How to start a juice business: A founder's guide

Starting a juice business is a rewarding venture that combines a passion for health and flavor with smart business savvy. The industry is worth billions of dollars, fueled by a steady demand for fresh, healthy options from fitness enthusiasts, busy professionals, and families alike.

This guide will take you through the practical steps of validating your business concept, securing funding, obtaining the right permits, and acquiring equipment to help you launch a successful juice business in the U.S.

Step 1: Plan your business and validate your concept

Market and competitor research

Start by visiting local farmers' markets and health food stores. Note their pricing, popular blends, and customer demographics. You can also use Google Maps to identify all juice bars within a five-mile radius and analyze their online reviews and menus.

A frequent misstep is to create a menu based only on personal taste. You might love a unique ginger-beet blend, but if local customers consistently buy simple apple or orange juice, you need that data. Your menu should balance your passion with clear market demand.

Budget for your startup costs

Your initial investment will likely range from $5,000 to over $20,000, depending on your scale. A commercial cold-press juicer is a significant part of the budget, often costing between $2,000 and $10,000. Researching the right model is time well spent.

With that in mind, here is a sample breakdown of other major expenses you might want to plan for:

• Commercial Refrigeration: $1,500 - $5,000
• Permits and Licenses: $500 - $1,500
• Initial Inventory (produce, bottles): $1,000 - $3,000
• Branding and Website: $500 - $2,500

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Draft a one-page business plan that outlines your target customer and unique juice offerings.
• Create a spreadsheet to track competitor pricing and popular menu items.
• Research three commercial juicer models and compare their features and costs.
• Build a detailed startup budget based on the cost ranges provided.

Step 2: Establish your legal structure and obtain licenses

Choose your business structure

You might want to consider forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC). This structure protects your personal assets from business debts and offers pass-through taxation. You can file for an LLC online through your state's Secretary of State website, a process that typically costs between $50 and $500.

Secure your licenses and permits

First, get a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS website. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also regulates juice production. Many new owners overlook FDA rules for unpasteurized juice, which require a specific warning label on your products. Check their guidelines carefully.

Next, contact your local health department for a Food Facility Health Permit. This permit can cost from $200 to $1,000 and take 4-8 weeks to process, so apply early. You will also need a general business license from your city or county clerk's office.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Register your business as an LLC with your Secretary of State.
• Apply for a free EIN directly from the IRS website.
• Contact your local health department to request a permit application packet.
• Look up the FDA’s specific labeling requirements for unpasteurized juice.

Step 3: Secure your insurance and manage risk

Key insurance policies

Now that your business is legally established, it's time to protect it. You'll need specific insurance policies to operate safely. In fact, most farmers' markets or retail partners will ask for proof of insurance before you can even set up a stall.

Here are the main policies to consider:

• General Liability: This covers accidents like a customer slip-and-fall. A standard policy offers $1 million in coverage.
• Product Liability: This protects you if a customer gets sick from your juice. It is often bundled with general liability, but you must confirm this.
• Commercial Property: This insures your equipment against theft or damage. Make sure the policy covers the full replacement cost of your expensive juicer.
• Workers’ Compensation: If you hire employees, this is legally required in most states to cover on-the-job injuries.

For a basic general and product liability package, annual premiums typically range from $800 to $2,500. You might want to get quotes from providers who specialize in food businesses, such as the Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP), Next Insurance, or The Hartford.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Request quotes from at least two specialized food insurance providers.
• Confirm that product liability is explicitly included in your general liability quote.
• Calculate the total replacement value of your equipment for a commercial property policy.
• Ask potential insurers about add-on coverage for equipment breakdown and spoilage.

Step 4: Secure a location and buy equipment

Find your physical space

Look for a space between 400 and 1,000 square feet. It must have a commercial zoning classification that permits food preparation. Your city's planning department can confirm the zoning for any potential address. Many new owners overlook the need for specific plumbing, like floor drains, which can be costly to add later.

When you find a spot, you can negotiate the lease. Ask the landlord for a Tenant Improvement (TI) allowance to help cover the cost of plumbing and electrical upgrades. Also, request an exclusivity clause to prevent another juice bar from opening in the same building.

Purchase your equipment

With your location secured, it is time to outfit your space. Beyond the juicer and refrigerator, you will need other items. You can find new or used equipment from suppliers like WebstaurantStore or Restaurant Depot.

• 3-Compartment Sink: $300 - $1,000 (required by most health departments)
• Commercial Blender: $500 - $1,500
• Stainless Steel Prep Tables: $150 - $500 each
• Ice Machine: $1,500 - $4,000

For produce, you can partner with local farms or use a wholesale distributor. Be aware that distributors often have minimum order quantities, sometimes 50-100 pounds for a specific fruit or vegetable, so plan your menu and storage accordingly.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Check your city’s planning department website for commercial zoning maps.
• Ask potential landlords about a Tenant Improvement allowance during lease talks.
• Price out a 3-compartment sink and a commercial blender from two different suppliers.
• Contact a local wholesale produce distributor to inquire about their minimum order policies.

Step 5: Set up payment processing

Choose your payment system

You need a reliable way to accept payments. Most juice sales are immediate, so your system must handle credit, debit, and digital wallets like Apple Pay. Many new owners get stuck with high transaction fees that eat into their profits, so research your options carefully.

Traditional processors often charge between 2.5% and 3.5% per sale and may require you to buy or rent a separate card reader. These costs add up, especially for a mobile setup like a market stall or a pop-up event where simplicity is key.

For juice businesses that need to accept payments on-site or on-the-go, JIM offers a streamlined solution. With JIM, you can accept debit, credit, and digital wallets directly through your smartphone—just tap and done. At just 1.99% per transaction with no hidden costs or extra hardware needed, it's particularly useful for farmers' market stalls.

• Get Started: Download the JIM app for iOS.
• Make a Sale: Type the sales amount, hit sell, and ask your customer to tap their card or device on your phone.
• Access Funds: Your money is available right on your JIM card as soon as the sale is done—no waiting for bank transfers.

Here are 3 immediate steps to take:

• Compare the transaction fees of at least two different payment processors.
• Download the JIM app to see how the interface works on your phone.
• Calculate your potential savings with a hardware-free system versus one that requires a card reader.

Step 6: Fund your business and manage finances

Secure your startup capital

You might want to explore an SBA Microloan, which offers up to $50,000 and is well-suited for new businesses. Lenders typically look for a credit score of 680 or higher, with interest rates often falling between 8% and 13%. This can cover your juicer and initial rent.

Another path is grants. The USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant is a great fit if you plan to use locally sourced produce. These are competitive, so it is a good idea to check the application deadlines on their website far in advance.

Plan your working capital

You will need enough cash to cover your first six months of operation. Calculate your total monthly expenses—rent, inventory, payroll—and multiply by six. If your monthly burn is $4,000, you should aim for $24,000 in working capital to stay afloat comfortably.

A frequent miscalculation is underestimating initial inventory costs. Produce prices fluctuate seasonally. It is wise to budget an extra 15-20% for your first few produce orders to absorb any price surprises without disrupting your cash flow.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Check your credit score to see if you meet the typical 680+ requirement for an SBA loan.
• Research the SBA Microloan program on the official SBA website.
• Look up the next application window for the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant.
• Create a spreadsheet to project your operating expenses for the first six months.

Step 7: Hire your team and set up operations

Build your team

For your first hire, you will likely need a "Juice Barista." This person handles everything from produce prep and juicing to customer service and cleaning. Plan for an hourly wage between $15 and $20, plus tips, depending on your location.

Before they start, your employees must have a Food Handler's Permit. This is a state or local requirement. The certification can usually be completed online in a few hours for about $10 to $15.

Streamline your daily workflow

Many new owners struggle with product consistency. To avoid this, create a detailed recipe book with exact measurements for every item on your menu. This ensures every customer gets the same great taste, no matter who is working.

Once you have a team, you might want to use scheduling software like Homebase or 7shifts to manage schedules and communication. For staffing levels, aim to keep your labor costs between 25% and 35% of your total revenue, a common benchmark in food service.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Draft a job description for a Juice Barista, including responsibilities and pay.
• Check your state’s requirements for obtaining a Food Handler's Permit.
• Create a standardized recipe card for your top three juice blends.
• Sign up for a free trial of a scheduling software like Homebase or 7shifts.

Step 8: Market your business and attract customers

Build an online presence

Your juice is a visual product, so make Instagram and Facebook your primary channels. Post vibrant, high-quality photos of your juices daily. Many new owners only post product shots; instead, show fresh ingredients or happy customers to tell a more engaging story.

Once you have some content, you can run targeted ads. For example, you could target women aged 25-45 interested in yoga within a five-mile radius. A healthy customer acquisition cost (CAC) to aim for with local ads is between $10 and $25 per new customer.

Forge local partnerships

Beyond digital, connect with nearby gyms, yoga studios, and corporate offices. You might offer their members a standing 10% discount. This builds a steady stream of regulars. You can also provide samples for a wellness event to get direct feedback and sales.

Encourage repeat business

A simple loyalty program can work wonders for retention. A physical "buy nine, get the tenth free" punch card is easy to implement and can boost repeat visits. It gives people a tangible reason to choose your shop over another.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Create a business account on Instagram and plan your first week of photo content.
• List five local gyms or wellness studios to approach for a partnership.
• Design a simple "buy 9, get 1 free" punch card.
• Explore Facebook Ads Manager to see how you can target local audiences.

Step 9: Price your juice for profit

Set your price strategy

First, calculate your cost of goods sold (COGS) for each juice, which includes ingredients, bottles, and labels. A mistake many make is to stop there. You should also add a small percentage for labor and overhead to get your true cost per bottle.

With your true cost known, you can use cost-plus pricing. A standard markup for juice is 3x to 4x your COGS. If a juice costs you $2.50 to make, you might price it between $7.50 and $10. This aims for a food cost of 25-35%.

Also, look at what competitors charge. If other local shops sell similar 16 oz green juices for $9, pricing yours at $12 might be difficult unless you offer something unique. Pricing at $8.50 could give you a competitive edge.

Use tiered and bundle pricing

You can also introduce tiered pricing. For example, a 12 oz juice could be $7 while a 16 oz version is $9. This encourages customers to buy the larger, more profitable size. Bundles, like a "3-day cleanse" pack for a set price, can also increase your average sale value.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Calculate the total COGS for your three most popular juice recipes.
• Research the prices of five local or online competitors.
• Set a target food cost percentage, aiming for 25-35%.
• Create a price list for your full menu, including any bundles or size options.

Step 10: Maintain quality and scale your operations

Establish your quality standards

As your business grows, consistency is everything. A frequent mistake is letting quality slide during busy periods. To prevent this, you can use a refractometer to measure the Brix (sugar level) of your juices. Aim for a variance of less than 1.0 to ensure every bottle tastes the same.

You might also consider pursuing USDA Organic certification if you source certified ingredients. This is a lengthy process, but it can significantly boost your brand's credibility and justify premium pricing down the line.

Know when to grow

Growth should be driven by data, not just ambition. When you consistently sell over 75 bottles a day for a month, that is a strong signal to hire your first full-time employee. Another key metric is when your produce waste drops below 5% thanks to accurate sales forecasting.

Once you have a team, inventory management becomes more complex. You might want to look into software like MarketMan to track produce, reduce spoilage, and automate reordering. This frees you up to focus on bigger-picture expansion, like a second location or a wholesale partnership.

Here are 4 immediate steps to take:

• Purchase a refractometer to measure the Brix levels of your top juices.
• Create a simple customer feedback form to track satisfaction scores.
• Set a daily sales goal that will trigger your first hire, such as 75 bottles.
• Research an inventory management system like MarketMan to see how it fits your workflow.

Your juice business is a blend of passion and smart planning. Remember that people are buying freshness and your story, not just a drink. You have the roadmap, so trust your taste and your numbers. Go get started.

And as you make those first sales, you'll need a simple way to get paid. JIM lets you accept cards right on your smartphone for a flat 1.99% fee, no extra hardware needed. It keeps things simple. Download JIM.