Even in a more robust economy, most people probably wouldn’t utilize such a service, and with the tight penny-pinching habits of today, it’s even more unlikely that you’d draw in consumer interest. There was an article in the Washington Post a few weeks ago about how the major fast food chains had experienced a significant drop in revenue due to dramatic decrease in the number of people eating out for breakfast. Many of the people who used to get their breakfast at the McDonald’s drive through on the way to work have lost their jobs, and those who are still employed worry that they might not be. They started offering the “McCafe premium” coffee in the hope of attracting consumers who still wanted coffee like Starbucks, but didn’t want to pay as much for it. Starbucks has taken a brutal hit during the recession and now offers more affordable breakfast combos to lure customers back. If places that already have global brand recognition and a longstanding consumer following are faltering, it’s going to be incredibly difficult for a small business like the one you’re suggesting to do well.

The biggest problem with your idea is that you’d be offering something that people don’t really need, and it’s not enough of a perk that they could really justify the expense. Plus, mornings are the most ritualized time of the day for most people, and the time when they’re least likely to want to try something new. Coffee and tea are very simple to make, and require very little time or effort. If people don’t want to make it themselves, they can usually get it at their office or school. Even my high school has a electric tea kettle and a coffee maker in the student lounge, and sells coffee and lattes in the cafeteria.

If you flip your idea upside down you might have a much chance of making it work. Rather than having coffee and tea delivered at night, consider getting an upscale food truck outfitted to be like a mobile Starbucks and park it in front of nightclubs. My stepmother used to work on a film studio lot that one, and it did incredibly well. It served many of the coffee drinks you’d find at Starbucks, plus tea and a few breakfast pastries, and they’d move it around the lot based on where the action was that day. I’ve always thought it would be smart if they parked it outside of nightclubs and music venues. For the under 21s not as used to concerts starting at 11, coffee is a good way to make sure you stay awake for the show, and for the over-21s it’s a good way to sober up. One of my older friends said the reason he didn’t go out and party as much now is because of the expense of the club, drinks, and the taxi ride home. So what if there was a coffee truck parked outside when the clubs closed at 2? The customers would all be pouring out, and many would be lured by the lovely scent of coffee. People could have some coffee and mingle for a while and wear off the alcohol, and even if they didn’t have much to drink, they might still want a boost of caffeine to make sure they’re alert enough to not fall asleep behind the wheel. You could also park near beaches (if you have them where you live) so people who are sandy and don’t feel like getting dressed and running into Starbucks or Coffee Bean for a drink could just get something from the truck. I would sell smoothies too, like a combined Starbucks / Jamba Juice on wheels. Plus, you could hire out this type of truck for private parties and events. Of course, one thing I’m not as sure about is where you live, and if you’re in the type of climate where people hang outside like I am, but it’s a concept to mull over. You wouldn’t have to pay a monthly lease like you would if you had a store, and you could hirer fewer employees.

I should note that I’ve never owned a business or worked in marketing, so I don’t know about business permits and a lot of logistical issues you’d have to consider. My dad works in venture capitalism, and has trained me to look for ideas that aren’t already in great supply, but have the potential for high demand, and I think this concept might fit that formula.

Good luck!

~ Peace : )

Michel

By-the-way… I have a marketing degree. Its truly hard to get into a haphazard business.

I live in Seattle and there is at least three coffee shops on every block. I too thought about a delivery service for coffee, except my idea was more bizarre. It involved people with back packs or mobile carts and serving coffee or tea from there fresh on the spot. How? Not really sure, but these people would be actually walking on the street and selling hot beverages from their carts like Ghost Busters.

The down side of both our ideas are that people and businesses have coffee pots and machines. If you consider doing this offer items like muffins, bagels, or donuts too. I will ponder your idea and see what else comes to mind.