How Much Does it Cost to Start a Coffee House?
Are you dreaming of opening your own coffee house? You’re not alone! Coffee culture is booming, and starting a coffee shop sounds exciting. But one big question often comes up: How much does it cost to start a coffee house?
According to our Deep Research, the average cost to start a coffee house is approximately £60,000 to £22,0000, but it depends on size, structure, inventory and location as well. Today, We’ll try to break down the cost of a coffee house to make you guys more comfortable.Â
Initial Inventory and Other Supplies
When you are starting a coffee house, you need to buy some basic things before you can open your doors to customers.
This is called your initial inventory and supplies. It’s like filling your shop with everything you need to make coffee, serve people, and keep the place clean.
Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need:
How much does it cost to start a coffee house when it comes to inventory?
You should plan to spend around £2,000 to £6,000 on your first big shopping trip.
It might seem like a lot, but these are things you must have to run your shop properly.
Buy a little extra of the small supplies (like napkins and straws) because they run out faster than you think!
What Do Coffee Shop Startup Costs Include?
Location
Your location will be one of your biggest costs.
Prices vary depending on whether you rent or buy.
Typical rent for a small coffee shop in the UK can range from £800 to £3,000 per month.
Key things to consider:
A high-traffic location might cost more, but it usually means better sales!
Projected Sales
When planning costs, you must estimate your projected sales.
Think about:
This will help you decide how big your coffee shop should be and how much inventory you’ll need.
Equipment
Coffee equipment is essential and can be a big investment. Basic items include:
| Equipment | Estimated Cost (GBP) |
| Espresso Machine | £2,000 – £10,000 |
| Coffee Grinder | £500 – £1,500 |
| Refrigerators | £400 – £1,200 |
| Blenders | £200 – £500 |
| Ovens / Toasters | £300 – £1,000 |
In total, expect to spend around £5,000 to £15,000 on equipment.
How much does it cost to start a coffee house? Well, a big part of it goes into buying high-quality machines!
Drink Ingredients
Fresh ingredients are key to your success. You’ll need:
Monthly ingredient costs can vary but typically range from £800 to £2,000 depending on your sales volume.
Training
Don’t underestimate the power of good training.
Well-trained baristas mean happy customers!
You might spend £500 to £2,000 for professional barista training courses.
If you’re serious about running a successful shop, training costs are worth every penny.
Payroll Expenses
Hiring staff is essential as your shop grows.
Common positions include:
Expect to spend at least £1,500 to £4,000 per month on salaries, depending on the number of employees.
Opening a Costa Coffee Shop Checklist
Ready to get started? Here’s a simple checklist to guide you!
Create your coffee shop business plan
A solid business plan helps you:
Include your vision, target customers, competition research, and a detailed budget.
Find your Coffee Shop Location
Choose a place with good foot traffic.
Check rent prices, accessibility, and nearby competition before signing a lease.
Determine your Costa Coffee Shop Menu
Decide on the drinks and food you’ll offer.
Options might include:
A strong, focused Menu makes it easier to manage inventory and train staff.
Choose your coffee
Work with a trusted coffee bean supplier.
Costa Coffee, for example, is known for its rich, high-quality blends.
Good coffee keeps customers coming back!
Order your coffee shop equipment
Based on your menu, list all the equipment you need and place your orders early.
Determine your coffee and food pricing
Make sure your prices cover costs while remaining competitive.
You can use simple formulas to set pricing margins based on ingredient and labor costs.
Craft your Unique Coffee shop brand
Your brand should reflect your vibe, values, and target audience.
Think about:
Branding helps you stand out in a busy market!
Choose your accounting strategy
Decide how you’ll manage finances:
Financial organization is crucial for long-term success.
Create your coffee shop’s marketing strategy
Marketing helps you attract and retain customers.
Ideas include:
A strong marketing strategy answers not just “how much does it cost to start a coffee house” but also how to make it profitable.
Choose a POS system
A Point of Sale (POS) system makes it easy to manage:
Look for POS systems that are user-friendly and affordable for small businesses.
Start the staff hiring process for your coffee shop early
Start hiring and interviewing early to ensure your team is ready before the opening day.
Train your staff
Well-trained employees create a great experience for customers.
Invest time in customer service and barista training.
Conclusion
Starting a coffee shop is exciting, but it comes with a lot of planning and investment.
So, how much does it cost to start a coffee house? On average, in the UK, it can cost anywhere from £30,000 to £100,000 depending on your location, size, and goals.
Here’s a quick recap:
Planning carefully, investing wisely, and building a strong brand can set you on the path to success.