In as much as some small coffee cafés can sell around 50 cups of coffee per day, some can sell over 100 cups.
The number of cups of coffee a small café sells per day depends on key factors that revolve around the location, and of course, the business strategy of the coffee café.
8 Factors That Determine the Number of Cups a Small Café Sells Per Day
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Location and Foot Traffic
Cafés situated in busy urban areas, near offices, schools, or public transit hubs, are likely to attract a steady flow of customers throughout the day.
High-visibility locations encourage spontaneous visits from passersby, while proximity to a target demographic, such as professionals or students, ensures a consistent customer base.
On the other hand, cafés in less trafficked or remote locations may struggle to draw in customers, relying heavily on marketing and word-of-mouth referrals.
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Menu Variety and Quality
A diverse menu caters to a broader range of customer preferences, increasing the likelihood of attracting and retaining patrons.
For instance, offering classic options like espresso, cappuccino, and latte alongside specialty drinks such as cold brews, flavored lattes, or seasonal offerings (e.g., pumpkin spice or peppermint mocha) can appeal to different tastes.
Including non-coffee alternatives like herbal teas, chai, and hot chocolate also broadens the customer base.
Quality is equally important—using premium beans, freshly roasted coffee, and skilled baristas ensures a superior experience.
When customers associate a café with excellent quality and variety, they are more likely to return, boosting daily sales and building long-term loyalty.
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Pricing Strategy
Setting competitive and appealing prices ensures affordability while attracting a broader customer base.
For instance, offering standard options like drip coffee at $2–$3 can cater to budget-conscious customers, while pricing specialty drinks like lattes and cold brews at $4–$6 appeals to those seeking premium experiences.
Introducing value deals, such as a coffee-and-pastry combo for $5 or discounts on refills, can incentivize higher sales.
Happy hour promotions (e.g., 20% off between 2 PM and 4 PM) or loyalty programs, such as “Buy 9 cups, get the 10th free,” encourage repeat visits.
A well-thought-out pricing strategy balances affordability and profitability, driving daily coffee sales while retaining loyal customers.
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Customer Service
In business, it is often said that customers are the lifeblood of any operation, and this is especially true for a small coffee café.
The number of cups of coffee you can sell in a day is directly tied to the number of customers you serve at any given time. This highlights the critical role of customer service in determining daily sales.
A welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and prompt service create a positive experience that encourages customers to return and recommend your café to others.
Personal touches, such as remembering regular customers’ orders or greeting them by name, can foster loyalty.
Efficient handling of peak times and quick resolutions to issues, such as order errors, ensure customer satisfaction.
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Your Marketing and Promotions Strategy
Effective marketing creates awareness and drives customer traffic, while promotions encourage immediate purchases.
Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are excellent tools for showcasing menu items, highlighting promotions, and engaging with the local community.
Loyalty programs, such as earning a free cup after purchasing a certain number, encourage repeat visits.
Hosting events like trivia nights, live music, or seasonal-themed promotions further boost sales.
A consistent and creative marketing strategy helps build a strong customer base, increasing the café’s daily coffee sales.
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Operating Hours
Aligning your business hours with customer demand ensures you maximize sales opportunities.
For example, the morning rush (6 AM to 10 AM) is typically the peak period for coffee sales, as customers stop by for their caffeine fix on their way to work or school.
Another potential high-traffic period is mid-afternoon (2 PM to 4 PM) when people seek a pick-me-up to power through the rest of the day.
Extending hours into the evening may attract a different crowd, such as students or professionals working late.
Cafés that open early and operate during these peak times are better positioned to sell more coffee. Adjusting operating hours to match customer patterns can significantly boost daily sales.
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Seasonal Trends and Weather
During colder months, the demand for hot beverages like lattes, cappuccinos, and hot chocolates typically increases as customers look for warmth and comfort. In contrast, warmer seasons often drive sales of iced coffees, cold brews, and frappes.
Rainy or snowy days can also attract more customers seeking shelter and a warm drink, while extreme heat might reduce foot traffic unless cold beverages are prominently promoted.
Seasonal offerings, such as pumpkin spice lattes in fall or peppermint mochas during the holiday season, can further boost sales by appealing to customer nostalgia and trends.
By adapting the menu and marketing strategy to seasonal preferences, a café can maximize daily coffee sales year-round.
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The Level of Competition
In areas with numerous coffee shops, customers have a wide range of choices, which can make it challenging for a café to stand out.
To compete effectively, a small café must differentiate itself through unique offerings, such as specialty drinks, locally sourced ingredients, or a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Competitive pricing and exceptional customer service are key to retaining customers.
Additionally, building a loyal customer base through loyalty programs or personalized experiences can help offset competition.
On the other hand, cafés in areas with minimal competition have greater potential to dominate the market and attract more customers.
Understanding the local competitive landscape is essential for crafting strategies to maximize daily coffee sales.