Starting a Coffee Shop-Finding Your USP

USP stands for unique selling proposition or point. It is the one thing that really makes one business stand out from another.

Finding your USP is really as simple as looking at your product, in your case, your coffee shop, and deciding what it is about it that makes it different from everybody else's.

Now, at first glance, you may not know what this is. Sometimes, we're all too wrapped up in our business to be able to see the forest for the trees. So you need to take a step back and look at it as an outsider.

Better yet, why not look at another coffee franchise as that same outsider (which in fact you are) and see if you can spot what THEIR USP is. It may be something subtle. Maybe it's a catchy slogan, tune or even commercial.

Remember the old Dunkin Donuts commercials, "Time to make the donuts". This was supposed to be telling us that Dunkin Donuts is so conscientious about their donuts and coffee that their guys are up in the wee hours of the morning making them so you can have them fresh for breakfast.

Starbucks, also has its quirky side. Take a look at this Starbucks commercial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbmoLQrqPvo

It's entertaining and gets the point across. "Starbucks coffee is ready when YOU are."

Believe it or not, McDonald's is considered a Starbucks competitor.

Take a look at this commercial for McDonald's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKR1ScQUpcA

Now THAT is a USP.

Take a look at what each coffee shop is doing. Figure out what they're NOT focusing on and make THAT the focus of YOUR USP.

Some ideas.

1. The most exotic coffees from many lands.
2. More than just the best coffee.
3. Coffee and a donut to go in less than 60 seconds.
4. Drink your coffee in the lap of luxury.
5. Where the coffee is always hot.

Think of a catch phrase and run with it.

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