Coffland Corp: Do You Want to Know the Basics of Starting a Coffee Shop?

Pay attention to the small things: a slightly dirty cup does make the difference.

Starting a coffee shop or a restaurant is a common dream to have. Your favorite coffee shop is probably one of your most beloved places on Earth, so imagine having one of your own, settled by your rules and with all the things you like the most! Sounds great, doesn’t it? If only it were that simple. Managing a restaurant or a coffee house is harder than it seems, but it’s not impossible. Starting with the right foot is one of the most important things to begin, and it’s something that many people get wrong.

Don’t worry. That’s why we’re here today. Understanding where you want your new business to go and what do you want it to look like, are key to get right the firsts few aspects of your coffee shop. Where to start? Well, that’s the question that many people ask themselves. Let us give you a hint: start by looking around you!

Study your market

So you want to have your own coffee shop. Where do you want it to be located? Look around the area and find your competition: take a look at what they’re doing right and what they’re doing wrong, the kind of business they have, what they offer and what they’re lacking.

Ask the people from the area what they like about those places and what they don’t. Understanding the needs of your customers, even before opening, is key to open a business that everyone will be interested in from the start. Remember that it’s not only about having a coffee shop that you will enjoy but that everyone else will be pleased as well.

You also have to take into account what it’s necessary to open a coffee shop legally. What permits do you need? And which requirements must you meet? It seems obvious, but if you want to do this, you need to take it seriously from the start!

Define your identity

The next most important thing is to define what you want for your coffee shop. What kind of place do you want to have? What will the atmosphere feel like? A coffee shop is a place for people to hang out, have dates and meetings, socialize. It needs to feel welcoming. Do some research on the last decoration trends and get inspired. Think about the feelings you want to transmit to people when they first enter your store.

It’s not only about interiors but also about exteriors. Is it going to be located in a crowded area with lots of people walking by? It might sound like a good idea, after all, you’ll want to have decent traffic, but it’s not necessarily the best. Most of the time, people make plans to go to coffee shop, and they look for a peaceful place to escape the world. That is why it’s so important for you to understand your customers’ needs.

Invest in people and good quality products

Customer service businesses are one of the most exhausting and demanding areas to specialize in. You need people that understand how valuable it is to offer a good service and connect with customers. Your people will always be your best asset, so make sure they’re happy with their jobs and that they understand the identity and the goals of your coffee shop.

Offer good quality products, but stay consistent over time. Don’t start doing great only to decrease your quality later, as it will be incredibly damaging to your reputation. People will always be willing to pay a little more for good food and beverages. Don’t make coffee your only source of revenue, because it’s not very profitable. Design a unique menu for your customers that stand out from your competition!

Make a business plan

Many businesses fail simply because the owners didn’t know how to keep their finances right. Prepare a good business plan from the start, keep track of where you’re spending money and whether it’s worth it or not. Make cuts where you need to make them and invest in improving consistently over time. Go to your coffee shop every day, your employees will always work hard if you’re right there working with them.

Owning a coffee shop is not easy, we’re not going to sugar coat it. But it’s an incredible journey if you’re willing to take it. You’ll learn new things every day and you’ll meet so many amazing people, and at the end of the day, you’ll know that you made the right decision when you decided to start your own coffee shop. Find the best coffee to start with Coffland Corp, and let us join you on this road!