Coffee remains a steadfast part of the daily lives of the British public. It seems nothing can stop the popularity of coffee shops as this corner of the retail and hospitality industry only continues to grow, no matter what hurdles are in the way.
Still, starting a business is always a challenging enterprise. It’s only shrewd to make sure you’re prepared for any potential hurdles you may encounter.
So if you’re new to the coffee shop market, what’s the best way to get your business off the ground? And how can you prepare for bumps in the road? Joining a coffee franchise may just be the answer.
Why Should I Join a Franchise for My Business?
An invaluable strategy for new business owners, franchising hugely improves the potential for success and comes with a lot of benefits. However, there are a few things to take into consideration.
Prove Yourself With a Plan
A franchise agreement is, first and foremost, a partnership, so you will have to prove your merits as well as determine the merits of potential franchisors. Creating a robust business plan is key as the research process will illuminate essential things, such as:
- Compatibility with your desired franchise partner.
- A knowledgeable grasp of your business and competitors.
- Showing you have the necessary financial qualifications.
- Demonstrating that you have what it takes to maintain a dependable work ethic with passion and enthusiasm.
Independence
Some business owners prefer to be their own boss and fear they may lose creative control over their coffee shop. This concern isn’t completely unfounded, but still, it’s important to remember that being granted access to all the privileges that a brand’s marketing power affords you means you’re something of a representative. Reputation is everything in business, and as such, it’s important to respect the franchisor’s guidelines.
However, guidelines vary depending on the brand, so don’t take this to mean that franchise agreements are inherently restrictive. Again, it’s a partnership, meaning the relationship is a collaborative one between the franchisor and the franchisee.
This is yet another reason why it’s vital to do your research on your desired franchise partner so you can get a good idea of what values you share, what kind of guidance they offer and how much creative freedom you will have.
Account for Franchise Costs
The start-up costs of franchising can seem a little intimidating at first, but with franchising, you get what you pay for. Franchising can actually reduce costs in the long run, as working with an already proven business model such as Esquires Coffee means you reduce the financial risks that come with setting out on your own.
Don’t just take our word for it; business trends indicate that in spite of economic turbulence, franchising in the retail sector remains a promising opportunity for growth. Therefore, making an investment in franchising and receiving all the benefits that come with such support is an incredibly important step for starting your business.
Is Franchising with Esquires Coffee Good for Business?
Don’t just leap headfirst into joining any franchise. Here’s why partnering with Esquires Coffee in particular is the best possible option available for starting your own successful franchise:
Esquires Coffee is Cost-Effective
When compared with the franchising costs of other brands, Esquires is a much more worthy investment. For example, total investment costs are around £200,000 - £270,000 with Esquires. Estimates indicate Costa Coffee franchise fees are £250,000 minimum in addition to the start-up costs, which clocks in at around £800,000.
As mentioned previously, coffee shops can be incredibly profitable, so making an investment is worth the price. Esquires Coffee provides the ideal balance, providing lower total costs than top brands while still providing high-tier service.
Find Fortune with Familiarity
Having branding from a trusted, established, and ethical business like Esquires at your fingertips means you acquire a significant advantage over the competition, as consumers are far more likely to choose a brand they recognise. It doesn’t matter how high-quality your coffee is if your brand isn’t memorable.
Esquires is a household name in the retail sector. Customers are familiar with the consistency and quality of our artisan cafes, and as such, having access to our name for marketing purposes ensures your business will gain significant staying power in the minds of consumers and also a degree of reliability by association.
Support Means Success
On top of that, we offer ongoing guidance and support so you can learn the tricks of the trade from a business that has years of experience in the industry. We can provide support in all the most important aspects of owning a store, such as the design of your shop, the equipment, the hiring process and staff training.
At Esquires, we are here to help you flourish. Provided candidates are passionate, can motivate a team, and have an ethical approach to their coffee, we’re not here to step on anyone’s toes. We merely offer the tools you need to realise your shop’s full potential.
We hope this has given you a good idea of what a franchise entails and why it’s a good idea to start your own business. Want to know more about franchising and what it entails? Head to our franchise FAQs.
