Planning to start their own business, everyone asks the same question: which niche is more profitable to choose? And if among the options under consideration was the idea to open a coffee shop, be sure to consider it as carefully as possible. After all, the mass love of the hot beverage can turn out to be a gold mine. And to prove it, we will tell you in detail where to start!
What does it take to open?
Starting a new project from scratch needs careful planning. Even if you buy a ready-made idea or are going to work on a franchise, you need to have at least a base. A coffee shop appeals to most enthusiasts because of its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, but you still can’t do without some elements:
Real estate (location).
First, you need to choose a suitable space. Decide on the geolocation and budget: sometimes for the same cost locations are completely different – from a spacious room in a residential area to a tiny kiosk near the subway. Take into account the number of competitors in the neighborhood and infrastructure – over time it will directly affect the level of revenue, so it is better to choose the most successful location. Be especially careful with the lease, aim for reliable deals so that customers do not lose sight of you because of the sudden removals.
Tables, chairs, decorations.
Carefully consider the design of the coffee shop itself from the inside. Think through not only your own comfort (workspace), but also the area customers. In the pursuit of economy do not forget about aesthetics and comfort: furniture and accessories should create a single picture, evoke a feeling of comfort. Planning the repair, consider every detail, so as not to spoil the image of the institution.
Inventory (namely good coffee!)
Stand out from seasoned coffee shop owners with quality product. Cooperate only with reliable suppliers – they will be a guarantee of your success, because the pleasant taste of coffee will be able to overcome all the shortcomings. Discuss in advance the range of products, frequency and volume of supply. The main task is to provide 100% availability of ingredients for all menu items.
Equipment
Equipment for the coffee house, everyone chooses on the basis of financial potential: buy new equipment or stop on the used version. For a good start will be enough to 1-2 coffee machines, grinders, a small cabinet, refrigerator and microwave (if required by the range). The rest must acquire as the institution expands.
Marketing and promotions
Promotion should not be overlooked either. Thoughtful advertising will give a steady stream of customers, which is especially important for those who are new to the business. Use online or offline promotion, combine both ways to make yourself known to a potential audience. Create a unique system of discounts / bonuses or flash mobs, which will be associated only with your coffee shop – in addition to delicious drinks, it will be able to become an additional incentive for visitors.
Creating a business plan
On the eve of opening a coffee shop be sure to create a detailed business plan. Calculating future costs and risks will allow you to see the real picture and be prepared for all the difficulties. Alas, the launch of their own project is not always smoothly. But the focus on details will be helpful: it will become clear in what direction to act, where to be careful, how to re-insure or what to completely cross off the list. Among the most relevant items can be offered:
- Calculate the cost of each cup of coffee (make sure that you will be able to turn a profit and control a stable share of the profits);
- Analyze your competitors’ market (an opportunity to consider others’ mistakes and stand out, to create a fundamentally different format of promotion);
- Draw up a ready-made menu (to fix the final range of drinks and desserts, their recipes and costs, related positions for sale);
- think about room design, overall style (including the material side of the issue – the preparation of the point also requires a one-time and recurring costs);
- Take into account costs (starting with monthly items for lighting, water and rent of the room, ending with supplies and purchase of goods);
- Decide on the coffee shop staff (the total number of people on staff, their responsibilities and experience, level of pay and corporate culture);
- calculate the possible risks (any factors that may have an unplanned impact on income – downtime, price hikes, problems with suppliers);
- to prepare a marketing strategy (the most effective methods of promotion of the brand, specific promotions or advertising templates).
Formally, the business plan for the future of the coffee shop includes both the exact numbers, as well as an outline of ideas. Here it is important to convince yourself and the other partners that the project conceived will work and bring money, not only in theory, but in practice. Pay maximum attention not only to the technical side (procurement, construction work), but also to the ethical aspects. Such nuances as beautiful signage, uniforms or stylish decor, though not required items, will certainly prove to be a kind of “magnet” for customers.
Coffee shop values and culture
The concept of the future institution plays a huge role in the success of the project. What will it be: a tiny coffee shop with coffee to go or a small cozy place for a few tables? The chosen base affects not only on all the planning, but also on the overall entourage. An infinite number of modern coffee shops make monotonous drinks, but why do some become popular and others forever remain at the level of inconspicuous eateries? The answer lies in the presentation of the brand: the mood that arises in the guests during their visit can and should also be controlled.
Therefore, the culture of its own coffee shop can not be left to chance: at least set the general direction and teach employees to adhere to the same format. It is desirable that the atmosphere of the institution looked holistic: Decide what you prefer – a family atmosphere, a youthful corner or just a quiet unassuming place to eat. You never know what will resonate with people: quickly win recognition can be as banal presentation and creativity.
Only you decide what will be a coffee shop: you can open an institution, focusing on a time-tested pattern or experiment on your own way. In any case, it is necessary to carefully plan and calculate the risks in advance: a serious approach to business will protect against ruin and increase the chance that the institution will be a real success.
