I'm looking to open a coffee shop in Chennai, India?

Question

Im looking to open a coffee shop wit a different concept to pull the youth crowd with providing desserts and main course, cold coffee, hookas(sheesha) and little more stuffs. do i need to go for franchsing or do i need to find on doing by own. so is it safe to start by my own? how will it work out? is ther anyone who could assist me in helping with it.

Answer 1

Hey... Its good that you plan to venture on your own.

I myself plan to leave my job and venture on my own.

What you are looking at present is choosing bw "taking a franchise" and "creating a brand of your own"

Taking a franchise is about using the name of an established brand. You would be paying them a royalty at starting and for every sale. This involves a bit less risk if you choose a good brand and a good location. This will easy you the task of marketing the brand as it would be done by the brand owner.

But the negatives are : If you are really creative person, then you would be loosing out on your creativity as you need to allign yourself to the brand u r representing. More over I think I think that franchising is not true entraprenuership.

As it doesnt allows you to be your ownself completly

As for starting on your own, It requires a good concept. You can innovate as uch as u wish, you would be having the opportunity to present your own menu, your own ambience etc...

But it involves a bit more risk than the franchise route. You would need to promote your brand, it requires MONEY, TIME and CREATIVITY to do so.

Franchise needs more money, but in case of your own venture, you can start off with a small minimum basic amount and then add on as your venture grows.

So if you believe in your concept and dont have a fragile heart, Go and start on your own.

In case you need any advise (though I am not an expert) feel free to contact me on YM : ankurjain_del   GTALK :ankur.jain83

Answer 2

Your concept is very good.  When you go for franchising, the relation ship is going to be slave and master and you should always listen to the owner of the brand and you cannot do any thing creative.  Better go alone and register your name and logo before you go into business and ensure that your name and logo are not copied.  Put service before yourself and price in such a way that you do not compromise on the quality and service.  A small trade secret (Nothing racial and complexion) Hire girls of Manipal to work in your coffee shop.  You will really find the difference in your shop sales.  You will certainly find the difference in service to your customers by these girls.