I am currently thinking about opening a coffee/pastry shop in the town I live in. It is a small town maybe 5000 people, and there is not anyplace nice poeple can go to to have a cup of coffe/Cappuccino, and have a pasty of slice of cheescake ect...

My question is how do I go about doing some type of market analysis to see if this can be supported by the town? ( BTW did I mention I live in hickville?? Not much class around) This has alsways been my dream, and right now I am selling wedding cakes, cheesecake, and such from my home. I am envisioning a small area with 5/6 wroght iron tables with matcheing chairs, red checkerd table clothes, serving customers on nice china ( not paper like the rest of town) with linen napkins. I know it will be ALOT of work on my part, with lots of hours. Any thoughts any of you have are greatly appreciated
TIA
Amy

By Cheftim (Cheftim) on Sunday, December 12, 1999 - 09:08 pm: Edit

Go to
http://www.sba.gov/
In the search form Type in
Business Plan.
This should geive you plenty of information.

By Panini (Panini) on Sunday, December 12, 1999 - 11:03 pm: Edit

Be careful Researching anything with SBA in it!!
This is a long arduous venture that usually does not help you, but the lender.There are many good business plan programs on the market. Use them as a guideline to do your own plan.
Financing is the key. Be creative! Lines of credit, etc. Usually anything involving equipment will require a 4-5 year payback, this could exceed you rent payment. The Small Business Administration was set up for minority businesses.
Everything will hinge on your personal credit.
Anyway, I don't want to scare you off. Draw up a realistic business plan that you can acually use as guide. Remember to gear your business for acquisition or sale, that is your pay day. Don't end up buying a 100,000. job that you could have had for nothing!
Ciao,
Panini

By Tess (Tess) on Tuesday, March 07, 2000 - 11:06 am: Edit

I am new to this forum although I have been viewing messages awhile. I am in the planning stages of opening a bakery and am trying to find out what sales volume is possible. If there is anyone willing to tell me what your yearly sales are and what products produce the most income for you I would be appreciative. You may email me privately if you don't want to post it publicly.

Thanks

By Panini (Panini) on Tuesday, March 07, 2000 - 05:01 pm: Edit

There is no way to predict your potential volume.
The best way to estimate is to stairstep. 1st 6 months 500. day next 6 months 750.etc. This should be in your business plan and you will adjust it accordingly. Unless you are buying an existing bakery with a history.
What my business does an an annual basis will mean nothing to your business. Of course, set your goals low enough in the begining. You should be striving for break even money from day 1.
Yeast products have the larger margins.
What is your email address?