coffee shop ideas
Good Morning to all,
Why not observe a few other very successful chains and 'copy' some of their ideas. There is nothing wrong learning from other success stories. And I am not just talking about coffee shops or cafe's. Get creative and think outside the box.
As just a few examples .....
Look at Dunkin Donuts or Krispy Kreme, what marketing do they perform on a day to day operation. They sponsor little league team(s). They turn on the 'magical lights' when they are baking their donuts and have free samples. They have alot of exposure in the community, by knocking on doors and introducing themselves. Why not attend as many community events and social gatherings as possible and let people sample your products (maybe at cost), get the school kids involved in the area, maybe have a car wash at your business with coupons for future business....have a grand opening event and invite the media (free products for all the media at this time) or provide the local PBS sattion with free products in exchange for free advertising during the months that PBS has money drives, every morning provide the local media (newspaper, TV and radio) with free samples of your product for a week, join the chamber of commerce, etc., etc., etc.
Also, why not have some local youth groups (preferably a youth group like church, scouts, Civil Air Patrol, sport teams, school band) hand out grand opening coupons to area businesses (where Mom and Dads of the youth would be a good start). This could be a good marketing tool.
I would also ask every customer to leave a business card (for a 10% discount) for future marketing. Then follow up and ask those customers to bring a friend(s) for a discount. maybe sponsor a business meeting with your product.
You need to market your new cafe. Visibility in the community is important. If you are a community leader, or community volunteer, or school volunteer, use these connections to your advantage.
The key marketing principle here is to get people to know who you are and where you are located NOW...then if your product and service is good, they will return and bring their friends...that is where yoiu will make your money...later on. You will have to spend money to make money.
I would recommend that you have a soft opening for a few weeks before you have your grand opening...that way you can work out some of the bugs and alert the local media about your product (and possibly get some free advertising) for your grand opening.
If your product and services are inferior (for what ever reason) all the marketing in the world will not get you repeat customers.
I have a saying that I modified a long time ago...we all have heard that the customer is always right. Well here is my view....the customer is not always right BUT the customer is always the customer. Swallow your pride and ego and remember who pays the bills. Stay as neutral in business as you can and keep your opinions to yourself.
It only takes one 'former' customer (or employee) to spoil years of good business.
Again just a few suggestions and ideas...Good luck
RadarRick
