According to collected by Foursquare, bubble tea shops are gaining in popularity. Visits to these businesses jumped by up to 192 percent. There are many franchises that offer tea and coffee . Just like opening your own coffee shop is possible, you can also start your own bubble-tea business. Here’s how to get started.
How to open a bubble tea business
Design Your Store
It’s not a secret to running a successful bubble-tea shop. You can then customize it according to your business’s needs. Choose a place to put your counter and kitchen.
Consider putting up a few seating areas for your customers or a space where they can really customize their drinks. Decorate the space in an original way to help set your business apart.
Choose the Best Location
It is important to consider the location of your shop. You’ll have a better chance of attracting customers if you choose a storefront that is in a busy area.
If you’re looking to save money on your initial costs, consider using a non-traditional venue, such as a cart, truck or kiosk in a school or mall. You’ll need to ensure that the location you choose is convenient and easy to find for your customers, no matter which format you select.
You should also evaluate your financial plan and budget
It’s important to evaluate your financial resources before you start your bubble tea business. Budget for initial investments, such as renting space, buying equipment and sourcing ingredients.
Take into account the costs of ongoing expenses such as employee salaries, utilities and marketing. A detailed financial plan will help you to manage your expenses, forecast profit, and, if needed, attract investors or loans. A well-planned business budget is essential to its success.
Consider the Competition
The competition is another thing to think about, both with regards to your location and what you offer. Bubble tea is an emerging niche. Bubble tea is still more popular in big cities such as New York and Los Angeles. You’ll likely have competition in those areas.
In less-populated areas you will likely have less competition. You may need to work harder in order to attract people to your business. Do some research to see what your customer base is like and find ways to stand out.
Investing in Equipment
If you’re looking to serve bubble teas in various varieties, then you will need some specific equipment. You can purchase shakers and sealing machines to make a professional-looking product.
You’ll need to have a source of heat, such as a gas stove. You’ll also need smaller pieces of equipment such as stirrers and tea jugs, sugar dispensers and cups. You’ll also need a POS system to run your business.
Create Your Own Menu
There are many flavors and varieties of bubble tea to choose from, even though it is a niche. Before you open your business, think about the menu you’d like to offer.
You can choose to offer fruit-flavored teas, milk teas or a mixture of the two. You can also use different flavors in order to attract customers and set your business apart.
