|
Article Directory
|
+ Authors
+ Articles
|
|
|
|
The Tea Room Business Plan – First Steps And Start Up Basics
Copyright (c) 2007-2012 Marcus Stout
Every venture starts with the first steps and a business plan for a quality tea room is no exception. Well thought out first steps, properly implemented, will pay dividends in the business operations of the tea room in later years.
First Steps
Use a "first steps" checklist.
Focus on selling a great product or service at a fair price.
Specialize. Specialists outperform non-specialists.
Train your employees thoroughly in marketing and customer service skills.
Consider your suppliers as a source of financing.
Develop a database of prospects.
Open quietly to work out the bugs before you schedule the grand opening promotion.
Include the Internet in your marketing plans with an appealing website.
Start up Basics
Choosing your business name
Find a name that will encompass all areas that you are interested in-tea room, tea party catering, gift shop, tea education, etc. You want to leave room for growth and/or change.
Changing a business name after you have used it can be a problem. If you already have stationery, business cards, etc. printed with a name, you have to redo all of it and that can be expensive. If you are on the internet, you have to forward everything to your new site and that can be difficult.
Before you commit funds and resources to promotion, make sure the name you choose is final.
After you name your business, it is time to register your business name.
Registering your business name
It's important to register your business name because if you don't, someone else could register it and you would lose the right to use that name. First, check the web to see if someone else has registered your chosen business name in your state. You can find your state's Secretary of State office and locate the business name registration area on your state's website.
Most states' Secretary of State websites have a business name search feature and information on registering your chosen business name in your state.
Go to your own state's office of Secretary of State. Go to the registration area to register your business name.
Another good idea is to trademark your business name and logo for national protection. Go to the "trademarks" section U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Obtaining a Business License
Every state has their own regulations for obtaining a business license. All you need to do is call the city clerk's office listed in the government section of your telephone book... There is of course, a fee and paperwork.
Getting Your Resale Tax Number
Since you are going to be selling food, tea, tea accouterments, etc. you need to have a sales tax number or a resale tax number (they are both the same thing.) You can find your state's department of revenue online or in the state government section of your phone book.
This resale tax number allows you to purchase your supplies at wholesale prices. Some suppliers only sell to businesses with resale numbers (this is also referred to as a wholesale number or wholesale license.)
Opening a Business Bank Account
Have a separate account so you do not mix your own personal money with your business money. The IRS requires you to have a clear distinction between your money and your business' money.
You need to keep a record of your income and expenses.
Tea Room Tip: Do not combine business funds with personal funds. This will only result in chaos.
Location
For a tea room, finding a good location is a critical factor. It cannot be overemphasized; the location should accommodate foot traffic and have adequate parking. Visibility and ease of access are two important elements.
Usually premises are leased and lease negotiations with the landlord are important for the success of the tea room.
Tea Room Tip: Remember, in a lease negotiation, EVERYTHING is negotiable. Do not become emotionally attached to any piece of property. There are always other sites available.
Business Organization
Since you are forming a business, you will require a business entity that has its own identity, name logo and other promotional identifiers. The general forms of organization are:
Sole Proprietorship
Partnership
Limited Liability Corporation
Corporation.
Each organizational form has different features, tax liability and protection for the individual. Check with a qualified legal advisor on the form best for you and the best state fro formation.
Tea Room Tip: Initially avoid including partners or shareholders in your business. Wait until the business is operating profitably (and you may well conclude you don't need the extra help.)
Licenses and Permits
When you start a business you are operating in the community at large and must comply with issues like business permits, licenses and registration of you trade name and logo may be required. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or the Small Business Administration to determine the permits and other approvals required.
Go to the health department in your city to find out their regulations. You may have to take a course in food handling. You may have to have a grease interceptor or a grease trap.
Tea Room Tip: DO NOT OVERLOOK LICENSE/PERMIT REQUIREMENTS. Failure to comply with local building codes or licensing requirements will delay the opening of your tea room.
Insurance
A tea room will required liability insurance since you are dealing with the public on your premises or may have vehicles associated with the business is a good idea
Location
Initial Funding
Projecting financial figures for your tea room is one of the most challenging and critical undertakings of any consulting assignment. This is because initial estimates must be adequate to pay start up expenses and have a reserve for working capital to fund the business.
If you don't provide for enough capital going in going in, you won't have enough capital to run your business let alone maintaining business operations.
Tea Room Tip: Make a conservative forecast of your capital requirements based upon conservative cash flow projections. You will come up with a number that represents capital required. Then double the capital requirements and fund accordingly.
Tea Room Tip: You must be psychologically prepared to undertake the risks and effort associated with starting and running a business. But the benefits are worth the challenge. Proper preparation before you start will pay dividends later.
Tea Room Tip: If you've put all the necessary thought, preparation and research into how your business is going to run, if you have enough money to make it happen and to sustain you through the initial growth phase, if you have invested in some essential training to equip you to run your business for profit, then you should have every reason to believe you are going to be successful.
Initial Funding
All start up ventures require initial funding to pay the start up costs and other required working capital items.
You must have equity capita (money that is not borrowed) as part of the startup funding in order for the tea room venture to get started. This is a must. Equity capital can be combined with a certain amount of bank borrowings to supplement funding.
Tea Room Tip: Do NOT over leverage or over borrow funds as part of your initial funding. Borrowed funds must always be paid back and if you over borrow you will be "undercapitalized" and this can severely reduce your chances of success.
Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter
(@phantomwriters)
to be notified when new articles are made available.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Business Offline Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Marcus Stout
Bottled Water Delivery: The Bottle
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-10-01 |
Word Count: 411 |
Page Views: 1245
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.38
Bottled water delivery service is an important part of the
bottled water industry. For homes and offices it is a convenient
way to receive cost effective, high quality drinking water on a
regular basis.
Quality Private Label Bottled Water is the Key to Cost Effective Advertising
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-09-30 |
Word Count: 400 |
Page Views: 1226
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.17
A classic advertising comment talks about half of the advertising
budget is wasted but management can't figure out which half.
Private Label Bottled Water Improves Advertising Effectiveness
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-09-25 |
Word Count: 390 |
Page Views: 1687
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.00
Private label bottled water is a powerful, effective advertising
tool and private label bottled water is a cost effective way to
promote a consumer brand. It is an important element of any
effective consumer advertising effort.
How Pure is Bottled Water?
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-09-24 |
Word Count: 607 |
Page Views: 1384
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 2.23
Pure drinking water is the basic element in any health oriented
way of life. Although there is a great deal of water in the world
less than 3 percent of the world's 'fresh' water is fit for
human consumption and most of the so called drinkable water is
not pure.
What Is A Quality Vanilla Jasmine Tea Garden?
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-07-31 |
Word Count: 871 |
Page Views: 2129
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 3.56
The vast majority of those who drink tea have tasted at least one
variety of jasmine tea. However, vanilla jasmine tea, one of the
most flavorful varieties of jasmine tea, is less familiar. But,
you'll not find a more delicious blend of tea than vanilla
jasmine in terms of both flavor and aroma.
Drinking Vanilla Jasmine Tea
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-07-30 |
Word Count: 904 |
Page Views: 2125
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 2.15
Jasmine tea is the most popular variety of flavored tea. And,
vanilla jasmine is a unique blend of this fine tea, blended
especially for extra flavor. If you've never tried vanilla
jasmine tea, you're in for a real treat.
The Best Vanilla Jasmine Tea Pluckings
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-07-27 |
Word Count: 850 |
Page Views: 1843
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.89
Whenever you're trying a new tea for the first time, you want to
ensure that you get the very best quality in the tea. Vanilla
jasmine tea is becoming a favorite of many tea drinkers because
of its sweet, comforting and fragrant flavor. And, the flavors of
vanilla and jasmine blend so well with any flavor, this tea can
be made from green, white, black or oolong teas.
Drinking Flavored Teas
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-07-19 |
Word Count: 874 |
Page Views: 2336
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 1.92
Tea has been the world's most popular beverage for centuries.
And it didn't take long for tea artisans to determine that the
only way to make tea better was to add other delicious flavors to
it. And, today, tea is available in every flavor imaginable.
What Are Flavored Teas?
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-07-17 |
Word Count: 869 |
Page Views: 2004
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 1.92
The tradition of flavoring tea goes back many centuries. Nearly
as long as tea has been made it has been flavored. However, it is
said that the idea for flavoring tea came about as a bit of an
accident.
Ordering Flavored Tea Online
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-07-12 |
Word Count: 885 |
Page Views: 2244
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 2.67
If you love flavored teas, you've certainly realized that there
is an endless variety from which to choose. No matter what flavor
you like, there's a tea for you. If you'd like to try a wide
variety of flavored teas, you may find it difficult to find all
the flavors in your local tea shop. But, by shopping online, you
have access to nearly all the flavored teas in the world at the
touch of a button.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Marcus Stout Articles
Most Recent "Business Offline" Articles
How To Build a Strong and Powerful Business During a Recession
Written by: Trey McMartin |
Distributed: 2011-11-10 |
Word Count: 987 |
Page Views: 466
During a recession, most business owners pull the reins on
advertising budgets, fearful of what tomorrow might bring...
Those who remain fearful have forgotten what made them the
success they are today... They have forgotten that they have
a God-given talent to overcome the incredible obstacles in
their paths.
SEO Lessons from Local Businesses
Written by: Trey McMartin |
Distributed: 2011-11-09 |
Word Count: 945 |
Page Views: 871
More than once in the six years that I have been providing
SEO services for websites, I have had the opportunity to
discuss with individual business owners their search engine
optimization needs. Now and again, I run across an
individual business owner who is quick to say that SEO is
absolutely worthless. When confronted with such an absolute
statement, I like to press for details. It has been my
experience that people who speak in negative absolutes will
have a horror story to share.
Where Will FDA Target Next? What IVD Manufacturers Should Know Before Their Next FDA Audit
Written by: Norm Howe |
Distributed: 2011-09-12 |
Word Count: 706 |
Page Views: 353
Medical device manufacturers are always interested in knowing
what FDA's next area of focus will be. Well, if you're an In
Vitro Diagnostic manufacturer you might review your measurement
systems.
Online Fax - 10 Reasons To Get An Online Fax Service
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2011-09-12 |
Word Count: 560 |
Page Views: 366
Online faxing is the new more modern way to fax. If you or your
company is not using an online fax service, here are 10 good
reasons why you should get it.
Best Effort Essential for the Job Interview
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-30 |
Word Count: 676 |
Page Views: 445
Interviewing will determine if you are the right person for the
job. These tips will help you make the job interview a success.
Go Green With Your Career Search
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-28 |
Word Count: 636 |
Page Views: 361
Many of the qualities of green living, like recycling and
sustainability, can apply to a career search, even if the
career is not directly associated with green industries.
ReCareer in the Second-half of Life
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-26 |
Word Count: 525 |
Page Views: 423
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 3.00
Many of us worked the first half of our life to "fit" the
job description. ReCareering is about finding the right fit,
being selective, being creative, being fulfilled and being
intentional about how you spend your time.
Up in the Air
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-24 |
Word Count: 678 |
Page Views: 426
When looking for work or changing careers, go beyond researching
on the internet and reading articles. Find out how you can learn
from the art of listening and having a conversation.
Salon and Spa Owners: Which Monk Are You?
Written by: Dan Lok |
Distributed: 2011-07-05 |
Word Count: 477 |
Page Views: 464
Too many salon and spa owners are carrying around a lot
hurts, regrets, guilt, past failures and fears about the
future. But no one is forcing you to carry these emotional
rocks, so put that sack down!
The Single Most Profitable Day You Spend on Your Spa or Salon!
Written by: Dan Lok |
Distributed: 2011-06-30 |
Word Count: 470 |
Page Views: 569
Salon and spa owners need to combine their marketing plan
with marketing systems. A marketing calendar plans out
strategies for a year, and is instrumental to the success of
your spa or salon.
Most Viewed "Business Offline" Articles
How To Write A 300 Page Book In Four Months
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2008-07-15 |
Word Count: 821 |
Page Views: 36741
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 1.83
There's a lot of hoopla about becoming an author of your very
own business book. The promise of fame and fortune is very
alluring. Yet your book remains perpetually 'about to be'
written. Meanwhile your business has ground to a halt. Hmmm...
might there be a better way to get a book written?
The Best Marketing Book I've Ever Read (You'll Be Surprised)
Written by: Judy Murdoch |
Distributed: 2007-05-09 |
Word Count: 1522 |
Page Views: 33878
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 3.60
From time to time someone asks me to recommend marketing books.
Here's one of my favorite marketing books that always surprises
people. Curious? Read on.
The Bizarre History Of The HOLLYWOOD Sign
Written by: Morris Timlen |
Distributed: 2008-11-05 |
Word Count: 1211 |
Page Views: 28586
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 3.32
The most famous sign in the history of mankind is the one that
graces the side of the hill above Hollywood, California. As
famous a landmark as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De
Janeiro, the Eiffel Tower in Paris France, the Great Pyramid of
Giza in Egypt, The Church of the Savior on Blood in Saint
Petersburg Russia, and the Statue Of Liberty in New York City,
the Hollywood sign is known around the world as the symbol of the
American movie industry.
What Does It Take To Be A Successful Salesman?
Written by: Casey Moher |
Distributed: 2008-08-05 |
Word Count: 930 |
Page Views: 16093
| Votes: 68 |
Rating: 3.16
In the course of my average workweek, I meet people who tell me
that they have no sales experience, and very literally, many
will tell me that they could not sell if their lives depended on
it. Do you fit into this mold? Do you seriously believe that you
can sell me on the idea that you cannot sell things?
Selecting Between a 401(k) And 403(b) For a Nonprofit
Written by: Daniel Lamaute |
Distributed: 2007-10-11 |
Word Count: 333 |
Page Views: 6841
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.65
Newly released IRS regulations impose several new requirements
and fiduciary responsibilities on employers with 403(b) plans.
While the regulations generally don't take effect until January
1, 2009, there are some provisions that apply sooner.
Pitch A No-Hitter With Baseball-Themed Flower Gifts
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2007-12-25 |
Word Count: 413 |
Page Views: 6112
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 1.94
Want to send a gift to the baseball fan in your life that's sure
to knock one out of the park? Send flowers with a baseball
theme! Everyone loves flowers and when you personalize them to
include the recipient's favorite hobbies, like baseball,
they're sure to make an even greater impression.
Never Write A 'Thank You' Letter Again
Written by: Perry Maisin |
Distributed: 2008-08-12 |
Word Count: 971 |
Page Views: 5871
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.29
When I was in graduate school, I had a friend who interviewed at
fortune 500 companies and succeeded at landing a great job. One
day, I saw him sitting in the student union with a stack of
cards. The cards said 'thank you'. He opened each card and
signed his name. The inside of the card was blank. I asked him
what he was doing and he told me that it was important to send a
'thank you' to every person you interviewed with. He believed
that that was the difference between getting the job and being
passed over.
Conducting Effective Career Aspiration Discussions with Employees
Written by: Andria L. Corso |
Distributed: 2010-03-10 |
Word Count: 690 |
Page Views: 5332
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 1.88
Enhance your talent management and development programs
through conducting career aspiration discussions with your
employees. Find out where they want to grow their career to
determine if it matches your business needs. This will
enable you to differentiate your employee development to
grow the future leaders of your company.
The Pros And Cons Of Postcard Marketing-direct marketing offline
Written by: Cheryl Miller |
Distributed: 2006-11-29 |
Word Count: 675 |
Page Views: 4001
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 2.60
Postcard marketing is one of the oldest methods of marketing. Its
concept is simple but can be quite effective. It is just sending
out your message to your mailing list on a postcard. Postcard
marketing is a powerful and cost effective way to advertise and
will keep building in momentum when done correctly.
You Can Turn Complaints into Cash!
Written by: Judy Murdoch |
Distributed: 2006-08-08 |
Word Count: 795 |
Page Views: 3697
| Votes: 24 |
Rating: 3.54
Most of us don't like listening to complaints. We can't imagine
the value in listening to someone rant and rage about something
they're dissatisfied with. But here 's a secret: There's gold
in those complaints—-if—-you know what to listen for.
Highest Ranked "Business Offline" Articles
Why Businesses Need Receivable Factoring In Cash Flow Management
Written by: Toby Seibert |
Distributed: 2007-08-08 |
Word Count: 866 |
Page Views: 1887
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.60
In today's business environment, many businesses need to
fine-tune the process of getting paid on invoices, in order to
improve their cash on hand. Improving cash flow can be an ongoing
challenge for businesses of all sizes, and it is an issue that
must be addressed to ensure the long-term viability of the
business.
Whose Restaurant Can You Find Online?
Written by: Rudy Vener |
Distributed: 2007-07-09 |
Word Count: 640 |
Page Views: 1550
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
What is so significant about Pizza Hut's latest TV commercial?
Business School for Non-Business Minds: Got a NAICS Number?
Written by: Melissa Mashtonio |
Distributed: 2008-04-15 |
Word Count: 423 |
Page Views: 1637
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
I’m a journalist. I spent a lot of my career in the news
business. As my career has progressed, I’ve spent time at small
and large companies, and I have sat through dozens of business
meetings wondering what the heck the “money” people are talking
about. They used acronyms as if they were a foreign language.
The Problem With Swiping Sales Copy
Written by: Scott Bywater |
Distributed: 2009-12-03 |
Word Count: 480 |
Page Views: 1062
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
This is what people miss when they try to simply "swipe"
sales copy from another advertisement.
Equal Opportunity Pizza Ordering
Written by: Rudy Vener |
Distributed: 2007-10-19 |
Word Count: 629 |
Page Views: 1547
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 4.38
With online ordering, your menu and restaurant suddenly become
accessible to both the deaf and blind customers in your
community.
The Secret To Making Successful Business Connections
Written by: Kate Smalley |
Distributed: 2006-10-11 |
Word Count: 672 |
Page Views: 1661
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 4.00
If you have a hard time making successful business connections,
don't despair. Anyone can be good at meeting people-if they use
the right technique. The whole secret to making a positive
connection is knowing how to attract people and inspire them to
want to give you a chance.
How to Build a Really Great Business? (Super Success Secrets from a Legendary Business Master)
Written by: Chet Holmes |
Distributed: 2007-01-15 |
Word Count: 1523 |
Page Views: 1647
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 4.00
Times are tough. The economy is in a constant state of upheaval.
Is your company doing better than most? Are you placing greater
emphasis on pure performance?
Get the Balance Right
Written by: Rich Thawley |
Distributed: 2009-01-28 |
Word Count: 638 |
Page Views: 1499
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 3.91
Do you build your business around your family or your family
around your business? The choice is yours.
Online Copywriting Makes Content as the King
Written by: Steven Gerber |
Distributed: 2006-12-11 |
Word Count: 560 |
Page Views: 1671
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
The inverted pyramid is basically the placing of 4 W's in the
primary sentences of the articles, supported by the other W and H
on the following discussions. Four W's consist of what, when,
where, and who. The other W which stands for why on the other
hand, follows on the succeeding paragraphs, including the
elaboration for the H which also stands for how, if necessary.
Interview Coaching: A Home-Based Business on the Cutting Edge
Written by: Carole Martin |
Distributed: 2007-08-24 |
Word Count: 1400 |
Page Views: 1413
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
You name it - Blackberry, Skype Connection, Cell Phone, iPhone -
these are the tools of this trade. Who would believe that someone
with a home-based business could reach out to someone in a far
away country and work with a client via a Blackberry and a cell
phone?
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 1218
Total Views: 3704
Views This Month: 88
Views Last Month: 149
Article Rating: 2.63 of 5
Votes Cast: 19
Author Overall Stats:
Times Viewed Overall: 183392
Author Rating: 2.55 of 5
Votes Cast Overall: 1117
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Article Title Search:
Widow Search
Right Blinker
Google
Yahoo!
Zuula
Bing
Cuil
Last Distribution Date:
2007-03-22 12:24:00
|
|
|