Developing business plan for new coffee shop

[sonewcoffee]

Hello everyone,

I guess like a lot of people here, I too stumbled upon this forum as I am in the middle of developing my business plan for a coffee shop. I have spent a lot of time reading through the forum (admittedly only this section so far) and have taken away a lot of great things. At this time, I did have a few questions I was hoping some of the more experienced people could help/guide me with. My queestion is actually about sourcing the equipment. I did go to CoffeeFest up in Seattle and took away with me quite a few brochures on equipment. In your opinion, is it best to try and get everything from one (or two) vendor(s)? Should I try and deal with the espresso machine manufacturer, and the blnder manufacturer, and the pastry case guy, etc. one at a time? Who are some of themost reputable (not cheapest) vendors? Also, what about roasters? Are there any that I should DEFINITLY look at (because I am sure they are not all the same!)? On that note, what makes a good roaster, what should I be looking for in a roaster?!

I am sure I will hve a lot more questions as I continue along, but I think I have hit on a few topic that I have not gotten satisfactory answers to (in my mind anyway!)

thanks guys and love the discussions

 

[PinkRose]

Hello "sonewcoffee"

Welcome to the Coffee Forums website.

You will find a lot of useful informaiton here. We have a handy search feature that's at the top right corner of your screen. All you need to do is type your topic in the box, and you can view all of the discussions that have come up in the past.

Are you going to open a coffee shop and a roastery? Where are you located?

As you know, you asked a lot of questions in your first post. You would probably have a better chance of getting them answered if you post them separately.

The advantage of trying to deal with one vendor for your coffee equipment is that you have a better chance of getting a package deal, and you can have a multiple unit service contract with them too. Plus, you may be able to buy some new and some used equipment from them at a decent price.

Rose

 

[CoffeeJunky]

I totally agree with Rose, package deal and price them on ebay and ask them to match it. That way you can save some on shipping cost and get the items at rock bottom price.
If it is not on ebay, try to shop around but try to purchase through one vendor unless you don't mind dealing with several vendors and call different vendors for the different items.

I only deal with one here at my coffee shop and one that I purchased on my own, same vendor does some work for me if i need anything. This is huge advantage.

Also, if you are not going to be roaster, try to find the coffee supplier to have such service. Sometimes they will try to make money on coffee but not much on equipment. So you might be able to get something reasonable.

Welcome to the forum and if you have anymore questions, please post up and dont' hesitate to ask....

 

[sonewcoffee]

Thanks for the replies!

No I do not want to get into roasting coffee at this time. Maybe something down the road.

I too was thinking about trying to find 1 vendor for equipment I could deal with. Any suggestions?

As for sources coffee, what should I be looking for when detemining who has great coffee??!! I was thinking of locating a few suppiers locally and trying their product, but aside from taste, what are some things that make a supplier good and even great?!?!

 

[CoffeeJunky]

Where are you located? Some of the supplies can be bought online and some should not....

 

[PinkRose]

As for sources coffee, what should I be looking for when detemining who has great coffee??!! I was thinking of locating a few suppiers locally and trying their product, but aside from taste, what are some things that make a supplier good and even great?!?!

I'm surprised you're asking that question.

Besides obtaining the best fresh roasted coffee that you can find, you need to look for someone who has good prices, reliable delivery service, someone who is helpful and knowledgeable, etc. etc. etc.

You still haven't told us where you're located. Maybe someone on this forum will recommend a local roaster that you can visit.

Rose

 

[CupHalfFull]

There are a lot of great roasters out there that will private label for you - I agree the fresher the better!