Making Little to Non-Existing Profit

What Ive already noticed about my first impression, as a tea proprietress, is that there is a lot of calculating. I mean a lot of calculating! Im greatful for my Texas Instrument TI-83 Plus! I would assume that suttlers have even MORE calculating than what I have to do. But still, I have finished one part of many calculations I have to finish before the season begins.

First I ordered my teas and containers for the actual tea purchase scenarios. But upon that, I needed to find a way to distribute the tea evenly and therefore I purchased a weight scale. I love my weight scale! Its so sensitive! I have also collected tea wears, such as tea cups and saucers to tea lunch plates and dinner plates. As of right now, I have two main patterns, and I think they look gorgeous! I have also acquired some hankies from garage sales. And so the first calculation is adding all that I have spent, creating my first total. 

My goal this season is basically balance out the amount that I have put into it.

Second, I have to divide the teas into tins, which I have done today. I have weighed them, divided the original price with the amount contained, creating the price I will most likely sell them at for events. As of right now, all the teas in these cute little containers are under $5, including the most expensive tea I have, Chamomile.

However, my other goal this season is to save money.

I believe that I would be beneficial to my customers as well as me if we both saved money. And the best way to save money, I figured, is to ask my reoccurring customers to reuse the tins they have bought prior. Reoccurring customers will receive 5%-10% discount on their next tea purchase if they bring back the original tin! 

Im aware that the minimal prices of anything I sell will give me little to no profit at all. Although I am hoping for great sales in the tea wear and donations, I know that this is only a hobby and Im not expecting to make a great profit. With that said, I plan to take any profit and bring it back into the shop. First adding a professional looking sign!

Even with the disappointing outlook, I am excited to start this little shop! I cant wait to see great friends drop by the shop and enjoy some tea on Saturdays at 5 for the tea parties!