Selling tea and coffee

[Lola999]

Hi everyone. I know that there are a few 'champagne' nail bars around but I would actually like to specialise in really good quality teas and coffees from around the world.
I didn't really want to build this into my prices as not everyone will want one but I was wondering if anyone currently sells drinks to customers? And if I would need any special licence? All non alcoholic. Thank you.

 

[BannerPenguin]

Personally I wouldn't bother. Probably the stock would cost a lot to keep and might not have a massive uptake. Champagne is a different kettle of fish.

 

[JulesLondon]

Hi everyone. I know that there are a few 'champagne' nail bars around but I would actually like to specialise in really good quality teas and coffees from around the world.
I didn't really want to build this into my prices as not everyone will want one but I was wondering if anyone currently sells drinks to customers? And if I would need any special licence? All non alcoholic. Thank you.

That's a nice idea!

Don't know about licenses but why not just create a menu with prices and then when they sit down say 'can I offer you a tea or coffee?' And hand them the menu. They can decide based on that.

Personally I would still offer regular tea and coffee as comp (and write this on your menu too).

Good luck! Xx

 

[Lola999]

Personally I wouldn't bother. Probably the stock would cost a lot to keep and might not have a massive uptake. Champagne is a different kettle of fish.

Thank you, I see what you're saying.
I thought that maybe luxury teas and coffees would be more popular as I probably wouldn't have champagne with my nail treatment if I were driving. I also probably wouldn't have a glass if I were on my own! But tea and coffee would be more likely.
I thought I could have little cakes or sweets with it and nice hot chocolates

 

[BannerPenguin]

Thank you, I see what you're saying.
I thought that maybe luxury teas and coffees would be more popular as I probably wouldn't have champagne with my nail treatment if I were driving. I also probably wouldn't have a glass if I were on my own! But tea and coffee would be more likely.
I thought I could have little cakes or sweets with it and nice hot chocolates

I'm not saying that doesn't sound lovely.. but I wouldn't pay extra for it if I wanted to go out for a coffee I would if you know what I mean?

 

[AcidPerm]

I understand your thinking but personally, I don't think its viable.

What about offering food and beverages on a smart menu but purchased from a local posh deli, if you have one nearby?

It's handy to be able to buy a sandwich if you're getting a service during your lunch break but otherwise, I don't think the salon wouldn't make much profit on it. It's more about adding value to your service.

Teas and coffees are normally complimentary in most salons but the quality can be ropey. To make a decent coffee, (can't stand instant) you'd need to invest in a quality espresso machine and I think they can cost thousands. I wouldn't imagine it would be very cost effective.

 

[tsparker78]

You could just upgrade your coffee and tea fairly easily by buying whole beans and using a burr grinder. I just use a drip coffee maker, but a french press and electric kettle makes a nice cup of coffee. Not sure about the tea, but buying quality loose leaf probably. It would be a nice idea and would set you apart. I personally hate poor quality coffee.

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[willowrose]

What services would your salon offer - is it hair or beauty based?

 

[Lola999]

What services would your salon offer - is it hair or beauty based?

I'm already an established beauty salon, just looking to keep it interesting
Maybe I should look to incorporate something into my prices instead.

 

[BuzzyBee12]

I was just thinking of using my tassimo machine and offering normal tea and coffee and lattes, etc. plus a syrup of wanted. All complimentary but just to make it that extra special.

 

[squidgernetball]

I think offering a decent cup of tea or coffee is enough. I always emphasise a clean cup. How hard is it? But I rarely go to a salon and get a hot cup of tea or coffee in a decent cup!

I like the sarnie idea. I've often thought that easy snacks would be lovely. Can you see your nail client with mayo all over her fingers? Maybe not!

Vic x

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[ch-ela]

Don't underestimate the costs of this. Some of our hair clients drink two coffees per appointment and if their friend or partner has come to wait for them it would be rude not to offer them one as well. Plus a nice biscuit.

I cannot bear those luke warm mugs of instant you get at most places. As a coffee drinker (think Clooney) I find not many places know how to make a good cup, possibly because this nation is known for it's good tea. Why not try herbal tea, for instance? Or a small bottle of water per person which you should be able to get for ca. 20p?

 

[Jen889]

Hi everyone. I know that there are a few 'champagne' nail bars around but I would actually like to specialise in really good quality teas and coffees from around the world.
I didn't really want to build this into my prices as not everyone will want one but I was wondering if anyone currently sells drinks to customers? And if I would need any special licence? All non alcoholic. Thank you.

For the cost of good coffee and tea, just include it in the price its really not that expensive. At my spa I offer lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, regular coffee and a variety of loose leaf teas, all complimentary. I just added syrups to the menu in vanilla, hazelnut and caramel. The most expensive is a latte with a shot of syrup at the cost of £1.

I use a Nespresso machine with frother and syrups from Starbucks.

 

[PinkSwoon]

Sounds nice but if you want to specialise in tea & coffee open a coffee shop. I wouldn't pay extra either & people go to a salon for treatments, not tea or coffee

Although decent coffee/tea in a nice mug won't go unnoticed but it's not the backbone of your business

 

[JulesLondon]

I've worked in a salon where your first cup of tea or coffee was comp and any additionals were charged. I wouldn't say people look for it but if you were only hoping to add a nice touch/talking point and use the prices to cover costs then I still think it's a nice idea.

Don't waste lots of money on loads of stock - just get a few nice teas and the usual coffees I reckon.

Snacks also went down well, especially for people coming at lunch and after work. Think things like nuts, olives, cracker bites you can keep in sealed jars and serve with a toothpick or that don't make too much mess. Or mini pastries in the morning?

Don't know if you'd need extra health and safety bits for it though. I imagine yes unfortunately!

 

[princessamie]

How many people choose a salon based on the hot drinks served there? I've never heard of anyone slating or praising a salon based on beverages. Would be a nice touch but, worth putting your prices up for? When explaining the price increase, would you say that you're doing it to get some nice tea and coffee in?

With regards to food, I would expect you'd need some sort of hygiene certification and also be approved by the council to sell it. I don't think they'd be that inclined to allow it if you're removing bodily hair, clipping nails etc on the same premises.

 

[squidgernetball]

We often offer biscuits or cake with a nice tea or coffee. I don't think people would choose your salon based solely on tea and coffee but it may be a deal breaker between you and the one up the road.

Vic x

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[surf girl]

I never charge for beverages I think it should be complimentary anywhere you'll be spending time & money

 

[kamikate]

I used to go to a salon that offered a pretty jug of water with a glass and a small dish of apricots. I use reverse osmosis water which is purer than filter water, it actually comes out slightly sweet so my clients like that. I did see a hairdressing salon recently which had a few comfy chairs where they served tea/coffee from a drinks bar. It was not clear whether the beverages had to be paid for or were included in the treatment but the way it was laid out, it was obvious there was a separate drinks area and a treatment area.

 

[onthelashmobile]

Do you have extra space where you could make maybe a seperate cafe like area? You could do afternoon tea packages that could include as many or as few treatments as you want. Would be a lovely gift for someone. Also when your clients are just having a treatment they could be given the option to purchase the speciality drinks from the 'cafe'