09 Oct, 2019
How to Start a Tea Shop Business
Is it any wonder that so many tea lovers dream of opening their very own tearoom? Whether the vision is traditional English, tranquil and trendy Asian, or some modern fusion, I’ve never met a tea lover that doesn’t get excited by the prospect of sitting down to enjoy a few tea inspired dishes and a flight of premium loose teas with friends. If what Americans buy is mostly marketing, packaging and experience, then what could be better than a perfectly executed oasis of tea? The flavors, history and romance are simply unparalleled.
Learn about tea. There are four major types–white, black, oolong and green tea–and thousands of blends, brews and names within those groups. Tea has significance in various cultures and is touted for health benefits. If you are running a tea shop, expect to be asked questions about tea. You’ll need to be knowledgeable about the regions tea comes from, the processing methods for tea, health benefits and significance of tea. Unlike other businesses you can choose, there is a lot to learn besides just how to start a tea store. Read about tea, join groups and go to seminars and presentations to get a good understanding of all there is to know about tea.
Passion
Passion fuels resilience and provides you with the ambition to learn and strive to become more competent at what you do. Most importantly than anything else, it affords you the ability to focus. It is my father’s passion which led him to switch from his diamond business to teas at the age of 52, made him climb mountains, take up a tea blending course and changes the face of tea drinking in India. If you are passionate about improving your skills, and about acquiring the emotional reasoning to keep your chin up during the downs, then you have a shot at loving your job because winning is fun.
Construct a sound business plan and have a professional accountant evaluate it for you.
- Always include the costs of your tea room venue. Whether you buy or rent real estate, your venue will account for a significant portion of your costs.
- Estimate the costs of furniture for your customers, as well as preparation and serving equipment.
- Find suppliers who are local to you and offer supplies at a reasonable price.
- Research which licenses and permits you need to open a tea room in your chosen area.
- Calculate how much you will need to pay employees, accountants, and other supporting staff.
- Reserve a portion of your budget for marketing and advertising, as this is key to making your tea room more visible to customers.