Starting a coffee shop can be tough because you usually need a lot of money to rent or buy a good place. But here's a cool thing: you can also run a coffee shop from home, which doesn't cost as much. When you operate a small business like this from home, you don't have to pay for renting a space or other related expenses. This means you can use the money you save for better coffee supplies and get the word out about your coffee shop.  

If you’re a coffee enthusiast, starting a small coffee shop business even at home is a dream come true. Having a home-based coffee shop is not just a cost-effective choice; it's also a fantastic business idea that can bring happiness to coffee lovers. 

Here are some tips that you need to consider in starting your home-based coffee shop: 

1. Do Your Research

The internet is a fantastic place to learn about coffee and how to run a coffee business from your home. You can find lots of video tutorials on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. These videos show you how to make different types of coffee. Some even teach you how to make cool designs on the top of your coffee! 

Here are some coffee youtuber that you can watch:

• Lance Hendrick 
• Aramse 
• Coffee Chronicle 
• The Real Sprometheus 
• Brian Quan  

You can also learn about the tools and equipment you need for your coffee shop. They talk about things like coffee machines, grinders, and kettles for pouring hot water. You will also find reviews and recommendations to help you choose the right stuff. 

One great thing is that the online coffee community is like a big coffee-loving family. They don't just share their knowledge; they also tell you where to get the best coffee beans and equipment. This can make a big difference in the quality of the coffee you serve. 

So, if you're just starting out and want to open a coffee shop at home, online videos and communities can be super helpful. You can learn how to make great coffee and get tips on what to buy for your business. It's like having a mentor online to guide you on your coffee adventure! 

2. Experiment With Coffee Flavors 

When it comes to exploring unique coffee flavors, it's often a good idea to start with people you already know and trust. Share your experimental coffee creations with friends, family, and colleagues. Their feedback can be like a compass pointing you in the right direction. What they like and dislike can give you valuable clues about which flavors might resonate with potential customers when you officially launch your coffee shop.  

The beauty of beginning your flavor experiments is that you don't need a fancy setup. You can start right in your own kitchen with the coffee-making supplies you already have. Small additions like spices (think cinnamon or nutmeg), extracts (like vanilla or almond), or flavored syrups can work wonders in transforming your everyday coffee into something extraordinary. 

Be sure to keep track of what you're doing. Write down the ingredients you use, the brewing methods you employ, and most importantly, pay attention to the reactions of your taste testers. This documentation might seem like a small detail now, but it can be pure gold as you refine your recipes and prepare to serve customers in the future. 

3. Create Your Menu 

Aside from your own coffee recipe from your experiments, you can start with a few simple coffee drinks. Most people are familiar with classics like espresso, Americano, latte, cappuccino, and macchiato. These are like the building blocks of coffee, and they provide a solid foundation for your menu. Customers love these classics, and you can use them as a canvas for creativity. 

If you want, you can also add to your coffee menu an option for your customers to personalize their beverages. Offer a variety of flavored syrups and add-ons, such as whipped cream, milk, or sprinkles. This personalization can make each cup of coffee feel special and tailored to your customer’s taste. 

You can also include non-caffeine choices like a selection of teas and hot chocolate. This way, you cater to a broader audience, including those who may not be coffee enthusiasts. Offering a variety of beverages can help you attract and retain a diverse customer base. 

4. Create a Theme 

Creating a strong brand is super important for your coffee shop. Your brand is like the personality of your business. 

Think of your brand like dressing up in your coffee business. You need to pick a logo, colors, and fonts that show what your coffee shop is all about.   

The logo is like a special symbol that people will remember. It should tell them what your coffee shop is like, cozy or fancy or something else. 

Colors are like the colors you use to decorate your room. You can choose bright colors to make your shop feel exciting or calm colors to make it feel relaxing. It's all about the mood you want to create. 

Fonts are like the style of writing you use for signs and menus. You can use fancy writing or simple writing, depending on what you want your shop to feel like. 

And then there's the slogan, which is like a short and catchy phrase that sums up what your coffee shop is all about. It should be easy to remember, like a jingle in a commercial. 

You can use Canva to design your own brand logo. 

5. Talk to Different Suppliers 

To make great coffee, you need to start with good coffee beans. Look for local places that roast coffee beans or big suppliers who sell in bulk. Think about their reputation (what people say about them), how good their beans are, how much they cost, and how they can get the beans to you. 

Imagine your main supplier can't give you coffee for a while, maybe because of a problem with their beans or delivery. It's smart to have a backup supplier in case something like this happens. This way, you won't run out of coffee and your business can keep going smoothly. 

Aside from coffee beans you can also look for other suppliers for cups, lids, syrups, milk, and more.  

Remember, the internet is also your best friend. If you're not sure where to find coffee supplies, ask other coffee shop owners for advice on the Facebook group community or search online for places that sell these supplies in bulk. 

6. Photograph Your Coffee 

Sharing beautiful pictures of your coffee drinks can be a game-changer for your home-based coffee business. These pictures don't just show what your coffee looks like; they also make it look super tempting. Imagine a frothy cappuccino or a beautifully designed latte – these photos can get people excited about trying your coffee. 

But it's not just about making your coffee look good. These pictures can help you in a few different ways: 

• Firstly, they can attract new customers. When people see delicious-looking coffee images, it makes them want to taste it for themselves.

• Secondly, you can use these pictures to make your menu look more exciting. When customers see these mouthwatering images next to your coffee descriptions, it makes them want to explore your menu and try different drinks. 

• Lastly, these photos are great for your marketing. You can use them on your website, social media, and in your ads to catch people's attention. It's like showing them a glimpse of what they can expect from your coffee shop.

Bos coffee instagram post of their frappuccino drinks

To make your coffee pictures even better, you can adjust things like brightness and colors to make them look even more appealing. 

7. Market Your Business 

Setting up social media accounts for your home-based coffee shop is like having your own free marketing tool. 

Think of platforms like Instagram Stories and Facebook as your direct line to potential customers. You can use them to show what's happening at your coffee shop. Whether t's making a fresh cup of coffee, sharing tips, or giving a sneak peek behind the scenes, it's a way to make your coffee shop feel real and personal.

When you post something, toss in some hashtags (#). These are like magic keywords that help people find your posts.

Don't be shy to ask your friends and family for help. You can ask them to share your posts and tell others about your coffee shop. This word-of-mouth stuff can be a real boost in getting more customers. 

8. Choose a Delivery Platform 

As a home-based coffee shop owner, your physical location might be limited, but your potential customer base knows no bounds. In today's world, food delivery services like Grab Food and Food Panda can be your allies in reaching a broader audience. 

Just be sure to choose the right platform. Each service may have its own pricing structure, with some charging a fixed fee per delivery or operating on a subscription basis. It's crucial to compare these fees to determine which option is the most cost-effective for your business. 

9. Observe Your Operations, Customer Service, and Inventory 

Your customers are your best source of insights and ideas. Encourage them to share their thoughts and preferences. You can use surveys and online reviews to gather valuable information about their experiences at your coffee shop. Pay attention to what they like, what they don't, and any suggestions they may have. This feedback is a goldmine for improvements. 

As you work in your own home-based coffee shop, you need to do your daily operations. This will allow you to gain firsthand insight into what's working smoothly and what might need a change. It's a practical way to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or areas where you can enhance the customer experience. 

A well-managed inventory is the backbone of your coffee shop. It ensures that you always have the necessary supplies and ingredients at hand. 

Regularly inspect your supplies to ensure they're fresh and of top quality. Keep an eye on consumption patterns, identify your best-selling items, and track supply levels to prevent running out of essential items unexpectedly.  

If you need help with inventory tracking , you can take advantage of Peddlr to simplify your inventory management for free. 

Peddlr's inventory management feature

A smoothly managed inventory not only keeps your business running but also prevents the disappointment of customers due to stockouts. 

10. Have Patience 

Launching any type of coffee shop business demands your time, effort, and financial resources.

Be prepared to face challenges along the way but remember that overcoming obstacles is part of the learning process.  

Be flexible and open to change. The business landscape is dynamic, and your initial plans may need adjustments along the way. Being adaptable allows you to respond to market shifts and customer preferences effectively.

Don't hesitate to lean on your support network. Reach out to friends and family for encouragement, advice, and assistance. Their support can be invaluable, both emotionally and practically, as you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. 

      Read a guide on How to Start Your Business in the Philippines.

Wrapping Up 

We all know that coffee remains a beloved choice. Coffee shops are getting popular every day and becoming a go-to place for everyone. 

Aside from typical coffee café stores, home-based coffee shops are continuing to grow. If you’re an aspiring coffee shop owner, this can be a great option because of its low-cost investment.  

You can transform your passion for coffee into a profitable business with enthusiasm. Craft your brand with care, and watch it thrive. As your business grows, offer more on your menu and watch your home-based coffee shop flourish. 

What is Peddlr? 

Peddlr is a POS mobile application for all business owners – sari-sari stores, milk tea stands, coffee shops, Shopee and Lazada sellers and more. It's free to download, free to use, and works even without an internet connection. With Peddlr, you can easily manage and track your business performance and inventory. 

Here are some of the useful features that you can access through the Peddlr app: 

• FREE Point-of-sale system (POS) or a mobile cashier system 

• FREE Credit Reminder – send SMS to your customers for free to collect credit/debts easily 

• FREE Inventory Manager/Tracker - take control of your product inventory 

• Loading and Bills Payment Services – enjoy rebates and cashback