There are literally 100’s of these little coffee stands all over rural Isaan.
As is customary, someone starts out with a good idea to make money, then it is copied 100 times to the point no one makes any money.
These coffee stands are very inexpensive to start.
The issue is over saturation.
There are just way to many!
On pricing, my favorite shop is 20 thb for a large iced Latte.
Other shops charge 30 to 40 baht.
The amount of coffee stands has some owners cutting price to get more customers, however, lower price means lower profit.
I do not believe any of these small coffee stands earn enough money to sustain the owners.
Yes, we are spoiled for choice and locations are everywhere, but then again, as a business, there are just way, way to many for the shop to make enough money to live on.
Another issue is these coffee stands do not grind real coffee beans or offer anything exotic.
Most appear to sell the same exact coffee mixes and other flavored drinks from the same supplier.
With a new 7 Eleven in the village, 7 Eleven is in the coffee business now as well and seems to do well selling coffee ground from actual beans at 40 thb for a large iced Latte.
Another story how extremely difficult it is to make enough money to live on in rural Isaan.