Are you a coffee lover who wants to share your expert coffee-making skills with the world? It’s time for you to start your own coffee shop.
Being a business owner is exciting, but getting started is a challenge. You need the right coffee shop business plan so you know you’re prepared and ready for whatever the world throws at you.
We want to help you start your coffee shop business. Keep reading for a brief guide on how to open a coffee shop the right way.
Plan First
A part of planning is developing the actual business plan itself. While every category that we mention here is technically “planning,” your business plan is a written document that includes your marketing plan, your local competition, the specifics of your product, and your budget.
Consider the business plan like a blueprint for your new coffee shop. It helps you build the coffee shop from the ground up and determine what is and isn’t within your reach based on your current financial capabilities.
This is also when you choose a name and a brand mission. This might seem like a lot of work, but it will make the rest of the process easier.
Find a Location
Once you’ve established your budget and overall business needs, you need to decide where you’re going to go.
There are a few factors that you should keep in mind. The first is the kind of property that you’re going to want, and the next is whether you want to rent or buy.
Renting is the safer choice. It’s less of an investment, and especially at first, it won’t cut into your budget as much as buying will.
Are you going to rent an empty storefront, or are you looking to take over and re-brand an existing coffee shop?
You also need to consider visibility and local traffic. Bustling streets and places close to universities are great for coffee shops, but they’re also more expensive to rent.
Employees and the Hiring Process
How many employees are you going to need? Are you going to hire management staff, or will you take care of all of the managerial responsibilities?
When you’re considering employees and how many you’re going to need, it’s important to also consider how you’re going to handle worker’s compensation insurance. While being a barista doesn’t compare to working as a heavy laborer, you still need to know what’s required.
Attracting Customers
We mentioned that your marketing plan should be developed when you’re making your physical business plan, but now it’s time to put that plan in action. Are you going to hire a marketer, or do you plan on doing this on your own at first?
You need to learn how to analyze marketing results as well so you can know what’s working and what isn’t.
Another part of attracting customers is making an attractive space. Coffee shops should be warm and inviting, and it’s a good idea to include “Instagrammable” decorations and seating areas.
After you attract your initial customers, as long as your product is good you’ll have regulars flowing in every day.
How’s Your Coffee Shop Business Plan Coming Along?
Are you already developing your coffee shop business plan? Starting a new business revolving around something you love is one of the most exciting things that you can do, so make sure it goes off without a hitch!
Proper planning is the first step to an awesome and successful business.
For more articles that can help you make your business the best that it can be, visit the rest of our site.
