How a Chinese Student Earns $3,800 a Year Selling $0.14 Coffee

Nearly every college grad knows the drill: endless job fairs, rejection emails, and the creeping fear that your degree won’t land you anything. But 23-year-old Xu Kang skipped the rat race. Instead of waiting tables or chasing unpaid internships, he built a tiny coffee empire—one $1 cup at a time.

Xu Kang, a former e-commerce student in Nanjing, now runs three one-dollar coffee machines, selling up to 400 cups daily. His monthly profit? Nearly $3,800. Not a fortune, but far better than most of his job-hunting peers. Here’s exactly how he did it.

The Birth of a $1 Coffee Hustle

When job applications kept leading to dead ends, Xu Kang spotted an unusual opportunity: a local entrepreneurship center in Nanjing was promoting a “one-dollar coffee machine” project. He signed up for their two-month training program, then rolled out his first machine solo.

Why Location Matters More Than Recipe

The first hurdle wasn’t taste—it was bureaucracy. Public spaces like subway stations and plazas rejected his machine. After multiple pitches, he finally secured a spot in Maiqiaqiao. But even then, his first day was a flop: barely any customers. Suspecting the coffee tasted bland, he tweaked the recipe at home, taste-testing until it hit the right balance. The improved formula brought repeat customers.

From One Machine to a Mini Empire

Once the recipe worked, business took off. Xu Kang expanded to two more machines, selling a peak of 400 cups daily. Each cup costs $1, generating nearly $3,800 a month. His next move? Buying three additional machines to scale further.

The Student Entrepreneur Effect

Xu Kang’s success attracted classmates. He’s now mentoring others, teaching them how to adjust coffee recipes, pick locations, and source supplies. He’s even helping them connect with wholesalers, hoping to inspire more young entrepreneurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Xu Kang earn per month from his coffee machines?

Xu Kang earns nearly $3,800 a month from three one-dollar coffee machines, selling up to 400 cups daily. His profit comes after accounting for costs, and he plans to expand by adding three more machines.

What was the biggest challenge Xu Kang faced with his coffee venture?

The biggest initial challenge was finding an approved public location for the coffee machines. Management at multiple sites initially rejected his proposal, and he had to personally negotiate multiple times to secure a spot in Maiqiaqiao.

How did Xu Kang improve his coffee’s taste to attract customers?

Xu Kang improved his coffee’s taste by tweaking the recipe at home. He added ingredients incrementally, taste-testing until he found a formula that customers liked, which led to repeat business.

Did Xu Kang have any formal business training before starting?

Yes, Xu Kang attended a two-month entrepreneurship training program at a local innovation center in Nanjing, where he learned the fundamentals before launching his coffee machine business.

What advice does Xu Kang give to other students?

Xu Kang encourages students to explore entrepreneurship rather than relying solely on traditional job paths. He emphasizes discovering opportunities, being open-minded, and learning from hands-on experience.

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