Thinking of starting my own Coffee Shop

[Consistency]

A tea shop would probably be nice.

 

[GeorgeM]

Like many businesses, if the big boys have entered the market - in this case the likes of Starbucks and Costa, it means they can see a way to make money. But it usually involves throwing a ton of money at it to get clear branding, good products etc. It also has the effect of raising the bar for new entrants - because customer expectations of what coffee shops offer will also have been raised.

For smaller startups, maybe its time to come up a newer idea, get it going - then sell out to one of the big boys and buy that tropical paradise you've always wanted.

 

[Bluezinc]

I think that there is still a large gap in the uk coffee market at the minute which is going to be taking very soon, i am from the uk but have been living in the usa for the past 5 years, what really stands out to me is that the uk is saturated with coffee shops marketed and aimed towards professionals or they are placed in area that people with high income live. most coffee shops in the uk are very similar eg: black leather chairs, couches , decor that resembles wealth, lists of 10's of flavours of coffee and other things aimed at a certain professional clientele.
But one that stands out over here is "dunkin donuts", aimed at the working class people, well priced and fast and simple service, this franchise has tried in the uk before but pulled out, but they are trying to make a comeback, the reason for this is because they know there is a market for coffee different than the thousands of replicate coffee shops and one marketed and aimed towards working class people.
I know people here are going to say "but its a donut shop" , but this place sells 2.8 million cups of coffee a day.

I think there is a niche in the market for this type of coffee shop, and anyone i have ever meet from the uk or ireland while being in the usa, have all said they would love a place like this to be at home.

 

[kelvin1950]

Hmmm. Great donuts, but coffee that can probably remove the enamel from your teeth.

 

[Bluezinc]

maybe, but it sells, the same way coca cola, pepsi, lucozade and other enamel removing products do.

 

[Wellsey]

Dear Sarah,

As you heard from others starting a coffee shop is a tough business option. I have recently written a special report on "How to become self-employed confidently and successfully" the report outlines the three key areas of decision making that you need to reflect on if you are thinking of becoming self-employed or starting a business. It is based on some research that was done by Cathy Brown, an occupational psychologist in association with Birkbeck College, University of London. If you are being made redundant and really think going solo might be the way forward it might be helpful to you. Please get in touch if you would like a copy.

Antoinette

Hi there, I realise the above was posted some time ago but I am thinking of starting my own business (likely to be in greetings cards but possibly a cafe / tea room although the latter I have only just started thinking about hence my stumbling across this forum) and I would be interested to read your report if you are able to send me a copy? Kind regards

 

[ScotiaTheOne]

Sorry to butt in on the thread, but I've thought of a USP that might be cool (or not, feel free to shoot it down).

The idea is for the coffee shop to have shelves on the wall where customers would queue filled with mismatched cups of different shapes, colours and designs, the more different the better. The idea being the customer chooses a cup that resonates with them (if not, just one that they think looks cool ) and take it to the counter to be filled. One price only, I.e- no small, large etc.

Benefits
1. Personalises the experience by giving them perceived control and choice
2. Encourages loyalty by the customer having 'their' cup
3. If a while wall is covered with cups, it makes for great alternative decor

Cons
1. People might be initially confused if not clearly signposted
2. Probable increased theft of cups

Thoughts?

 

[Wellsey]

I think the idea of customers picking their own cup is really sweet and, as you say, if laid out correctly could make a pretty decorative feature (although you would need to make sure you always have too many cups so the shelves didn't look bare).

Personally, rather than shelves, I would suggest a wall of hooks sporadically placed as these will be easier to access for the customer and probably look a bit better. Also, shelves get dusty so a pain to clean!

I think the cons you have put forward could be easily overcome. Clear tasteful signage and intelligent layout will solve the issue of any confusion as well as theft (the latter I think is unlikely).

You would need to make sure the cups are replenished quickly after use to always ensure enough choice and so as the wall does not look sparse as I've said previously.

Best wishes

 

[uksme]

...I am going to be made redundant in a few months and would love to set up my own business and have my own Coffee Shop ...

Hi Sarah1ou, we'd love to hear how you got on, as your original post was some time ago now. Did you set up your own coffee shop in the end?