How to Open a Coffee Store
You will need to decide what types of coffee and other drinks to serve at your coffee shop. For example, some coffee shops sell tea products and food. Additionally, decide if you want to specialize as a gourmet coffee store or sell various flavors of coffee. Visit the top coffee stores in your area. Notice what these coffee shops sell because their brands and coffee are probably best sellers. Think about how large of a coffee shop you need. Decide whether you will employ a spouse and family members, or hire a couple employees. Determine your hours of operation.
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Instructions
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Create a catchy name for your coffee store. Register your fictitious name through your city, state or county, according to Business.gov. Obtain a vendor's license so you can legally collect sales taxes from customers.
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Decide whether or not you want to purchase a coffee franchise store. Search franchise sites such as Franchisegator.com and Franchisedirect.com. Search for coffee wholesalers if you decide to start your coffee store on your own. Contact companies such as Coffeeam.com or Coffee Wholesale USA at CW-USA.com, respectively, if you want to sell decaffeinated or gourmet coffee, for example.
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Call franchise coffee dealers and coffee wholesalers. Find out which ones best meet your needs on products, shipping turnaround and unit costs. Choose multiple wholesale vendors if you sell a wide variety of coffee.
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Search for a location for your coffee shop. Look in areas where your target customers live. Locate your coffee shop downtown or near a business district to draw the working crowd. Find out how much your monthly rent will cost.
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Figure out your start-up costs. Obtain a loan if necessary. Finance your franchise or coffee store through a bank or the Small Business Administration. Obtain the necessary forms from the Small Business Administration at SBA.gov.
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Order your coffee and other products that you will be selling. Figure out a regular ordering and shipping schedule with your supplier.
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Set up the tables, chairs, bar stools, coffee machines and signage in your coffee shop. Get your coffee products ready for the store opening. Make sure the cash registers, computer and printer are working.
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Distribute fliers within a five-mile radius of your coffee shop. Advertise your coffee shop in print media and online. Insert coupons in coupon magazines that are mailed to people's homes.
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Train all employees on the cash register and store operations. Schedule people for different shifts.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider using a loyalty program where people get discounts and free products based on their visit frequency and purchases. Use a card and stamper to keep track of each customer's visits. Keep your coffee store clean because it helps project a more professional image.
References
Resources
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