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Forum nameMarketing Mix
Topic subjectGet more business
Topic URLhttps://www.businessownersideacafe.com/forums/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=106&topic_id=1414
1414, Get more business
Posted by coffeeshop1, Mon May-11-09 07:33 AM
Hello
We have been in business since Dec 08. We are in a small town
of about 3000 people. We have a coffee shop and used
bookstore. We generally do between $50-$100 a day in sales.
This is not covering the bills. We have tried lunch menu, we
have homemade chicken salad, pimento cheese and ham salad on a
homemade crescent roll. We have tried drink specials such as a
homemade muffin and med coffee. We have tried a lot of
different things to bring in traffic. I am here today and
mostly have sold only the small coffee for 75cents a cup.
Getting to be where we cannot be open for much longer. We have
 a very nice placed and the ones who do come in love it here.
.How do I get them to either spend more money or get more
traffic in my door. Any one got any ideas
Thanks
century press
1415, RE: Get more business
Posted by ikedunne, Mon May-11-09 11:38 AM
Not sure where you're located. Have you put tables outside?

Can you cater coffee for businesses? 3000 is not a large number of prospects but I assume you already considered that in your business plan.

It's easy to get down about this. Don't. You just have to decide how badly you want to stay open.

Let's say it's my coffee shop.

1) I would visit every company in town and offer a 2 for 1 coupon...not for everyone, just the employees. Make sure I code them so I know where it's coming from

2) I would do the same in the nearest town to you.

3) If I'm only selling coffee...then I'd only sell coffee. I'd offer my place for a bakery distribute their wares. I'd keep small percentage. I wouldn't buy stuff and keep inventory. I don't have the cash.

4) If I had the room, the women's (or men's) small group from church would meet at my place for free. I know they'd buy stuff from me.

Hope this helps

Michael
oxmg2005@yahoo.com

1423, RE: Get more business
Posted by Antherry, Wed May-20-09 09:58 PM
Wow, I really feel for you.
Let me say this up front-- if you see you are not going to make it-- then don't beat a dead horse. Lock the doors and get out. It will save you a lot of heartache, even though it will hurt bad.

Absolutely-- I don't care if you have to hand write them-- take quarter page flyers to everyone in town. Offer to DELIVER sandwiches to local businesses. How close is the next town? Hand out flyers there too.

I think you NEED to offer the sandwiches (one sounds good now as a matter of fact.)

Like above comments-- I would invite EVERY group you can find to meet at your place and make sure they know there is no obligation to buy.

Oh yes-- you need to look closely at how you are putting your food out. You are small- use real plates. If you are selling coffee in styrofoam cups then upgrade the cups to something better-- even if you have to charge $0.85 instead of seventy five cents.


Thanks,
Berry
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1433, RE: Get more business
Posted by oviedostyle, Thu May-28-09 02:38 PM
You should do everything that has been suggested, those are great comments!
Where I used to live in a town of about 500 people, there is a popular coffee shop. They sell more than just coffee. I don't know the size of your store, but this one is large. They carry art, gifts and cards from local artisans.
They also have clothing and fair trade products. They sell some items on a website also.
Another reason they sell is their location, which is on a small hwy connecting towns.

***Sell products that are popular in your area.

***You could also host a different artist every month. You can take a commission on what sells and it gives a local artist great exposure.

***Do you have one of those cards where after 10 purchases a customer gets a free cup of coffee?

***Another way to get more customers is to put your Address and Phone number in Google maps. Go to this page, http://maps.google.com/
On the left hand side will be a link that says "Put your business on Google Maps"
Click on that and follow the directions.
I use google maps all the time to find local businesses. It is very convenient.

In San Diego county, small signs that you can stick in the ground are popular. Get some of those little wire signs used for garage sales and real estate agents. If you can, put those up on the street near your coffee shop.

Leah Oviedo
Investing In Women