With out prior knowledge this will be diffucult, they say the first step in successful small business management is first pick an industry that will have a future. Then do the research for your desired business, then draw up a business plan, and pick an ideal location. I would suggest that if you do not have prior business experience, do not attempt this venture, until you have successfully completed a small business management educational course, drawn up a business plan, acquired funding, and made sure that this is exactly what you want to do.

Step on over to City Hall and find out what type of business permits that you will need. You will need to scout out possible locations. You want a location with lots of daytime foot traffic but you also need to check out what other expresso/coffee places are in the area. You don't want to find out too late that there is a StarBucks in the next block.

You need to sit down and write up a business plan: how much will it cost to set up, cost of supplies and coffee machines, first month's rent, etc. Then you need to figure out how much a cup of coffee will cost and what you can sell if for. You need to find out how many cups of coffee you need to sell every month to cover expenses and to provide yourself with money to live on.

You might want to check out an organization known as SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). Their members volunteer to mentor people wanting to start up new businesses.

Learn about the workplace,safety,and business experience as much as possible. Try to understand the business venture into who,what,and why people that enjoyed their espresso and drinks in the vicinity that is located. Sometimes people who operate the espresso are self employed. Sometimes they operate in several business chains within blocks of the other business. The employers or employer must have a clean business, pay their employees, and show upon time regularly for work even when it is busy or cold. Must learn also how to deal with crowds control and must be respected within the community.

Agna, I would suggest you make friends with someone from "Starbucks". Seriously or try and Google their home page and just keep searching until you come across the recipes or a manual. If you already know someone then meet with them and pick their brain and ask her and take very good notes. Ask that person any and everything. Dunkin Doughnuts could be of help too. They are turning into coffee shops down here in deep Texas. They put 2 stores in at once and closed the one that was doing the least amount of business and turned it into a coffee house. Please say you don't live in Seattle. I'll keep working on it. If you want to go to work at a Starbucks and place close attention. Do you have all of your certificates and pending construction and health permits you will need? I hoped that helped. LisaRenwick

hello anna, find you a real catchy name to capture the peoples attention to make them come and by your coffee give them a play on the coffee so you gain customers. you have to wheel them in. my input far as direction a catchy name and a discount to wheel them in. if you answer this mail I might have a name for you..

The industry is very good. The key is location if it is a traditional retail situation. While it would appear that Starbucks would be you primary competition, it does not have to be. I personally don't view Starbucks as a coffee shop. There are elements of it and the drive thru operates like it but it is more an experience or atmosphere type business. Dunkin Donuts actually sells more coffee than anyone in the U.S. Other than your location, defining your niche market is the biggest challenge. Basically why will they choose you over the biggies (there are valid reasons) and more so other indie coffee shops. There has to be something unique that you offer that others either can't or don't. If you want more details just send me an e-mail. wbarr22@gmail.com. Good luck!

i have thought that if someone opened a coffee type business at lower prices than starbucks then you would clean up the dough

RESEARCH...also look into NETWORK w others in same/similar business. Use LINK IN. Getting a loan? Consider small business loan. volunteer at same type business. Owning & running business is HARD. do u know the tax laws? Regulations? DO NOT PARTNER WITH ANYONE ON A HAND SHAKE EVER. Do u know contracts w distributors. It's a lot. Research and then there's city laws. By laws. Then there's regulations w health Dept. Fire department etc..,

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Research. Go to your local sms business administration, usually linked to a community college they will help you!