge. All owners of this type of business need to know how to run a retail or wholesale operation and have some experience with marketing.
What is the growth potential for a medicinal herbs business?
There is a massive growth of natural products and healthier alternatives to more common medical issues in the US. This will mean there will be a higher demand for medicinal herbs in the future.
Take the Next Step
Find a business mentor
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
Learn from other business owners
Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.
Resources to Help Women in Business
There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:
- Funding
- Events
- Guides
- Support
If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a medicinal herbs business?
Do enough research to learn about the current demand for medicinal herbs in your local area or the area where you plan to sell. Ensure that you actually have a viable market before investing in purchasing or growing herbs. Once you have a good sense of who your customers will be, start off small. Avoid a financial disaster by building your business slowly.
How and when to build a team
Larger retail and growing operations will require employees. Make sure when hiring new employees they share your vision and dedication to herbal medicine. Consider hiring long-time customers as employees if they show interest.