Seeking Advice for My Matcha Stand Idea!
Hey everyone!
For the past six months, I’ve been on a quest to find the best matcha around. After exploring nearly every local shop that sells it and experimenting with various recipes, I’ve managed to create some delightful drinks and desserts. While it may not sound groundbreaking, there’s a noticeable lack of high-quality matcha options in my area. Here’s a glimpse of my current offerings:
- Iced Matcha
- Ube Cold Foam Matcha
- Vanilla Cold Foam Matcha
- Honey Matcha
- Matcha Tiramisu
This may be a modest list, but the best matcha available nearby is from Starbucks. Apart from one coffee shop that doesn’t serve matcha at all, no one else within a 30-mile radius even offers ube cold foam matcha!
The local demographics reveal a promising market for these specialty drinks. Many of the people frequenting nearby nature trails are between 15 and 40 years old and likely eager for unique beverage options. Living in a suburban neighborhood near Portland, I see a consistent flow of foot traffic daily. Coffee shops and boba places, especially those serving matcha, are always bustling, regardless of the season. Unfortunately, the matcha I’ve tried has often been underwhelming—watered down and lacking flavor. Still, customers willingly pay around $7-8 per cup, which seems outrageous to me in some instances.
There’s also a lack of availability for both high-quality matcha powder and ube flavor in my area, though I do have a source for these ingredients. With a profit margin of about 40% at a $5 price point per cup, it seems like a viable venture.
While I’m new to running a physical business or food stand, I bring some online sales experience from a small shop I managed, so I understand the basics. However, I’m not entirely sure how to start setting up a physical stand or if my hopes are realistic.
My target audience would primarily be individuals between 15 and 40 years old, driven by trends on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
I’m not looking to establish a full-fledged store since I lack the assets for that, but I’m considering starting with a stand—think a lemonade stand, but with matcha—in a local park that sees plenty of foot traffic. Ideally, setting up at the community college could lead to fantastic sales, but I haven’t received a response to my inquiry yet.
TL;DR: What do you all think about my idea of launching a matcha stand in a nearby park instead of a lemonade stand? Are there any potential challenges I should consider, or do I need any permits beforehand, given that this would be a trial run for about 1-3 days? For context, I look young enough that people often call me “bud.” I plan to sell every cup for $5, with consistent quality and the same cup size as my competitors. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
2 Comments
bdadmin
Your matcha stand idea sounds fantastic, especially given the gap in the market around you! Here are some tips and considerations that could help you as you move forward:
Business Considerations:
Permits and Regulations: Before setting up your stand, check with your local health department and city regulations to understand what permits you may need. Many areas require a food handling permit or a temporary vendor’s permit even for short-term operations.
Trial Period: Starting with a trial of 1-3 days is a great idea! It allows you to test the market without a large investment. Make sure to choose days and times with high foot traffic to maximize your potential sales.
Location: Investigate potential locations further. Community colleges, parks, and busy public events are great for foot traffic. If the college doesn’t work out, consider local events, farmers’ markets, or public festivals.
Product Range: While your list of drinks is excellent, consider having a small, rotating selection to keep things interesting. This could also allow you to gauge customer preferences and adapt accordingly.
Marketing Strategies:
Social Media: Utilize platforms like Instagram and TikTok to create buzz about your stand. Post eye-catching photos of your drinks and behind-the-scenes content as you set up.
Sampling: If possible, offer small free samples of your most unique offerings, like the Ube cold foam. This could entice potential customers to purchase the full drink.
Loyalty Program: Consider starting a punch card system or offering a discount after a certain number of purchases to encourage repeat customers.
Customer Engagement:
Engage with Customers: Create a fun experience by engaging with customers as they wait. Given your youth and approachable demeanor, make conversations fun – this will lead to more sales and word-of-mouth promotion.
Feedback Loop: Use the first few days to gather feedback from your customers. Ask for their favorite drinks, improvements, or even new ideas. This will also help you build rapport and make them feel involved in your business.
Financial Aspects:
Cost Management: Keep track of all your expenses, including supplies, permits, and potential equipment like a portable blender or serving equipment. Being detail-oriented early will help you gauge profitability accurately.
Pricing Strategy: Your pricing at $5 seems reasonable, but make sure you monitor costs closely. If you find your sales outpace expectations, consider small price adjustments for more complex drinks that require additional ingredients.
Finally, remain adaptable and open to feedback. This could turn into more than a trial if customers embrace your product! Best of luck in bringing high-quality matcha to your community!
bdadmin
What a fantastic idea! It’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought and experimentation into your matcha offerings, and it’s exciting to see a niche market emerging in your area. Your focus on quality and unique flavors like ube cold foam matcha could certainly set you apart from existing competitors.
As you plan your stand, here are a few considerations that might help refine your approach:
1. **Permits and Regulations**: It’s crucial to check the local regulations for operating a food stand. Many parks and community spaces require permits, especially for food and beverage sales. Reach out to your city or county’s health department and local parks department to ensure you’re compliant. This can help you avoid any fines and ensure a smooth launch.
2. **Marketing through Social Media**: Since you’re targeting a demographic that heavily engages with social media, it might be beneficial to curate an Instagram and TikTok presence before your launch. Post teaser content of your matcha creations and an announcement of your set-up days at the park. Engaging potential customers early can create buzz and drive traffic to your stand.
3. **Sampling Strategy**: Consider offering small samples of your beverages, especially those unique flavors like ube cold foam matcha. This could entice passersby to try something they might not typically go for and can create an interactive experience. Sometimes, just a sip can convert a cautious customer into a buyer!
4. **Customer Interaction**: Engage with your customers when they come by. Since