Is that street really busy? How to check footfall before you rent a shop for your café

Before you sign a lease, count the people who walk past, at breakfast, lunch, evening and on a weekend. A street that looks busy once can be empty when you need customers. Counting costs you a few hours. A wrong shop can cost you a year's rent.

Ravi found a shop near a college. At 6 pm, the street was full. He signed for 11 months and paid a big deposit.

He opened a breakfast café. At 8 am, the street was empty. The students came after 4 pm. His busy time and the street's busy time were different.

He did not count at the right time.

Footfall means the number of people who walk past your shop. More people walking past means more people who may walk in.

But it is not only how many. It is who, and when. A busy office street is empty on Sunday. A market street is full on weekends. Your café needs people at your busy hours.

1. Pick your busy hours

Write down when you expect most customers. Breakfast? Lunch? Evening snacks? Late night?

2. Count for 15 minutes at each of those times

Stand near the shop. Count people walking past on your side of the road. Use a counter app on your phone, or tally marks on paper. Then multiply by 4 for an hourly number.

3. Count on a weekday and on a weekend

Do it on at least one weekday and one Saturday or Sunday. The difference can be large.

4. Write down who they are

Students? Office workers? Families? Shoppers? Your menu and prices must suit them.

5. Look at what stops people

Is there a divider in the road? A bus stop right in front? Parking? Can people see your shop from the corner? A busy street does not help if people cannot stop.

• Count cafés and food places within a five-minute walk.
• Look inside them at your busy hours. Are they full or empty?
• Ask a nearby shopkeeper how the street is in the rainy season and during festivals.

Many food places nearby can be good, because people come to eat there. But if they are all empty at your busy hour, be careful.

• The street is only busy at one time of day, and it is not your time.
• Many shops nearby are closed or "To Let".
• People walk fast and do not stop. There is no place to stand or park.
• The rent is high, but the street is quiet when you visit.

• You counted at your busy hours, on a weekday and a weekend.
• You know who walks past and what they spend on.
• You know how many cafés nearby, and how busy they are.
• The rent makes sense for the footfall you counted.

A lease is the one decision you can't undo. Viabe Location Check studies one exact address before you sign: who you would compete with, what rent is fair, who walks past, and whether the shop is worth a site visit. It is a 25+ page report, ₹2,999 + GST. Check the address first.

How long should I count footfall?

15 minutes at each of your busy hours is enough to start. Count on a weekday and a weekend.

Is a busy street always good?

No. It must be busy at your busy hours, with people who want what you sell.

What if there are many cafés nearby?

It can be good if they are full. If they are empty at your busy hour, think twice.

Should I ask the landlord about footfall?

You can ask, but count it yourself. The landlord wants to rent the shop.

When should I check the location?

Before you pay any deposit or sign the lease.