Who on here had a 'Coffee Shop' Plan B?

**OwlHoot** · 27 November 2012, 10:44

Sounds like a potential mug's game to me, in the present economic climate, and with the fierce competition from the big boys like Starbucks and even supermarkets these days. But I suppose it depends on the coffee shop's location and prices.

**The Spartan** · 27 November 2012, 10:50

With the right strategy it could be a good venture, things like WiFi are a must as when I've visited a coffee shop I tend to stay longer and drink more if I can hook up my tablet or laptop. Also if you can encourage local mums and toddlers to frequent your establishment it could be a winner.

**SimonMac** · 27 November 2012, 10:52

As a consumer, a proper independent coffee shop which offers far higher quality than the chains always has appeal

**northernladuk** · 27 November 2012, 10:52

What makes me laugh with teh coffee shop thing is the lack of thought and effort some people put in. A few have popped up on one of the main roads in to Manchester in the last few months. Looks like two of them have young ladies running them. Very commendable but how on earth do they think converting a shut down shop on a main road that doesn't have parking for half a mile either way with at least 2 other coffee shops/cafe's in sight is going to work?

Opening one is easy, making it in to a business is a whole different kettle of fish. Unless you are going to make it different, maybe super posh or something it's a waste of time.

**d000hg** · 27 November 2012, 10:57

It could make money but I would see a coffee shop as a business you have to work/live in, I don't think there's enough money to pay back an investor.

If you were thinking of making it your job then I think it's quite appealing if the area's OK but you're not going to get rich!

**Gibbon** · 27 November 2012, 11:02

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

What makes me laugh with teh coffee shop thing is the lack of thought and effort some people put in. A few have popped up on one of the main roads in to Manchester in the last few months. Looks like two of them have young ladies running them. Very commendable but how on earth do they think converting a shut down shop on a main road that doesn't have parking for half a mile either way with at least 2 other coffee shops/cafe's in sight is going to work?

Opening one is easy, making it in to a business is a whole different kettle of fish. Unless you are going to make it different, maybe super posh or something it's a waste of time.

Perversely the best place for a coffee shop is where the other coffee shops are.

**The Spartan** · 27 November 2012, 11:02

This is my favourite coffee place in the centre of Cardiff

Some clothes with your coffee? « Cardiff Coffee

It is pretty unique, thing is as it's in an Arcade it wasn't very visible but they got around this by handing out loyalty cards which gave 20% off, a really good idea to get people in and the place is always packed now.

**NotAllThere** · 27 November 2012, 11:04

I recall reading somewhere that new business started in a recession have a lower failure rate than those started during boom times. Probably the lack of availability of credit weeds out the weaker business plans immediately.

**Notascooby** · 27 November 2012, 11:14

The market to go for is mum's with babies and selling cupcakes it would seem.

People will part £1.50 for a frosted cup cake that cost pennies to produce. Lots of ikea high chairs, decent changing area, lots of homemade cakes, soup, sandwiches, salads and a kids menu and you're laughing.

Bright, clean and friendly is what the family look for.

Place I went to recently had a cupcake rota showing which days the various flavours would be available. Seemed pretty cool.

Who on here had a 'Coffee Shop' Plan B?