How to Find the Right Place to Park and How to Secure a Spot
Ok, so you have started your mobile coffee business.
Now, you need CUSTOMERS.
The beauty of a mobile business is the ability to go to your customers
Step #1: Observe the morning rush.
Are there any streets that are particularly busy AND don’t have a coffee shop on every corner? This is your place or places. Watching what businesses are busy during the rush and where are the busiest intersections are key to finding your spot.
Step #2: Right side of the road
Why does the side of the road matter?
Psychology.
Think about it. Us humans are more likely to make a decision if the option is right in front of them and if they don’t have to go out of their way to get said option.
Americans drive on the right side of the road so if we have our mobile coffee shops parked on the right hand side, a driver can easily turn into our spot, get their coffee, and exit right back onto their route. It’ll be a huge gamechanger if you have been parking on the left and change to the right. People just don’t want to inconvenienced to get their daily coffee fix.
Step #3: Actually parking
Now the hard part is actually securing the spot. For us, we noticed a Mexican restaurant which had a decent sized parking lot with easy entrance and exit points. They also don’t open until 11am. So we simply spoke with the owners and asked permission to park and they were super nice and didn’t even ask for money…..
which leads me to……
Step #4: Paying for your spot
Some businesses will ask for a rent of sorts to allow you to park on their property.
My advice? Always do a flat rate. No percentage of sales. No giving them your tips. And always negotiate for the lowest price,
If I can’t make the rent amount in a single day’s business, it’s a risk. Yes we need to rub elbows and make friends and good connections. BUT, we also need to make a living.
Step #5: Hours
Coffee sales are best in the morning. duh.
Plan to set up at least by 6 AM. It’s going to take some time to make sure your trailer/truck is set up. Generator is running. Espresso machine has time to build to pressure and heat up. POS is up and going. All of these things need to be done in order for you to start working.
Ending time depends on your spot agreement and/or you. This means you can pack up at anytime. Go to a different location or call it a day. Truly I think the opening hour is what will make or break you. Generally speaking, our sales really drop by the time noon hits. People already have had their coffee for the day. That’s not to say you won’t get some people later on, but in our experience we can safely pack up shop around 2 or 3 in the afternoon. (If you’re near a school though you might want to consider staying open longer)
Major Pro Tip!!!
Before going home. Stop at a larger local company and get a few last sales
We do this on a rotation and we always get another 20+ sales we wouldn’t have otherwise.
With permission, we stop at a few banks, our community college, and hospital (one a day) and ask the receptionist to send out an email letting employees know we will be parked for the next 30 minutes.
That’s it. So simple but it really really makes a difference in your sales over the course of the week!
Step #6: Days Off
The hustle is a real and hard thing for small businesses. Especially if you do not have any employees and are running it on your own.
There needs to be balance. BUT it needs to be a strategic balance.
You need a day or two off to recharge and not work yourself and your family into a burnout. But typical weekends are good money maker days.
We suggest taking Tuesdays and Wednesdays off. Or Wednesday and Thursday.
This way you aren’t missing the weekend clientele. You’re not missing the Sunday church goers. Not missing the Monday workers dragging to work. Nor the Friday made-it-through-the-week people. The middle of the week works perfect for us so you might want to give it a trial chance and see if it works for you.
How about you? Anything to add? Any extra questions?
Best Wishes,
Ashley M
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