Business Secrets Blog - ABS Business Sales

Working Coffee

Harry Notaras — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 14:59:33 +1000

There were a lot of suits buying coffee at my selected coffee shop today. The old adage of 'going where the people are' certainly works for this shop with a non-stop arrival of customers while I sat and read my paper this morning. Unfortunately the Australian was not available and the furniture setup was quite sparse with short stools as chairs and coffee tables sort of blocking up the customer area. Nevertheless, this is a shop that works. It provides very acceptable coffee at good prices in a very pleasant location.

When I look at coffee shops I look at them from the point of view of how they perform as a functioning business and this one had all the hallmarks of being able to turn a profit. The two staff working the coffee machine were extremely busy during my time there. Water was available in bottles surrounded by glasses at a central spot and my coffee was bought to me. Although the furniture was of the austere type and my preferred reading matter was not present it was clear that this location did not suit the more laid back crowd you might find in say West End. People were on their way to work and standing around as they waited for their coffee was fine with them. As well as quality, speed was of the essence and this shop delivered.

Again, good value at $3.00 and a great shop to own even despite what I expect would be a fairly high rent.

Hallelujah Coffee

Harry Notaras — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:06:05 +1000

When I found a picture of this coffee shop on the internet I originally thought of a church because of its ecclesiastical appearance. It turns out the coffee is also heavenly. It was very easy to drink which is an important attribute because I have it black with no sugar. Furthermore, it left me with that pleasant nutty taste for some hours afterwards that I get from time to time with certain coffees.

Although the structure is quite large, the shop itself only occupies the entrance. Coffee was not available in china cups and instead I settled for a half filled mug rather than a disposable paper cup. This must be a common fix since the next guy who ordered said that he wanted a 'half mug long black' straight up. It goes to show that if you sell the good stuff people will come back for it. Another feature that would probably draw people to the shop is the cosy and casual feel of the place. There are a couple of chairs in the shop and a couple of tables on the footpath. Whereas in years long gone, the corner shop was a familiar face behind the counter and a chance to chat to other local customers, the local independent coffee plays the same role now.

Sitting in the shop reading the paper while looking at the people coming and going to get their coffee was a pleasant way to start the day. I could choose from the Australian and the Courier Mail. For some reason I forgot to hunt down the water this time. Perhaps that is why the nutty flavour is still lingering. In any case, the coffee was mellow enough that I did not need it. On the other hand, I did see an array of drinks for sale including a bottle of water for $1.50 so maybe that is how they provide water.

It seems to work and for $3.50 I was able to start my day on a very good footing at an interesting shop.

Mermaid Walls

Harry Notaras — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:29:54 +1000

I got on my bike for a very early morning coffee run yesterday to try a shop I had not been to before. It was so early when I got there that it was still dark and the shop hadn't opened but it was nice to enjoy the early morning light as a new day awakens. My effort to wake up early was worth while. The shop is a small one with a very cosy feel. I was the first customer in the shop and the only one for some time. As usual at these dedicated independent coffee shops the coffee was excellent quality. Of further interest was the art that was on the wall. One of the main themes invloved the presence of mermaids.

On the down side although the furniture was comfy the table rocked a bit putting me on edge that I might spill some of the precious liquid. Water was available at a central point at the front of the shop in a single bottle surrounded by many glasses. Lucky I was the first one there or I might have had to ask for a top up. The water had clearly stood in the bottle overnight and was a bit warm. I asked if there were newspapers and was offered magazines instead - not quite the same thing but nevermind, with the iPhone handy reading matter is never far away.

For $3.00 I got a coffee, artwork, quiet solitude and a chance to start my day in a great frame of mind. Pretty good value I think.

Extraordinary Crema

Harry Notaras — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:21:37 +1000

It's lovely to be finally back on the coffee trail after a bit of a break owing to work and family committments. Today I attended a South Brisbane coffee shop which is not too far from where I live. This area of Brisbane has no shortage of coffee shops and the expectation was for high standards.

Happily, my expectations were met in many ways. The long black I ordered at $3.00 was well priced. With the thickest crema I had ever seen and placed into a divine cup that had a large open top and a tiny base it was also very well presented. The coffee was bought to my table with a 'your welcome' when I thanked the gentleman for bringing it to me. These things are important to me.

Although water did not arrive with my coffee, it was available in milk bottles on the main table. This meant that I could take one and refill my glass without having to get up and go to the water source. I have come to expect now that manually providing water during a coffee shops busy period may be a stretch to far and the ability to grab a bottle and glass to have with my coffee is a handy option for a business to provide. I suppose the same goes with providing newspapers. In this case the Courier Mail and the Australian were available for sale and judging by the fact that I managed to purchase the last copy of the Australian, this is an option that must work for this shop and also bring in a bit of extra revenue.

When the time came to actually do what I intended at the shop; that is to drink the coffee, read the paper and watch the world go by, this shop excelled. It may have something to do with finally having a clear, sunny morning but in addition to this the furniture was comfortable, the place was abuzz with people coming in and out to buy their coffee and one of the staff had some funky pink, red, bronze (I'm not quite sure what colour it was) hair. The latter complemented the business clothes that the customers wore in this shop that could otherwise have made it appear slightly spartan. There was also a mix of different furniture that would cater to meetings, couples, singles or people simply wanting to lounge.

This was a nice way to start the day.