Picture this: you’re the proud owner of the TeaCupFuls franchise – a flourishing boba tea shop that’s capturing the hearts of your local community. As customers pour in, you stand behind the counter, warmly welcoming each patron with a genuine smile.
Not only are these people first-time visitors, they’re devoted regulars, too – a testament to the exceptional quality and taste of your product. You share their excitement as they discuss their favorite flavors, share recommendations, and anticipate the moment when their wait is over.
In the bustling atmosphere that you helped build, you feel a sense of accomplishment, knowing that your business has not only tapped into the ever-growing boba market but has also become a gathering place for your community.
But to get here, you have to ask the question – what makes boba tea so irresistible that it satisfies what every business owner looks for (fulfillment and profits)?
As your writer, boba tea lover, and personal guide through this business opportunity – I’m going to answer that question for you.
In this article, you’ll not only gain insights into the TeaCupFuls franchise but also get a rare glimpse into the perspective of someone obsessed with boba tea – me, your ideal customer as an owner of this business.
How Boba Got so BIG
The Taiwanese boba craze has been around since the 90s, but primarily in East Asia. It wasn’t until the last few years–after the pandemic–when the West picked up the concept and turned it viral.
How did this happen?
Well, besides the fact that it’s a delicious, customizable drink with a “built-in snack” (tapioca pearls and jellies), young people were spending more time online during quarantine.
Social media platforms–such as Instagram and TikTok–blew up with photos and videos of boba – with different combinations of flavors and mix-ins from people all over the world!
In fact, this is how I–a boba aficionado–found out about it.
After seeing countless videos of people getting their “boba fix,” I wondered – what’s so special about this drink that has people risking exposure to COVID-19 so they could get some TEA? I also thought, why not just make it at home?
Shortly after these inquiries – I realized. There is no DIY recipe that compares to the real thing. I was hooked, and now I look forward to getting my “fix” as often as possible.
In terms of marketing, there’s nothing better for business than millions of young consumers looking to try the next big thing – and then coming back for more!
Imagine This Concept Like Coffee
We know Americans are obsessed with coffee and its culture. In fact, the average adult spends well over $1,000 on coffee per year. Not only does it help us get through the day, but there’s a social component, too.
While the average coffee drinker doesn’t meet up with their friends and snap photos of their cappuccino every time they go for a cup, we still see these visual representations online – which, admittedly, tempts and reminds us to keep buying more.
The same goes for boba tea.
This statistic is only on adults, but imagine if there was a beverage that adults and their children would enjoy. The ticket would triple! Boba meets the demand for a concept that appeals to anyone looking for something tasty, social, and extremely “instagramable.”
How Your Customers Become Your Marketing Agency
In today’s digital age, the power of social media platforms like TikTok cannot be underestimated.
With its unique combination of short-form videos, creative content, and an engaged audience, TikTok has become a game-changer for businesses seeking to attract young consumers. The boba tea industry is no exception, and TeaCupFuls has managed to harness this social media platform in an exceptional way.
By encouraging patrons to share their own creative content, featuring their favorite beverages and experiences from the shop, the franchise effectively turns customers into brand ambassadors. These user-generated videos serve as authentic testimonials that resonate with fellow social media users and showcase the unique appeal of TeaCupFuls.
When a video goes viral, the impact is HUGE. It attracts the attention of thousands, or maybe millions, of potential customers and generates a surge in demand for the product. This viral effect not only boosts the brand’s exposure but also reinforces its position as a trendy, must-try destination for boba tea lovers.
Think about this… when you see someone drinking a cup of coffee – does it make you want more coffee? Or when you walk into a restaurant and pass by all the delicious food already out on other tables – does that not influence your own choice of meal? Marketing is everywhere. It just so happens that the most powerful kind is organic… when you don’t realize you’re being marketed to.
That being said, TeaCupFuls has turned its customers into an invaluable, free marketing resource that any business would be fortunate to have.
Not Your Average Cup of Tea
I know I’ve written a lot on boba, why it’s a viral sensation, how you could essentially get free marketing, and all that good stuff – I told you… I don’t get tired of it! But now you’re wondering about the business, its numbers, and why you should be considering this as a business investment. Well, look no further.
TeaCupFuls franchise has several unique features that differentiate it from other boba tea brands. Here are 4 features for you to digest:
- Customizable Tea Options: TeaCupFuls franchise allows customers to customize their tea options based on their preferences. They offer a range of tea bases and flavors that can be mixed and matched to create unique and personalized tea drinks.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Beverages are made with high-quality ingredients – including real fruit purees, premium loose-leaf teas, and natural sweeteners. This gives their drinks a fresh and authentic taste, setting them apart from other brands that may use artificial flavorings or low-quality ingredients.
- Focus on Health: This brand places a strong emphasis on health and wellness. They offer a range of tea options that are low in sugar and calories, making them an option for customers who are looking to make healthier choices.
- Sustainable Packaging: TeaCupFuls franchise is committed to using sustainable packaging, including biodegradable straws and cups made from renewable resources. This eco-friendly approach sets them apart from other boba tea brands that may use plastic or non-renewable materials.
At TeaCupFuls, boba is not the only thing on the menu.
The shop offers a wide range of other delicious and refreshing beverages, in addition to its signature boba drinks. This includes fruit teas, milk teas, coffee, smoothies, slushies, and matcha drinks. These beverages can be customized to suit individual preferences with a range of flavors, toppings, and add-ins available. Again, the appeal is to more than just one type of customer – and thus, the ticket price increases.
The brand also offers snacks and light bites to satisfy customers’ hunger pangs – I mean, most people want food to complement their drink, right? Or is it the other way around – having drinks with their food…
So… a brand that appeals to everyone, offers options for people with specific dietary requirements, and is not only delicious, but fun? Sign up now!
Let’s Talk Numbers
The TeaCupFuls franchise is an excellent option to explore for those who recognize the growing demand for tea based products and are looking to capitalize on the world’s love for this beverage. And the tea and coffee market is already well-established and continues to grow, with its never-ending need for quality products!
For food and beverage franchises, you typically won’t find a brand with an investment less than 300k. However, TeaCupFuls is around a 130k investment – all in.
On occasion, that number can jump to 150k, due to building costs. That being said, TeaCupFuls owners typically find pre-existing property made for food and beverage concepts, which significantly reduce the start up and building costs of the business.
With this low of an investment, especially for what you’re getting in return, many shoppers will look to this brand for their next opportunity. However, you should consider if you have the right experience, personality, and drive to turn this emerging boba brand into the huge, global brand they’re aiming to be. Because they are in fact branding well, managing a high quality team, keeping costs low, and growing responsibly.
Who are the right buyers, then?
TeaCupFuls is a vibrant and exciting franchise opportunity that caters to a young and energetic customer base. While the franchise is open to any potential owner who possesses the necessary drive and passion for creating a fun and bubbly environment, the typical buyer for a TeaCupFuls franchise is a woman in her late 20s to 30s. This type of buyer often has an eye for design and aesthetics, and are attracted to TeaCupFuls’ colorful and bright branding.
People early in their career, typically don’t have tons of business management experience – so this brand is a great option if you’re looking for a simple business model!
In addition, one of the key requirements for a successful TeaCupFuls franchise is the ability to effectively promote the business on social media. The typical TeaCupFuls customer is active on social media, and owners should take that into consideration. Being able to create engaging content, respond to customer feedback, and leverage social media to drive traffic to the store is critical to the success of a TeaCupFuls franchise.
Q&A With TeaCupFuls’ Founder
Recently, I spoke with Loana Perez, founder of TeaCupFuls, and she shared her insights on what it’s like to own a boba shop, a few day-to-day responsibilities, and then we discussed some of the logistics of the business opportunity.
Let’s jump into the conversation!
Q: What is the experience of owning a boba shop? Specifically, what brings owners joy from working in the business?
A: As a boba shop owner, one of the best things is unlimited access to boba whenever you want. But in all seriousness, the atmosphere is always upbeat and happy–given everyone is high on caffeine and life–which makes the job fun for owners and employees. The high energy is very on brand for TeaCupFuls, and we aim to cultivate that for the other franchisees that come on.
Q: What are the day-to-day responsibilities of a TeaCupFuls owner?
A: If you have good staff, the responsibilities aren’t too much, and there is an opportunity to be semi-passive. However, in the first few years, you will need to be hands-on. You can’t teach what you don’t know, so it’s important to have a good understanding of the business before making that transition.
Q: How easy is it to get a manager up and running in a store?
A: It’s easy, if you have good hiring skills. Like I mentioned, with such a high energy store, there are typically plenty of people looking to apply. If you’re able to find the right people for the job, then you won’t have any problems.
Q: What are the overhead costs?
A: The overhead costs are around $45,000 a month for a typical location. We have very high margins, and the overall investment is between $130k to $150k. The cost factors depend on the cost of building, really. For example, a second-generation restaurant is way cheaper than building from scratch. Also consider that rent and payroll are the most expensive parts of the business – this means cost of goods is not that high.
Q: How will you support franchisees, and what are your values in this business that help you do this?
A: We provide initial training for the first few weeks, and we’re available to answer any questions they may have. We provide customer support at all times and hold their hand until they are thriving on their own – but we’re still on call. Our values are all about building relationships and supporting our franchisees.
Q: Can you share a little about the simplicity of the model? Or does the model get complicated with all the variety and selections?
A: The model is simple. If you can learn the standard formula for boba, you can customize from there. Our toppings are really unique, and this sets us apart. However, owners and staff need to know math because there are over 2,000 different varieties when it comes to mixing and matching – but we teach all staff and owners how to make the standard formula extremely well, and we even test on it to make sure they understand it. So the 2,000 options become easy after this. Essentially, it’s so simple for people who know how to use a standard calculator.
Q: Are there any difficulties owners can expect to face in this business? How would they overcome these?
A: Yes, like in any business, picking the right people is crucial. You’ll get plenty of applicants, and weeding through to find those smart, bright, energetic people is a skill that all owners or managers will develop.
Q: What is one thing you want potential buyers to know about your brand?
A: The most important thing we want people to know is that TeaCupFuls is all about fun! We want to create a positive atmosphere where customers can enjoy their boba drinks and feel good about being a part of our family. We’re looking for people with bubbly personalities who can help us drive this message home, and welcome anyone who shares our values and enthusiasm.
Q: What is your dream for TeaCupFuls? How will future owners help this come true?
A: As the founder of TeaCupFuls, I’m a dreamer, and my ultimate goal is to take the brand international and have thousands of franchises. I believe that this business has the potential to create generational wealth for everyone involved. I’m looking for the perfect candidate who is super upbeat, does not mind working in a store, and has the ambition to not only run one unit but grow in multiple locations. With the right attitude and investment, this dream is not far-fetched. Future owners will play a significant role in helping us achieve this by upholding our values and providing customers with the best possible experience.
Brew up Business with the TeaCupFuls Franchise
Dear Reader,
I hope my perspective, as a boba lover, has given you a unique insight into the exciting opportunity the TeaCupFuls franchise presents. As someone who sees the business from both sides, I can attest to the fact that devoted drinkers will ensure that boba sticks around.
But beyond just being a fan of any and all boba products, I also see great potential in the TeaCupFuls franchise as a business opportunity. From their tested brand and marketing strategies to their personalized training, TeaCupFuls offers everything that a franchise owner needs to successfully run their own boba shop.
As I mentioned earlier, owning a TeaCupFuls franchise is not just about selling boba, but also about being part of a community that values customer service, innovation, and growth. With their proven business model and commitment to excellence, TeaCupFuls has all the ingredients for success.
Sincerely,
A writer who wishes there was a TeaCupFuls shop nearby
(p.s. I had boba tea while writing this.)
