Are You a Coffee Connoisseur? Maybe You Should Start a Business
Many adults rely heavily on coffee to provide energy or just a comforting beverage every day. Sometimes, that shot of caffeine is all that stops us from falling back asleep or getting nothing done the rest of the day. Maybe you are a heavy coffee drinker yourself and wish that you could do more with your passion for this diverse beverage.
Perhaps you should consider opening up a coffee shop or cafe. Starting a business is something that millions of Americans are doing every year, throwing off the shackles of the 9-5 and becoming their own bosses. With an industry as critical to the functioning of society as coffee, you can turn your love for this drink into a money-making venture.
Starting a business, however, can be very difficult. There are many barriers to entry no matter the industry you are attempting to get into. Startup costs have to be considered. You will need a specific and thought-out business plan. A great idea for the product itself will also be necessary. To get those creative juices flowing, here are some tips you will need to know before opening up your coffee shop.
Highly Competitive Field
As mentioned before, so many people rely on coffee to get their morning started, which means that there are a lot of cafes, coffee shops, and big coffee brands competing for the attention of consumers. If you live in a small town, there could still be five to ten local coffee shops that already have a customer base, not to mention chain locations like Dunkin or Starbucks. Before you jump in feet first, you will need to have a strategy in place for providing a unique product or service that stands out from the rest. Maybe your particular coffee shop will be a more high-end experience, or the atmosphere you create inside will specifically cater to a certain audience segment. Your shop could specialize in organic coffee products exclusively to appeal to more health-conscious populations. Figure out your niche and focus your efforts on providing something that people desperately want for their coffee experience.
Choose the Right Wholesale Partner
You’re probably not going to be growing your own coffee beans for your business, which means that you will need to choose a wholesale partner to get your shop off the ground. There are many things to consider when choosing a coffee wholesale partner. The supplier you work with should have costs that you can handle, the right delivery schedule for your needs, good customer service for when issues arise, and, of course, a quality product. When you find the right balance of these characteristics in a wholesaler, and you believe a working relationship would make sense, then you have found the right partner.
Craft a Marketing Strategy
Entering a highly competitive industry will require you to understand the needs of your target audience and how to meet them. But you will also have to understand how to communicate that message to potential customers. What channels are available that you know would reach the target audience? Should you focus on modern methods like social media and website SEO or stick with traditional advertising via television, radio, or print? The most effective marketing strategies implement multiple channels to reach a broader audience and increase brand awareness. Before you start your coffee shop, conduct audience research and have a comprehensive plan for communicating the value of your business to potential customers.
Focus on the Customer Experience
Opening up a coffee shop means that your business has a physical location. When people come by to have a drink or even just pick one up, your shop should create an appealing atmosphere. This could mean installing a covered fireplace that evokes feelings of being relaxed. Have some seating that is a little more private for those who want to escape the bustle of the everyday with a warm beverage and be left alone or work on their laptop. Consider making online ordering available so that on-the-go personalities can still enjoy their coffee. If you understand why people go to coffee shops, you can build an experience that caters to those desires. The more you elevate the customer experience, the more loyalty you can foster, which will result in repeat customers and a positive business reputation.
When in Doubt, Seek Advice
Starting your own business is hard. There will be tons of logistical steps that you may not even think of that have to be considered. How will you handle accounting and product ordering? Is keeping track of taxes complicated? What legal factors come into play when opening a coffee shop?
The questions can be overwhelming, but the answers are out there. Seek assistance from those who understand the nuances of running a business. This could be a coach, a business lawyer, or even a friend you know who is also an entrepreneur. Don’t be afraid to ask for help on your new journey and be prepared to handle a ton of logistical details before you get your coffee shop up and running.
About the Author
Twigs cafe staff is comprised of editors, writers, food & drink experts, nutritionists, and researchers to create informative and helpful content for health-conscious people.
