10 Things You Need Before Starting Your Coffee Shop
With more than 2.25 billion cups of coffee consumed on average each day, the coffee industry has grown continuously over the past few decades. And you might be wondering how you can get in on a bit of the action…
Making coffee at home is one thing, but opening an actual coffee shop requires careful planning and consideration. So if you’re looking to open your shop soon - here are 10 things you’ll need to get started.
- A Business Plan
The last thing you want to do is start a business without factoring in the elements that will make it successful. So before you do anything else, make sure you sit down and create a plan for your coffee shop. All smart business plans have:
- An executive summary - This outlines your overall goals and what you hope to achieve by opening your shop.
- Products and services - You need to detail what products you’re going to sell and any services you hope to provide. Get all your ideas on paper!
- Marketing strategy and analysis - How are you going to market and promote your coffee shop? From branding to advertisements to social media, think about how you’ll reach your customers.
- Financial planning - Understand the costs when opening your shop, especially renting a space and affording your products and supplies so do your research here so you’re well prepared.
- Budget - Keep specific numbers in mind as you grow your shop, and be sure to include them inside your business plan.
- File for Permits
There are a handful of permits and licences you’ll need to file for before legally opening your coffee shop. These will depend on your specific location, so check with your local government to ensure all your paperwork is in order. You’ll also need to register your business for tax purposes.
It’s wise to meet with an advisor or experienced business owner who can help you work through these legal requirements. Waiting on this paperwork can take weeks (or months!), so be proactive in your planning, as you’ll need to factor in this wait time. Give yourself a buffer knowing you may need to exercise patience as you open your shop.
- Pricing
You mapped out your finances inside your business plan, but you’ll want to think about specific pricing before moving forward. Will you offer any specials or discounts? What will the profit margins be on each drink? Dig deep here as you’ll need a firm understanding of your expenses, revenue, and overall profit.
- A Smart Location
Yes, it’s important to find a space you can afford, but it’s more important to consider your shop’s location. A small building in the middle of nowhere may not break your budget, but you’re probably not going to get many customers walking through your door either. That’s why you want to try and find a location in the centre of your community, where you’ll receive plenty of passing prospective customers to entice in with your brilliant brews.
- Develop Your Culture
The best businesses are acutely aware of their mission, values, and the culture they’re creating. So before your shop officially opens, make sure you get clear on what your shop is all about. When you stand firm in your values and ethical practices, you’ll know who to hire and why, so you’ll not only have happier employees and customers but higher profit margins as well.
Hire Staff
For your coffee shop to truly succeed, you need to focus on hiring experienced, professional, and engaging team members. Take your time hiring, as you’ll want to build a team of employees who can provide the best experience for your customers. Here’s what to look for as you hire:
- Friendliness
- Strong communicators
- Organisational skills
- Adaptable
- Polite
- Detail-oriented
- Efficient
Read our in-depth blog on some of the best interview questions you should be asking when hiring baristas which you can find here.
- Brand Development
Mapping out a plan for your marketing is a great place to start when it comes to building your brand. However, if you’re going to make a splash in the market, you need to look at your business from top to bottom. Think about who you’re targeting. What’s your brand ‘message’? Luxury? Ethical? Fun? What do you want to convey to people about your values? Consider fonts, colours, the overall aesthetics of your shop, and the way you want people to feel when they walk through your doors.
Only when you define these specific aspects of your brand can you be sure to resonate with your audience.
- Create the right ambiance
Once you’ve mapped out your overall aesthetic, you’ll want to work on finding the right déco and furnishings. Perhaps you’re hoping for a modern feel, with a black and white colour palette. Or, if you’re all about the cosy and comfy vibe, opt for neutral tones and string lights. Whatever your style, know that first impressions are everything, so you’ll want to spend time finding decor that perfectly complements your brand.
- Top-Notch Coffee
Now comes the best part – the coffee itself! If your business is going to thrive, it needs high-quality coffee products. Because the better the coffee, the more likely your customers will be to come back for more of it!
When looking for a wholesale retailer, pay attention to pricing, quality, and brand values. If sustainability is a focus of yours, you’ll want to work with sellers who source coffee in an environmentally friendly way. Don’t feel you have to go with the first partner you find. Take time to conduct research and determine what will be best for your shop and its future!
- High-Quality Coffee Gear
Having the right beans is one thing, but to impress your customers, you will need to have a shop full of high-quality reliable gear to ensure your operation is smooth-running. From grinders to espresso machines to cleaning supplies, it’s smart to invest in equipment that is built to last.
When you open a trade account with Coffee Hit, you’ll gain access to the latest and greatest coffee-making gear with up to 50% off RRP. Open your shop knowing your equipment will make the best brews in town and will last for years to come.
Opening a coffee shop is a huge task – but if you focus on preparation and check off these boxes before opening - you will quickly become a community favourite! So open a trade account with us today to access affordable coffee brewing products that make it easy for you to deliver amazing coffee again and again.
Looking for at home coffee gear? Head over to Coffee Hit