Startup cost
$66k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start an Astrology Business
Decision Snapshot
Astrology
Idea Score
46
Profit margin
4%
Break-even
9 mo–24 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
High
Time commitment
Full time
Part 1 - How to start an Astrology business - Background
In many ways, this business is part educational and part retail. You are helping to sell the mystique of astrology to customers and also selling them products related to their love of astrology. Many such businesses also provide psychic readings or tarot readings on the side.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start an Astrology business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening an astrology business?
To open a small retail shop, it costs approximately $65,834. This includes the deposits (security, first month, and triple net) to rent a business lease ($4,589), construction and furniture costs ($7,500), and utility deposits and handyman costs ($450). Various IT expenses, including a custom website, relevant consulting, computer and phone equipment, and a retail point-of-sale system will come to about $6165. Marketing costs, including exterior and interior signs, legal services, logo design, business cards, flyers, and coupons come to about $8900. A big public relations push for your grand opening (including catering and media) is about $1670. This brings the cost to $30,834. The exact cost of your retail stock will vary, but if you spend $35,000 to set up your initial inventory, it brings your costs to $65,834.
What are the ongoing expenses for an astrology business?
Your ongoing expenses will include your monthly rent (this will vary, but was $1,877 in our projections above), cost of utilities (varies by region, but should be less than $1000 a month), and salary of your employees (which will vary based on the number of employees and their pay, but $5,000 is a good projection for a small team).
Who is the target market?
Obviously, your best clients are ones who already believe in the mystic potential of astrology. As far as demographics, college-aged students who are exploring changes to their view of the world typically make for good customers.
How does an astrology business make money?
Your business makes money by selling a variety of astrology-related products and charging money for psychic readings and tarot readings.
How much can you charge customers?
With this kind of retail business, there is no true average price for items. You may sell small items for under five dollars and sell more rare and exotic items for over $100. For things like astrological or tarot readings, your hourly cost may range anywhere from $25 to over $125.
How much profit can an astrology business make?
The exact profit you will make can vary greatly. Many retail businesses end up with a net profit margin between two percent and three percent. However, by having a niche product and a relatively small team, it is possible for you to increase your margins and make a large splash in your community.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Consider variations of your sideline opportunities, such as offering online psychic consulting through mediums such as Skype. Consider hosting community events such as informal seminars where you discuss astrology and its significance throughout history, or its relevance to current events. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask customers if they want to be on a mailing list—you can establish a newsletter that is combined with astrological facts and promotional information about your business. If done well, this can keep satisfied customers coming back and also bringing friends and family.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at an astrology business?
If you start an astrology business as a sideline business, some of your daily activities will include scheduling tarot and/or psychic readings and following up with these appointments via phone or email. Other than that, the business is like any other retail business, and activities include receiving shipments of supplies, stocking shelves, helping customers, and advertising your business.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful astrology business?
Existing knowledge of astrology is critical to build this business. Awareness of astrology software can also help make it easier to consult with customers. Finally, lots of personal experience in shops that sell similar merchandise will let you hit the ground running with products that are proven hits.
What is the growth potential for an astrology business?
The growth potential of this business is modest. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts retail as an industry to grow seven percent between 2014 and 2024. With your business holding a special niche and also offering things like psychic consulting, it may grow even more.
What are some insider tips for jump starting an astrology business?
Consider the sideline opportunities mentioned above (such as psychic readings) as a way of building interest and buzz around your business. Be sure your store features some more eye-catching merchandise as a way of making astrology seem mysterious and intriguing. Also, try to network right away with local businesses: offering services such as astrological readings for business executives can be a big hit in the right area.
How and when to build a team
Unless you forsake sleep, you will likely need a small team right away to help work different shifts and to stay open as many days as possible.
Astrology Resources
You may want to create some basic astrology resources to share with your clients so they can have a deeper appreciation of what your business offers. Whether you choose to include it in your marketing materials or as a paid offer, many customers will want to know more about astrology basics, such as the difference between Vedic and Western astrology, or the 27 nakshatras. In addition, it may be helpful to learn more about Vedic science, which many view as the origin of astrology.
Part 2 - Is an Astrology business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Astrology business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Astrology Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Astrology business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.