The Top 5

Fundamentals are important in business and we believe that a coffee shop can be successful by focusing on some basic rules. Get these rules right at all times and you are very likely to be a happy coffee shop owner.

Sometimes you could do with the view of different people and this means that you need to be very open to criticism. Sit among your customers once in a while and do your best to get their true opinion about your business.

1) Location & Look - convenient location, design & cleanliness

A coffee shop needs a good location, it's that simple. A lot of reasons why people visit coffee shop is related to impulse buying. The smell and welcome look of a coffee shop on a convenient location will really help.

2) Atmosphere - Music & Temperature

The atmosphere in a coffee shop is mainly determined by the music, temperature, amount of people and the staff. The music and temperature are easy to control. Choose music that is comfortable to listen to and can be played well at a low volume.

High temperatures will cause customers to stay longer and cold customers will make people feel uncomfortable. Try to find a good balance in between and people will take off their coats and really enjoy their coffee. This is where a good air conditioning system really helps.

3) Quality Products - quality and value

You simply can not go cheap on everything. However, you do not need to go super expensive either. A good presentation and good cooking usually do the job. Be inventive with food and offer something different as well. Be proud of what you sell and show this to your customers.

4) Excellent Customer Service - friendliness & speed

Do we need to explain this?

Yes we do! Because people often forget about this. Or better, they know but don't audit the customer service. It can be very difficult to look through the eyes of your customers but this is extremely important. Visiting other coffee shops every so often is really important and can make you realize how well your customer service is.

Simple things like eye contact, remembering names and orders or starting a small chat can be the difference between expanding your business and closing your doors for good.

Never ever forget that the customer is the customer. Customers can be difficult but in the end, the customer is a customer and extremely important to you.

5) Good Staff Management Skills - motivation & training

Staff are very important in coffee shops. Your staff will only work hard and look happy when they are actually happy. Lead by example and be open about everything. It is very important for staff to realise that  you are running a business. Explain how much money you lose because of wastage and teach your staff about profits and costs.

Get your staff involved with running the business and reward them when things are going well and they deserve it. People work for money, not just because they like you so much.

If there are issues then these need to be worked out. Try to have staff reviews and meetings on a regular basis.

Why not come up with your own top 5?

The course exceeded my expectations and Youri was a fantastic trainer, personable and knowledgable. Besides learning a lot about the art of coffee making and about the coffee shop business, upon leaving the course, I felt more motivated than ever to begin the process of starting my own coffee shop. Thank you so much Youri and Limini Coffee!- Rick