How to Start a Coffee Cart Kiosk

Coffee kiosks have good earning potential, and their start-up costs are relatively small. Motivated entrepreneurs can take advantage of the adaptability of kiosks to sell a wide selection of coffees, pastries and light foods in just about any location. Since kiosks are semi-permanent, they can be installed indoors or outdoors and even include cafe tables to create an inviting atmosphere for lingering customers. Savvy independent business owners can set up a coffee kiosk and begin pulling espresso within a short time.

• 1

  Scout out possible kiosk sites early in the morning so you can see where there are high concentrations of people commuting on foot. Coffee kiosks work well inside the entrances of large office buildings, convention center halls, airport terminals and malls. If your city does not have extreme weather, consider outdoor locations like parks or college campuses. Other potential kiosk locations include entrances to busy government and community buildings like courthouses and hospitals.

• 2

  Talk to other local coffee kiosk owners to learn about their experience with equipment, customers, licensing specifications and profit potential.

• 3

  Create a thoroughly researched business plan. Include information like an executive summary, company description, market analysis, management description and financial analysis. Business plan consults can assist with this step.

• 4

  Use your business plan to apply for a small business loan. If the loan gets rejected the first time, don't give up; ask for the reasons why it was rejected and revise your business plan accordingly.

• 5

  Buy or lease a kiosk. A wide variety of kiosk designs are available, and they range in price, so choose one that fits your budget and location. Be sure that it has enough counter and storage space to meet your needs.

• 6

  Purchase equipment. In addition to an espresso maker, coffee maker, refrigeration unit and cash register, you will need a van or truck to transport supplies. Weigh your options carefully. A high-end espresso maker may be more luxury than necessity. Think long term and know that you can always reinvest profits into equipment upgrades later on.

• 7

  Obtain the proper permits and licenses. New business owners must register their business with the state in order to receive a tax ID number. A vendor's license allows you to sell goods in your state, and can be obtained at the City Clerk's office. You will need to fill out an application, pay a licensing fee and pass an inspection. In many states, business owners must submit a design layout to show how food will be prepared and how issues like sanitation and disposal will be managed. Food handler's permits can be obtained from the public health department.

• 8

  Consider what type of espresso, coffee and tea drinks you want to serve. Find out if specialty items like shade-grown coffee or locally produced baked goods would be popular. Depending on the space, you may be able to offer other menu items like smoothies, pressed sandwiches, wraps, salad or soup. Choosing the right coffee and bakery wholesalers will help keep costs low and please the clientele.

• 9

  Create signage. At the very least, you'll need a menu board and a shop sign or banner. The shop sign should be eye-catching and "evergreen" so that it can be used for a long time. The menu, on the other hand, will most likely change, so consider creating one that can be updated.

• 10

  Set up a bookkeeping system that is easy to update and maintain. To be sure you are recording all necessary items for your tax records, consult with an accountant.

• 11

  Hire and train employees before you open for business so they will be prepared and it will make opening day less stressful.