Almost ready to start your future as a successful cafe owner? We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you before you take the first step.
What makes Degani successful?
Built on the Melbourne cafe culture, our mission is to make our customers and our cafe owners happy each day. We believe the best way to do this is by making your cafe authentic, by reflecting your what local community wants and reflecting you, your passions and goals. We call this ‘My Degani’. ‘My Degani’ means it’s your Degani! As a Degani cafe owner, you’re in business for yourself, but not by yourself. This means you get the flexibility of independence, with the support of a tried and tested business model. It’s your menu, your design and your community!
What makes Degani coffee taste so good?
Australia loves Melbourne coffee culture, so we’re selling an unforgettable coffee experience every time! Our Degani coffee blend has been created with the same delicately balanced selection of high-grade specialty coffee beans since we opened our doors in 1999. Roasted with love in Melbourne each week, with the tradition, passion and an artist’s eye for detail to achieve the chocolate undertones and depth of flavour that our Degani customers crave. The secret ingredient is added at your local Degani. It’s your baristas knowledge of how you like your coffee, how to adjust the grind to achieve the perfect pour as the weather changes by the hour, how to make the steam quietly sing that sweet song that tells us our coffee is on the way.
Can I use my own suppliers?
Degani has approved suppliers that are able to supply you with all your needs, however if you require a product we can not source we are more than happy to work with you to find this product or a supplier that can help. Degani offers buying power on our products, which ensures the best price for you!
Can I have input to what my store looks like?
YES! This is our favourite part! We would love all of your thoughts and ideas and you’re part of the design process, this is how we make our stores unique. For example, our Hope Island café is Hamptons-themed with a boat hanging from the ceiling (the local community loves it)! We are committed to creating a unique and localized experience at every Degani destination, with no two stores looking the same. We do this to attract customers and give them a local Degani experience that they can’t get anywhere else. It’s just another way to make your business a success and meet our mission to make our cafe owners happy!
Can I have my own recipes on the menu?
Every Degani café’s menu is different! Your menu is always evolving and changing, as trends come and go. The beauty of the Degani flexibility is that we will work with you to insure that you are delivering what your customers want. It’s another way to make our cafe owners happier and wealthier. Therefore, if you have a favourite dish from your heritage or your childhood favourite, we would love to put them on your menu.
What is included in the ongoing marketing fee?
A tailor made marketing plan, to attract new customers and keep your current customers coming in more often. It’s all a part of our mission to make every Degani cafe owner happy and wealthy. Degani provides all your printing collateral, social media platforms, local store marketing programs and our national promotions.
How much support will I receive from Degani?
After your initial five-week training program, the entire Degani support team will assist you with opening your store. After your grand opening (one of our favourite parts), the Degani support team will assist you with menu development, staff training, sales growth, barista training and service and kitchen operations. You will be given a dedicated Business Development Manager (who you will remember their coffee order by heart). They will work side by side with you to help grow and support you and your business.
Will Degani train my employees?
After your five week training program, Degani will assist with employing and training your staff. We will give you the skills you need to develop the perfect team!
Who are my competitors? How will we address them based on your market assessment?
Our training and development experts will assist you in identifying the competitors in your local market by developing a tailored business plan. We will help you with a SWOT analysis on your store to give you the biggest potential for success!
What is Degani doing to stay current and innovative?
The food delivery trend in Australia is booming so we are way too excited to introduce our Degani ordering app to our franchise business partners, kickstarting a new era of technology innovation!
Will Degani help me find a good location?
Yes! We have a range of current opportunities for 2019 and 2020. If you are looking for an opportunity in a specific area, let us know! We can help you find a site with the best opportunity for success. Our bespoke design is welcoming, on trend and attractive. Each new store is architecturally designed to suit the space and your style. Together we take into careful consideration the work flow and ergonomics for your staff to maximise efficiency. Our Degani cafes are designed to be unique and with 20 years of experience we help maximise the floor space for optimal seating numbers.
How are disagreements resolved?
Degani follows the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Franchising Code of Conduct which outlines the resolution of disagreements.
How much money can I make?
Your café’s profits are dependent on a number of factors, such as the model, your cost of goods and labour. We recommend starting by looking at industry standards. We will also provide average sales information on our state-wide and national performance and advise you to speak with an independent business advisor along with a qualified accountant and lawyer.
What are the ongoing fees?
As part of your Franchise Agreement, the ongoing fees include 2% marketing and 5% royalties.
Why franchising?
A franchise can offer benefits over other types of businesses. It can be a risky move starting a new venture by yourself, that’s why we believe our team can help you along the way! Degani has an established system, products and services and an existing reputation and brand image. You can access our experience and knowledge in the industry. According to Entrepreneur, the top ten reasons to chose a franchise are: hands on experience, brand equity, “tried and tested”, competitive advantage, access to finance, buying power, innovation, growth opportunities, business support and governance code.
How does franchising work?
There are free, online education courses available for prospective franchisees. This is a good place to start!
What do I need to get started?
Along with a set of recommended skills Degani encourages Franchisees to have sufficient capital for investment and, at minimum, basic knowledge and experience in operating a business or in the hospitality industry. Degani encourages franchisees to encompass the following skill-set: a willingness to succeed and acknowledgement of hard work created to build a successful business; understanding of the need to work in the business; ability to trust and follow systems; and a focus on customer service.
