Here are some tips for starting a new boba tea shop in 2022.
If you are a regular boba tea drinker and have finally decided to invest in your own boba tea shop, careful planning must be considered. From figuring out your business name and logo to finding a trusted and legit boba supply store for equipment and boba supplies, research is significant to ensure the success of your business.
Because the boba tea industry continues to grow, starting a boba tea business is profitable. In fact, this industry is forecasted to reach $4.3 billion by 2027, with the United States estimated to account for 18.7 percent of the boba tea market worldwide by 2026.
Although franchising a known boba tea brand may be a good idea, going out on your own is also a good move. If this is the route you are taking, here are eight helpful steps on how to start your boba tea business in 2022:
#1 Develop your business concept.
First things first -- you need to come up with a boba tea business concept that actually works. A couple of questions to help you with your business concept are:
After finalizing your answers, you can now start thinking of the brand name and identity. You can do this by researching your close competition and asking for opinions from friends and family.
#2 Finalize your brand name and logo.
Once you’ve finalized your shop’s name, it’s time to come up with a logo. It has to work well on social media pages, your website if you plan to build one, your storefront, and of course, drink and food packaging.
Because this is a food business, opt to choose logo colors that will trigger thirst or hunger. It's also best to go for one or two colors instead of multiple, so your boba tea logo can still pop out against most backgrounds.
#3 Look for the best store location.
If you are planning to have a pop-up store or truck, location is not much of a problem. However, if you plan to rent space, this is crucial. Consider an area with parking spaces and with high foot traffic.
You should also consider demographics. Boba tea drinks are pretty popular with Gen Z and millennials, so locations near campuses and office spaces are ideal.
#4 Figure out your finances.
Next up, you need to work on the financial aspects of the business. This will include your monthly rent, utilities, number of employees, and miscellaneous expenses. Once you've done a business plan, you can now apply for a loan or attract potential investors.
Do not forget to include your menu items in the business plan. Finalize the number of regular drinks and snacks, and make sure to offer a variety of choices so you can stand out from the competition and wow possible investors.
#5 Design your store.
Once you've secured your location and finalized your finances, the next step is to design your shop. Research on the latest trends in design in the food industry as well as the best layout for the store. Of course, you can also hire interior design services for this task.
Designing your space also includes researching and getting the right boba tea equipment and machines because these things will also require space planning. You will need to know how much space a sealing machine would need or your storage for cups and other boba supplies.
#6 Look for a trusted boba supply store.
You should also look for a legit boba supply store where you can source ingredients. You can find many suppliers online, but make sure they are not the fly-by-night kind.
Work only with trusted suppliers who can provide all the things you'll need for the shop -- from syrups to boba pearls and from straws and tissue paper to custom packaging.
#7 Worn on business permits and staff training.
Before your grand opening, make sure to secure all the proper permits and licenses. Train your staff members well, especially when it comes to cleanliness and food safety.
On the same note, you should also consider collaborating with food delivery businesses like Uber Eats and Grubhub and offering various payment options for the convenience of your customers.
#8 Market your business!
Marketing your business shouldn't start after your opening. You will get the best results out of your marketing efforts if you start weeks before. Doing so will increase customer anticipation and curiosity, which can trigger word-of-mouth marketing.
Make use of social media business pages. Make sure to input all the necessary information like business name, address, phone number, and complete menu items. Provide high-quality images of the boba tea drinks and snacks to entice people to check out your business. Consider running ads on social media as well to increase brand awareness and exposure.
The Takeaway
It's definitely overwhelming to start a business, especially if this is your first time. However, things will be much easier if the process is done bit by bit and you keep a timeline that you strictly follow.
Boba tea drinks are in demand, so take advantage of this. Offer only the highest quality of drinks and snacks so you can stand up from competitors and grow your brand. And who knows, you might attract franchisors after a year!
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