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Make sure it's right for you -

Think through all the practicalities, risks, and potential sleepless nights of setting up your own coffee shop. This will not be for everybody!

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Assess your personal finances - You don't want to risk everything and leave yourself and your loved ones vulnerable. Make sure that you weigh all the potential costs.

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Learn everything you can about coffee - There will be no such thing as having too much knowledge when it comes to the center point of your business idea. Research as much as humanly possible.

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Research local coffee roasters - It is important to realize that the financial savings of roasting your own coffee may be offset by the time it takes. Consider local coffee roaster services.

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Make a business plan -

A business plan is essential. This needs to be done before any further action can be taken, so you can ensure that you have realistic goals and sensible plans in place.

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What is your concept? - It is important to determine a business concept early. Will this be a van, a kiosk, or a regular shop? Will there be a particular theme? These are important questions.

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Create a menu - This is the point where you will determine the products you will be selling. Will you serve a wide variety of drinks? Basic food? Or more elaborate breakfasts?

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Choosing a location - Knowing where your premises will be is very important. Can you afford the area where you want your coffee shop to be? Remember to be realistic.

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Exploring the local competition - Nobody can expect to compete with huge coffee chains. But, thankfully, many people like to support local businesses. Look for a gap in the local market, if possible.

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Get to know the laws and regulations - It is crucially important to known what your liabilities and restrictions are. Do you know how much tax you will need to pay? Will there be restrictions on building work?

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Assess the costs of equipment - The coffee-making equipment in your shop will be the life of your business. Can you afford to buy the best?

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Begin to build a budget - Think of every cost you will need to cover. Rent, building and design costs, staff wages, and equipment are just some of the essentials that you will need to account for.

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Work out the break-even point -

It's important to know how well your business will need to perform in order to break even. That way, you can continually monitor and assess your business.

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Finalizing your budget - This is the point where you will realize whether you have enough capital to go ahead without assistance, or whether you will need to sort out a loan.

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Business structure -

Deciding how to register and structure your business, with all the paperwork, will be a legal necessity. Research your options within your area and make an educated decision.

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Vendors and wholesalers - Finding out the best places to buy all your products, especially your coffee beans, will be one of the most important financial decisions that you make.

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Health laws and regulations - As you will be selling food and drinks, and probably hiring people, having full knowledge of your legal obligations is critical. Explore the laws in your area.

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Take another look at your budget and costs - Once you have a clearer idea of exactly how much everything will cost, you will be in a better position to revisit your budget and make any and all necessary changes.

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Review your business plan and finalize it - Your business plan has to be completely accurate, which is why it is extremely important to keep reviewing it. Eventually, you will know when it is airtight.

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Payment method options - You will notice that most establishments facilitate a variety of payment methods. You can lose customers by not accepting certain payment forms, so bear this in mind.

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Open a business bank account - Not only will this make things far easier for salary payments and tax liabilities, it will also allow you to make a clear distinction between your money and business money.

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Branding - How will the outside of your shop look? Do you have a color scheme or a logo? This will be crucial to developing the brand of your business, which is what you are selling.

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Set up a website, get on social media - Having your own website and social media is a key part of growing your business's accessibility and reputation. Announce your opening day to the widest audience you can!

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Hire the best baristas - You need great baristas to make great coffee. Hire experienced people to begin with, then you can gradually hire new people who are ready to learn.

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Be unique - It is important to have a clear idea of what makes your business a good place to visit. Think about instilling these ideas and values in your workers.

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Pricing -

This is a crucial part of determining your success. If prices are too low, you could struggle to make a profit. If they are too high, people may walk away. Research!

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Establish a time frame - It will be be necessary for you to set dates for the goals you want to achieve. Remember to adhere to this time frame as strictly as possible.

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Accounting - Whether you want to do your own accounts or hire an accountant to do them for you, it is essential that they are done. 

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Insurance -

It is essential that you comply with all laws and regulations regarding insurance. Research this thoroughly. It is likely that you will need liability insurance, at the very least.

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Promotion -

Use every angle you can think of to promote your business. Post online, tell your friends, hand out flyers. Anything you can think of is worth a shot. Good luck!

Click here to read more about coffees from around the world that you may want to try! 

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