From Uber for taxis to Deliveroo for luxury restaurant takeaway to Airbnb for affordable get-aways, it takes innovation to thrive in saturated markets. Wheelys Cafe is gearing up to take on the Coffee shop giants with its new take on how coffee should be. But will it work?

Wheelys Cafe wants to take on the Cafe giants such as Starbucks with their coffee shops on wheels. They’ve taken a controversial and open approach to calling out cafe chains, saying their coffee can’t be loved or hated. In other words...bland. But do Wheelys Cafe have what it takes to succeed in an already crowded market?

What Is Wheelys Cafe?

Firstly, let’s find out what a Wheelys Cafe actually is. Wheelys was founded in Stockholm, Sweden, by Maria De La Croix. A Wheelys Cafe is a bike. A bike fitted everything you need to sell coffee. This makes them extremely versatile and mobile. They also sell organic coffee and urge their ‘wheelers’ (those who own a Wheelys Cafe) to sell organic and fair-trade snacks. The bikes are built with solar panels and are powered by pedalling. This gives them an almost zero carbon footprint.

The idea behind a Wheelys Cafe is to be where the people are. Busy transport links in the morning. Parks in the afternoon. And busy shopping centres or stadiums in the evening. But does it work?

The coffee market is extremely busy. Some of the biggest brands in world dominate the sector, taking in billions of dollars in profit each year. So how can a small start-up expect to take them on? Wheelys have branded themselves as organic, free-living and fun. A be-your-own-boss type business. They’re also a lot cheaper to own than a coffee shop, so the option is open to more people. But this doesn’t mean coffee shops can’t join in on the action and give them a run for their money. So what can you do?

A recent report revealed that 76% of Gen Z (those born after 1995) are worried about humanity’s impact on the planet. This wave of social responsibility is creating a market that wants organic produce. If you sell organic produce too, shout about it. Let your customers know your food is sourced locally and responsibly, or if you support fair-trade.

Sustainability is a major factor in ensuring a small carbon footprint. Ensure you use eco-friendly consumables, such as coffee cups and lids. This is an affordable way to competing with a Wheelys Cafe. There are other ways to ensure your cafe is eco-friendly, such as using cleaning chemicals that don’t contain chemicals, recycling and switching to more efficient bulbs.

How Much Does a Wheelys Cafe Cost?

Setting up a Wheelys Cafe will set you back as little as $3000 and as much as $12,000. Not including the delivery fee or franchise fee, or subscription fee, or restocking or any permits you may need from your local council. Still, they’re a lot more affordable than opening a brick and mortar coffee shop. This means you’re likely to see them start popping up in major cities in no time at all.

What Can You Do To Combat The New Competition?

You can use this model to create your own mobile coffee. All you have to do is attach a trailer to your bike and you too can start selling coffee to customers on the move. Not only does this help you to maximise sales at peak times, but gives you free advertising. And if people know your business best, you’ll be the first cafe they come to.

If you already run a coffee shop, you have the upper-hand. Wheelys bikes are convenient for commuters, but not for customers that want somewhere to relax. Meeting for a coffee is a social event. Enjoying a hot drink and snack whilst sitting on comfortable chairs in the warm is first choice for coffee lovers of all ages. Gen Z spend an average of 7.6 hours a day socialising with friends and family. Use your coffee shop to attract these types of customers and you’ll be able to hold your own against the Wheelys Cafe.

There are many things you can do if you spot a Wheelys Cafe in your city. From starting your own bike to redecorating your cafe. Do you have concerns about the Wheelys Cafes? Or are you interested in starting your own bike-coffee? Let us know in the comments below!