How do I start a coffee shop business?

Answer 1

Starting a small business takes a lot of courage. But, as they say, courage does not pay the bills. To be successful – to stay in business – you need more than courage. You need a combination of hard work, skill, perseverance, and lots of luck.

Some things you need to consider:
- "How can I support my family while I build up by business?"
- "What are my abilities?"
- "Is there a market for the product or service I have chosen?"
- "How long will it take this business to reach the financial goal I have?"

You may want to read the article "How to Start a New Business Successfully" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol51/launch.htm , which lists six steps to launch a new business successfully:

1. Provide a benefit.
2. Determine the fit with your market.
3. Right timing is everything
4. Be ready to support your business
5. Develop a blueprint for success
6. Market, market, market

To give you ideas on what exactly do you need to start your own business, here are ten things you need to know before launching your own business “10 Things You Need to Know When Starting Your Own Home Business” http://www.powerhomebiz.com/052006/startingbiz.htm .

I recommend that you read the following books:

- What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business : Real Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs
- Starting From Scratch: How To Start A Business When You Don't Have Money
- If You're Clueless About Starting Your Own Business and Want to Know More
- On the Move : How to Succeed and Survive As an Entrepreneur
- How to Make 1000 Mistakes in Business and Still Succeed

As for starting a coffee shop business, you may want to learn about how Starbucks made it -- because chances are high that your shop will be competing with this chain. From the article "Learning from Starbucks: 10 Lessons for Small Businesses" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol144/starbucks.htm

"Starbucks is a tremendous success because it capitalized on a concept that hadn’t existed before – the coffeehouse as a gathering place. It is not just a place to get a cup of gourmet coffee, but it has become a center for socializing and intellectual discussion, particularly among students and young urban professionals. Starbucks created a unique offering that was relevant and differentiated. It turned an ordinary and humble product into an extraordinary experience that customers are willing to embrace."

This is a business that requires capital - it cannot be started on a $5,000 budget. In fact, according to Bellissimo Coffee Infogroup, http://www.espresso101.com/coffee_faq.html you will need the following amounts to start your coffee shop business:

Coffee Cart: Usual start-up cost is $20,000–$25,000 to open and stock.

Kiosk: Depending on the size and what menu items are offered, it will usually cost between $50,000–$60,000.

Coffee Drive-Thru: The cost of opening a drive-thru espresso business operation can vary dramatically. We know of people who have opened very small units for less than $30,000. These units are usually manned by one operator, are on wheels, and skirted. A beautiful drive-thru can cost between $80,000–$180,000. There are many variables.

Sit Down: The cost of opening a sit-down coffee shop is comparable to the cost of opening an upscale drive-thru. Start-up costs for most 1200 sq. ft. coffee bars average $150,000 to $300,000.

You may want to read the following articles:

So, You Wanna Open a Coffee Shop http://www.restaurantreport.com/Departments/c_coffeeshop.html
EspressoBusiness.com (has a nice section on what to avoid in terms of coffee shop business) http://www.espressobusiness.com/
Coffee Shop Business Plan (this is not free but it is always best to start a business with a business plan) http://www.planmagic.com/business_plan/coffee_shop_business_plan.html
Links to various resources on starting a coffee business http://www.aboutcoffee.net/linkster/linkster.php?CID=9

For in-depth information, you may want to read the following books:

- Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting and Running a Coffee Bar (The Complete Idiot's Guide) by Linda Formichelli
- Start and Run a Coffee Bar (Start & Run a) by Tom Matzen, Marybeth Harrison
- How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop by Elizabeth Godsmark
- FabJob Guide to Become a Coffee House Owner (FabJob Guides) by Tom Hennessey

Answer 2

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Ultimate Guide to Specialty Retail: How to Start a Cart, Kiosk or Store -- by Patricia Norins
* Start and Run a Coffee Bar by Tom Matzen, Marybeth Harrison
* Coffee Basics: A Quick and Easy Guide by Kevin Knox
* How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee, Espresso & Tea Shop by Elizabeth Godsmark
* ESPRESSO! Starting and Running Your Own Specialty Coffee Business by Joe Monaghan

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

Start Your Own Coffee Shop

Answer 4

Identify a locale, and a physical location. Rent the space. Renovate the space to your needs (make sure you have all the right permits and zoning). Buy the equipment & furniture and fixtures. Decide incorporation or sole proprietorship. Hire employees. Develop a marketing strategy. Train employees.
All of this would be part of your business plan. If you need a loan, then that would need to be done also. Possibly a small business loan. Make sure you know how to manage. I can't mention everything like having the utilities turned on or developing a system for taking a delivering orders or deciding what employees will wear.

Answer 5

Location Location Location near a college or a shopping center on the affluent part of the town. you need capital. if you have the money great if not you need to secure a Small biz loan. i would recommend buying instead of renting a place if possible this will be wise in the long run. buy minimum equipment 2 all purpose espresso makers and a commercial freezer. you can get most of the equipment second hand in great shape look for local and Internet auctions for both kitchen and tables chairs and bar.
if the floor sucks rip it up and use concrete paint it gives a industrial look get a simple cash register and do all the work your self ( you and your friends and family) shop around suppliers and try to get great quality beans at the lowest price. come up with cool. promotions like sell mug( for like $12) with your shops name and every time they bring it in they get 10% off( the drink only) this will get you started. if you want more ideas just ask.

Answer 6

First, check with your local and state government for any incentives to entrepreneurs. Then I would select any area around where you live where there is need for a place to sit down, relax, and socialize---downtown sections or historic districts are a good fit. Once you find a place and begin leasing, you must contact the local government to make sure the zoning laws allow a business, then register a tax ID with the city and state. Finally, make sure you pick the top quality products to sell, buying better coffee and machines might make you dig deeper into your pockets but it will fill them back up again a lot quicker.

Answer 7

Well...
First you should ask your friends or whoever if they would be your employees or something. Then you should look for a building. Do all the paperwork once you buy it. Then buy your tab;es and coffee and coffee maker, etc. After that you are open for business

Answer 8

Find a place to place a coffe pot.

Make coffee.

Sell Coffee.

Get tables and chairs for people to sit.

Answer 9

Sell only "free trade" coffee as opposed to "fair trade" coffee.

Be different.