How to Start a Popcorn Business

If you want to start a popcorn business, you must create a simple plan that will guide you throughout startup. Visit the local city or county office to find out about the legal requirements like licensing and make sure you submit the needed documents.

Secure the needed tools and supplies to start producing delicious popcorn.

Almost everyone loves popcorn. It would be possible to earn some money if you start your own business. Americans love popcorn since the 16th century. Starting a business is not that hard as long as you know what you’re doing. Among the things you will need is business license, popcorn maker, sales venue, and some fliers or business cards. Before you head out, you will need to prepare a plan. Since this type of business requires little capital, you can use your savings instead of applying for a loan. Your business plan doesn’t need to be too formal, as long as it covers the major aspects of the business. In fact, you can write it down on a planner or a notebook.

Starting Your Own Popcorn Business

You have to check with the local office in your county or city to determine the legal requirements for business startup. You will have fewer problems if the business is a legal entity and conforms to the government’s procedures and regulations. Now, you will need to find a location for the business but you can always start a home-based business with some popcorn carts; that is, if zoning requirements do not hinder you from starting a home-based popcorn business.

One of the most important tools you will need is a popcorn maker. This can cost you $200 or more depending on the brand or model that you purchase. You have to get a reliable and quality popcorn maker to make great-tasting popcorns. Since you will be preparing food, it is necessary to obtain a certification or license from the department of health. You will need to visit the health inspector in your area to find out the requirements that you need to comply with.

If you lease out a store space, you can purchase some tables and chair where your customers can sit. You should also provide for entertainment inside the store, so your customers will not get bored. In a home-based business, you will be selling popcorn in different places, which means that you need employees. Popcorn carts can be taken craft shows, flea markets, festivals, and concerts since all these places will allow you to generate higher sales. You have to produce only the right amount of popcorns to avoid wasting any of your supplies. Over time, you can now think of other ways to supplement your income. You can sell some drinks and side snacks that will complement popcorns very well. Open your own business today and earn extra money.

24 Comments

  • sam said on July 5, 2011
    I was thinking of a gourmet popcorn in home business. making the popcorn at home. I am in Alaska and it's winter 70% percent of the year for us. What would it take to do a start-up business. What are the ins and out, do's and don't, good and bads?
  • masood huusain said on November 6, 2011
    i want to start a popcorn business from home. I live in united kingdom dist. bedfordshire and city name is luton
  • tyrawilliams said on August 11, 2012
    I am interested in starting a popcorn business. Would like a general idea of start up cost. Is it possible to start from home. Have identified only one area in Westland, Michigan on Avondale and Wayne Road.
  • Musa Ali said on November 26, 2012
    My name is Musa Ali and my business location is Wilmington, Delaware 19809. I would like a general idea of the start up cost, for a kiosk or booth in a venue such as a mall or farmer's market. Thank you, Musa
  • gilbert amponah said on March 19, 2013
    i want a business plan to start a pop corn business in knust campus,kumasi,ghana
  • Lin said on April 24, 2013
    I want to sell Carmel popcorn . What is required to do this in Washington? Thanks Lin
  • shelia patton said on May 25, 2013
    I would love to start my own popcorn business. I live in huntsville alabama 35811. I have a special herbal popcorn that I make which is healthy for you. Please help me.
  • Ranjith said on December 26, 2013
    i want a business plan to start a pop corn business in Los Angeles, CA
  • alex lexzy said on February 25, 2014
    pls, would luv to knw how to write a proposal to the government over production of pop corn. Pls mail me at a.lexzy@yahoo.com. Thanks a lot
  • gemma said on September 17, 2014
    just bought me a 8oz popcorn machine, time to get off my bum and earn some money. i'll be signing off when I go for it and reading up has much has I can to make myself successful
  • VIDYA ASHWIN KUNDAR said on January 16, 2015
    Hi, I want to start pop corn business from home as i stay in india-mumbai.. pls guide me how to start this business and my profit and loss if any...
  • Dez said on January 29, 2015
    Hi, I started popcorn making business last year 2014 but returns are not yet good please tell me how i can benefit in this business. Business location Ntinda 30km from the capital city of Uganda, City is Kampala, State Uganda and the Country is Uganda. I will be glad to hear from you soon. Thank you.
  • priscus said on January 30, 2015
    Hi, I started popcorn making business last year 2014 but returns are not yet good please tell me how i can benefit in this business. Business location TANZANIA CITY DAR ES SALAAM PORT AREA KURASINI AROUND WITH COLLAGE TIA, CHURCH, LIVI .I will be glad to hear from you soon.Thank you.
  • Mwatime Shamiim said on November 7, 2015
    I would like to start up a popcorn business by 8-Aug-2016.I live in Uganda please tell me how i can do this and benefit.Thank you.
  • SAGAR BIDAVE said on February 19, 2016
    I HAVE START A POPPCORN MAKING BUSINESS IN HOME BUT I AM FACING SOME PROBLEMS REGARDING QUALITY OF PRODUCT.LIVING IN BARSHI,DIST SOLAPUR,STATE MAHARASHTRA,INDIA.NEED GUIEDANCE.
  • Dave said on February 24, 2016
    I would like to start a popcorn business in Wisconsin and wonder if I need to lease a store or could do it from home.
  • Sreekanth said on April 25, 2016
    Hi am sreekanth am from india@andhra pradesh I want to start a pop corn business can any1 suggest me how to start up,raw materials,machinery,labour etc...pls suggest me..
  • Gerson Mafokwane said on May 6, 2016
    Hy my name is Gerson Mafokwane from South Africa(Pretoria) I want to start a popcorn business bt the problem is I cnt find or obtain a starting capital...what can I do to find fundings? Pls help.
  • Lateef said on June 2, 2016
    Hello, I have interest in popcorn business. Kindly give the necessary guide and cost. I based in Nigeria. Thanks.
  • Prasad Bavanari said on January 19, 2017
    HI Team - I am planning to launch popcorn in India, kindly let me know how to go about it.
  • James said on March 30, 2017
    Hi am James I want to start a popcorn business and I need a brief introduction of how it is prepared , the starting and ingredients to be added, and how am starting it .Am in Ghana inaide a small town called navrongo thank u.
  • Motlatsi Magae said on June 5, 2017
    Hi I would like to start a popcorn business at home so I want to know how much roughly I am going to need to start this?
  • Adelaine Ronkin said on July 31, 2018
    Hi, I would like to start a popcorn business at home so I want to know how much roughly I am going to need to start this? Also, what type of licenses will be required for Massachusetts? Thanks!
  • Martin said on November 19, 2020
    I am by names of Martin Kazibwe am in Uganda, I would like to start up a popcorn business but the problem is capital this time I have only $71 but I need about $300, so I request offerings from any one so that I start up that business and am sure my life will be nice when you help me thanks, my phone number is +256777436000.

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