It’s no secret that the world LOVES caffeine. In 2020 in the United States, it’s been proven that as much as 64% of the entire population are now regular coffee drinkers. That’s the equivalent of more than one hundred and fifty seven million people in the entirety of the US. When you think about it like that, you realise we really are a nation of coffee lovers!
With that in mind, it’s no wonder that coffee stores have become the next big thing, and more and more seem to sprout up by the day. Nowadays they are everywhere, and have in ways become the next big “hipster” thing. Once upon a time it was all about Starbucks, but now we’re shopping differently. We support smaller businesses and believe in sustainability — which is all the better for those out there who are thinking of starting out on their own.
If this sounds like you, then listen up, because today we’re going to be spilling the coffee on the five mistakes you should avoid when opening your own store.
1. Don’t Compromise on Location
Ask any professional coffee shop store like Byblos Coffee, and they’ll tell you straight away that one of your top priorities when figuring out the logistics of opening a coffee shop, is ensuring its location is a good one.
The truth of the matter is that you can open the cutest store with the best coffee in town — but if it’s set out in the sticks, then your clientele is going to be minimal. That’s not to say that suburban and countryside coffee shops don’t work — they can — but you far higher run the risk of the business failing in the first six months than you would opening in the centre of town.
However, you’ll have to consider rent vs profit. Generally speaking if your rent is going to cost more than 15% of your projected sales, then it’s going to be incredibly difficult for you to make a profit. You also don’t want to rent somewhere that no one wants to visit. It’s all about finding the balance.
A great location would be a small building near a bus or train station, or on the outskirts of a busy city. People are always passing through these places, and trust us, they’ll need their caffeine fix!
2. Don’t Forget to Brush Up on Your Knowledge
You’re going to be opening and working a store that primarily sells and serves coffee. So how can you really sell it if you don’t know anything about it?
You might think “it’s just coffee” but in reality, it’s so much more than that.
There are different varieties of coffee beans, different strengths, and a multitude of different forms coffee can take. From latte to espresso, whole milk to oat milk — having and knowing it all gives you the best chance at being successful. People who really drink coffee know their coffee, and will expect you to as well. You can became one of those people by reading www.coffeeble.com and soaking up all that coffee information.
3. Don’t Forget Your “Niche”
Every coffee shop is different. Some are for simply calling in and getting a takeaway, and others are full of wannabe writers on laptops for several hours every afternoon. Likewise, some are upmarket and exclusive, some are hipster and down with the trends, and others are simply cheap and convenient. You have to know what your coffee “niche” is, otherwise you don’t know who your clientele will be.
Without knowing your expected clientele, you can’t truly give them what they want. Hipsters want matcha oat milk soy lattes, sure, but the average person just wants a hot cup of joe to get them through the day. Consider this in your approach.
4. Don’t Overstaff
If you’re starting out as a small independent coffee store, then the last thing you’ll want to do is overstaff your business.
Of course, this is mostly because of finances. Remember that you may have to work harder at first to get things up and running — but also, because people love a personal touch in these places. One or two staff members are usually enough in the beginning. Soon the regulars get to know them, and they become as much of the reason for visiting as the coffee does, trust us.
5. Don’t Forget to Smile!
Finally, don’t forget to smile!
It might sound silly, but it’s likely to be stressful in the early days, so don’t let this get you down. Offer customers a smile and a chat when they come in, regardless of how you feel, and they’re far more likely to return. Remember, you’re always selling a product — so be sure to do that! Before starting the coffee shop, you should check out a comparison of the best commercial espresso machines on CoffeeVerdict.com to avoid making any equipment purchasing mistakes. By investing in right equipment, supplies, and having a positive attitude, your shop will be off to a great start.
