Pop-up Shop Costs/Advice

[funinacup]

I'm looking into running a pop-up shop as a marketing tool to promote my business. I provide barista training sessions at a studio in Glasgow and can also train on-site.

My idea is to lease an empty premises in a high-footfall area such as the West End of Glasgow, perhaps for a month. The shop would essentially be a small coffee bar, with the option of the customer having a go at making their own coffee under supervision. A short introductory training session type thing.

I have a book on how pop-up shops work so I'm reading that and researching online. I think it will be difficult to find a landlord willing to let me in for a month, and I've never negotiated lease terms before so no real idea what to look for or expect.

I have read of people being able to negotiate deals whereby they are allowed entry rent-free, but must pay the business rates and contribute toward utilities. The benefit for landlords is that the shop looks busy and the place will get a tidy up/lick of paint.

I know that public liability insurance will be a must, and I've seen short term business insurance advertised specifically for pop-ups.

I am able to borrow equipment and should be able to furnish cheaply.

Can anyone advise whether I am thinking on the right lines and whether I have missed out any other major expenses? Experience with popups would be much appreciated.

Many thanks
Michael

 

[AlexanderR]

Public liability may get quite expensive, unless you can get the customers to sign a release before they make their own. Those machines burn if you aren't focusing on what your doing, not to mention steam burns, hot milk and water. The insurance company may even make it mandatory that the customer signs a release.

Based on that, the first thing I would do is a little market research in your area to find out if people would have a go. Maybe even make it a class rather than a "turn up and have a go" type thing.

 

[urban33ltd]

What is the exact purpose of opening the shop? Is it to find members of the public that want to pay for the training? I am a bit confused to exactly why you want to do this?

Loads of people are happy to have pop-up shops, loads of people don't want the hassle and sometimes you have to build a reputation then doors will open for more shops.

If I am thinking right about what you are doing perhaps you would be better approaching an existing store to perhaps have special events there? There is the independent coffee shop in St Enochs that is quite proactive on these sort of things, can't remember the name off hand!