Example milestone plan
An example plan for a coffee shop dream with a goal of CN¥400,000. Backers fund the whole goal, but each milestone's money stays held until you post the proof and Backers release it.
Milestone 1
CN¥60,000 · 15%
Plan the counter
Share a measured counter plan, water and power requirements, and itemised estimates for the proposed coffee bar.
Milestone 2
CN¥120,000 · 30%
Prepare the space
Post dated fit-out photos and contractor invoices showing completed counter, plumbing and electrical preparation.
Milestone 3
CN¥140,000 · 35%
Install brewing equipment
Upload machine and grinder receipts, installation photos and a short demonstration of the complete brewing station.
Milestone 4
CN¥80,000 · 20%
Rehearse opening service
Share a practice service log, opening bean and milk stock records, and photos of the finished customer area.
- 01
Make every step provable
A milestone only works if a Backer can look at your proof and agree it is done. 'Buy equipment' is weak; 'equipment bought, receipt and photo posted' is strong.
- 02
Order by risk
Put the cheapest, fastest step first. Each released milestone proves you deliver and funds the next. Leave the biggest amount for the step where most of the work is already done.
- 03
Keep the amounts honest
Milestones must add up exactly to your goal. Price each step from real quotes, include tools and services, and split any step that is too big to prove in one go.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Unsuitable utility connections
Existing water or power connections may not suit the chosen machine. Confirm equipment requirements before fit-out and include a budget line for connection changes.
- R2
Slow drink preparation
An attractive counter can still create queues if staff cross paths. Use a timed practice rush in the final milestone and allow for small changes to the workstation.
- R3
Early stock waste
Beans, milk and fresh food can be wasted while demand is uncertain. Start with a limited opening range and use the operating reserve for measured replenishment.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a coffee shop dream in Beijing, shown in CNY. Backers are charged the equivalent in US dollars.
Example goal
CN¥400,000
- Brewing machines and grindersCN¥140,000 · 35%
- Counter and space fit-outCN¥120,000 · 30%
- Beans and serving suppliesCN¥60,000 · 15%
- Opening operations reserveCN¥80,000 · 20%
What you receive
- Backers give
- CN¥400,000
- Platform fee (15%)
- −CN¥60,000
- You receive
- CN¥340,000
How Backers are protected
14-day review per milestone
When proof is posted, each Backer has 14 days to release their share or ask for more. Money not released in time goes back to the Backer.
15% fee, deducted — never added
Backers pay exactly what they choose. The 15% fee comes out of each backing: CN¥1,000 gives the Dreamer CN¥850. The fee is kept if money is returned.
Gifts, not shares
Backings are gifts. No shares, equity, interest or repayment, and Dreamers keep full ownership. Nothing on cohero is an investment or a loan.
Questions and answers
How do I show the coffee bar is ready without claiming sales?
Film the brewing station in use and share a practice service log covering drink preparation and cleaning. Pair those records with installation receipts; readiness proof does not need a revenue forecast.
How many milestones should a coffee shop dream have?
Three to six works for most dreams. Fewer gives Backers little to review; more than seven makes each step feel small. The example plan on this page uses four.
Can my first milestone cover planning rather than equipment?
Yes. A measured counter layout, utility checks and written fit-out estimates give Backers tangible planning proof. Keep this stage smaller than equipment installation and explain what decisions it settles.
Ready when you are
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