Taking the leap into your own coffee shop is no easy feat. There’s a lot of things to consider and sometimes it’s bloody hard to know exactly whether or not you’re ready. Is now the right time? It is hard to know just when is the perfect time to start a business, coffee shop or otherwise. No matter how long you wait, you’ll never have enough experience, you’ll never have enough capital and there’ll never be zero risk. There’s always a chance that your business will fail, but there’s also always a chance that it will succeed.

If you are working for the man, as they say, you are busy helping him achieve his goals and dreams – so ask yourself, when are you going to get busy achieving yours?

Hopefully this article will shed some light and give you an idea if maybe you’re ready to take the plunge.

1. You have a true passion for your product – Don’t get into this industry without passion – or any industry for that matter. Your resolve will be tested constantly when you start a coffee shop, so if you’re not really in love with what your doing – you’ll get caught out pretty quick. The more you know and the more you care about what you’re selling the more appealing it becomes – BELIEVE ME customers notice the difference. Now I’m not saying you need to become a full accredited ‘coffee scientist’ before you open your shop but it’s something to keep in mind. Passion doesn’t necessarily equal success but it does foster it.

2. You’re passionate about people – This will get put to the test as a coffee shop owner. You need to be a people person and able to front up everyday and put a smile on your customers and your staff members’ faces. Some days this will feel nearly impossible but the best are still able to keep a positive outlook even during the most trying times. In my experience coffee shops are only as good as the atmosphere and the service. So if your mood is up and down your sales will be too (no matter how good the coffee is).

3. You have a support system – Not trying to get you too down before you’ve even started but this is something that comes in real handy – particularly during the early years. There’s a lot of stress involved in building a business from the ground up. At the very beginning you have to fight hard for every sale, every penny. You might be unbelievably determined and capable but you’re still only human. Everyone has their limitations and it’s your support network that can help you fill in the gaps.

4. Your job is no longer fulfilling – I left this one until last for a reason as I think it can be seriously misleading. In any job, you’ll have your good days and your bad days. Just because you had a tough week you should give it all away and start a new business. But, if you’re noticing that through both good and bad days your job truly isn’t fulfilling, it may be time to consider taking your skills and work ethic and trying to start something of your own. Often, people stop feeling fulfilled when they aren’t able to do the work they want to do or because someone else is calling all the shots. If you’re thrilled at the idea of setting your own schedule, delegating your own tasks, and building something that is yours, it may be time to start your own coffee shop.

Sometimes you just have to do it.

As Andy Dufresne said in Shawshank Redemption “I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living or get busy dying.”

To read more about a simple easy and affordable way to start a coffee shop check out our Ultimate Guide To STARTING A SHIPPING CONTAINER CAFE .