Name change?

[bagelbox]

Hi All,
I've been spending quite a bit of time researching the possibility of changing my business name. After our first years trading, we've not seen much of an increase in our turnover since week 1. If anything we're now turning over £100-150 more than we did originally. Not nearly good enough.

I think our name puts people off that don't eat bagels. We sell a lot more than just bagels, but I fear people don't see beyond that. Despite our best efforts in displaying eye-catching signage etc.

Any advice at all from people that have experienced a similar thing?

Regards,
Dave.

 

[WebTrust]

Hi All,
I've been spending quite a bit of time researching the possibility of changing my business name. After our first years trading, we've not seen much of an increase in our turnover since week 1. If anything we're now turning over £100-150 more than we did originally. Not nearly good enough.

I think our name puts people off that don't eat bagels. We sell a lot more than just bagels, but I fear people don't see beyond that. Despite our best efforts in displaying eye-catching signage etc.

Any advice at all from people that have experienced a similar thing?

Regards,
Dave.

Change your name if you want to move away from Bagels, BUT looking at your website it's literally Bagels, Bagels and more Bagels. click food all I see is Bagels.

 

[bagelbox]

Thanks for the message. Yeah the website is out of date and we don't really use it to be honest. Our passing trade is key and they tend to look at the shop and not the website!

 

[Richie N]

I think it's important to have your website up to date, along with facebook and twitter pages.
A lot of our customers relied on daily updates with specials from these sites before deciding what to eat and where to go for lunch.

 

[papverpoppies]

It is not a very exciting name, and box, makes me think of plastic butties rammed in a cardboard box and covered in cling film.

Agree about keeping the website up to date though, you just never know who might be browsing it, and there is nothing worse than 'out of date', gives all the wrong signals about the business.

Good Luck
Pops ~xx~

 

[WebTrust]

I don't agree with the other two, no one is ever going to look on your website, twitter or facebook, you sell basic foods to passing trade that stuffs not even remotely relevant.

That's coming from someone with 150 websites.

I just meant if your website was the same marketing wise than your really not telling people about your other services.

You know what I would honestly do, give free bagels with Coffee for a few months. Make a big deal about it and get people passing in the habit of having a coffee on there way to work etc and a bagel. Bagels are not a popular food in the UK and maybe you just need to get people trying them, enjoying them and then once you start charging again they will continue to buy.

Although saying that, I have no ideas on your margins etc

Just an idea

 

[Richie N]

I don't agree with the other two, no one is ever going to look on your website, twitter or facebook, you sell basic foods to passing trade that stuffs not even remotely relevant.

That's coming from someone with 150 websites.

I just meant if your website was the same marketing wise than your really not telling people about your other services.

You know what I would honestly do, give free bagels with Coffee for a few months. Make a big deal about it and get people passing in the habit of having a coffee on there way to work etc and a bagel. Bagels are not a popular food in the UK and maybe you just need to get people trying them, enjoying them and then once you start charging again they will continue to buy.

Although saying that, I have no ideas on your margins etc

Just an idea

Sorry but have you owned a cafe before?
We actually had loads of regular customers who waited for updates on a daily basis, so yes they do look at facebook and twitter.

To say that customers don't look at your website is rubbish.
What if they want to know about parties or any private functions, they might want to check the website rather than ask direct if the staff are busy serving.

 

[Merchant UK]

Hi All,
I've been spending quite a bit of time researching the possibility of changing my business name. After our first years trading, we've not seen much of an increase in our turnover since week 1. If anything we're now turning over £100-150 more than we did originally. Not nearly good enough.

I think our name puts people off that don't eat bagels. We sell a lot more than just bagels, but I fear people don't see beyond that. Despite our best efforts in displaying eye-catching signage etc.

Any advice at all from people that have experienced a similar thing?

Regards,
Dave.

Dave, Have you any ideas of what sort of name you want?? Whats your best seller at the moment?? can you think of a name to so with that?

Sudbury is a lovely little town have you though of a name, with something to do with the town or the history of it.

Just look at Subway, its nothing to do with the Underground, get my drift.

Wasn't sudbury where the 101 dalmations stopped for a drink?? perhaps a movie inspired name or i'm told its also where Gainsbourgh the painter lived?? perhaps a name like the Food Studio, or similar might create a bit of interest

 

[bagelbox]

Thanks for the replies chaps. The website does certainly need updating, but the key element (that makes my till ring) is the people that pass the front of my store. If seeing 'bagelbox' makes them think "I don't like bagels, I'll keep moving"... then they don't bother to check the fact I also sell coffee, wraps, sandwiches etc...

So I think a more generic, non-product specific name is required to catch people's attention.

I'm tempted to remove my signage and still operate with just my 'cafe' a-board that's on the street. If there's no name or particular branding that'll really give me an indication of what people are/aren't looking for if my sales increase on the back of it.

Our most popular product is the bagel. We sell more bagels than any other type of food - but we don't sell enough and it doesn't appeal to a big enough market to continue to survive on the back of it. However much promotion we do. Plus the fact I can't afford to do such promotions!

 

[papverpoppies]

Thanks for the replies chaps. The website does certainly need updating, but the key element (that makes my till ring) is the people that pass the front of my store. If seeing 'bagelbox' makes them think "I don't like bagels, I'll keep moving"... then they don't bother to check the fact I also sell coffee, wraps, sandwiches etc...

So I think a more generic, non-product specific name is required to catch people's attention.

I'm tempted to remove my signage and still operate with just my 'cafe' a-board that's on the street. If there's no name or particular branding that'll really give me an indication of what people are/aren't looking for if my sales increase on the back of it.

Our most popular product is the bagel. We sell more bagels than any other type of food - but we don't sell enough and it doesn't appeal to a big enough market to continue to survive on the back of it. However much promotion we do. Plus the fact I can't afford to do such promotions!

I have no idea how something like 40+ snack bars, baguette bars, you name it, survive in the small City (more like a Town) of Carlisle, and yet they do and they seem to thrive, most of them being independent also.

Most sell the staple coffee, baguettes, soup, the fast snack take away food (cannot think of any fancy names either) the baguette bar is one (very nice as well).

I think getting people over the threshold because they like what you offer is important, and that is why I think a website is important, people do browse.

But, like a chippie sells chips, I can see why people might be lean towards only thinking you sell bagels, maybe just add 'bagels and other good food'.

Good Luck

Pops ~xx~

 

[WebTrust]

Thanks for the replies chaps. The website does certainly need updating, but the key element (that makes my till ring) is the people that pass the front of my store. If seeing 'bagelbox' makes them think "I don't like bagels, I'll keep moving"... then they don't bother to check the fact I also sell coffee, wraps, sandwiches etc...

So I think a more generic, non-product specific name is required to catch people's attention.

I'm tempted to remove my signage and still operate with just my 'cafe' a-board that's on the street. If there's no name or particular branding that'll really give me an indication of what people are/aren't looking for if my sales increase on the back of it.

Our most popular product is the bagel. We sell more bagels than any other type of food - but we don't sell enough and it doesn't appeal to a big enough market to continue to survive on the back of it. However much promotion we do. Plus the fact I can't afford to do such promotions!

Do you not think that maybe people just need to give them a try? I've never had a bagel lol

 

[Rober193]

Hi.
Quote "We sell a lot more than just bagels", end quote.....

 

[Nord20]

My two cents is that your Bagels are your unique selling point - I assume there are others around you selling the usual sandwichs and such, so perhaps keep bagel in the name and add something to indicate Bagels is just the tip of your very tasty iceberg...

I'm afraid I'm no good with coming up with names, but I always find working out exactly what you want it to say first really helps.

 

[allsquare]

I would look at some of the chains such as bagel factory.co.uk to get a few ideas on their upsell items, branding, marketing etc. Bear in mind their stores are mainly focussed on three large cities but may give you some inspiration or it may confirm your thoughts to move away from "bagel" as you're in a smaller town.

 

[Y.Gunay]

Hi All,
I've been spending quite a bit of time researching the possibility of changing my business name. After our first years trading, we've not seen much of an increase in our turnover since week 1. If anything we're now turning over £100-150 more than we did originally. Not nearly good enough.

I think our name puts people off that don't eat bagels. We sell a lot more than just bagels, but I fear people don't see beyond that. Despite our best efforts in displaying eye-catching signage etc.

Any advice at all from people that have experienced a similar thing?

Regards,
Dave.

I recommend to use simple names such as Mr Bagel, i have been in food industry for good long years, to satisfy ones taste is not easy i will make few points of a customers first views before purchasing food from your store.

1- the name (to be simple to be remembered)
2- interior design( needs to be homely and cosy don't leave the walls empty put lots of pictures.)
3- professional staff (keeping clean, smiling, good communication)
4- displaying of food (most people eat with their eyes before eating with mouth.)
5- the taste ( this is important once a customer is happy with the taste of any food they will always expect to see the same quality every time when the taste changes so does the customer. )
6- loyal customer rewards (to offer a free coffee or bagel wont cripple any bagel shop)

As the owner of your own business you need to find a way of taking your items to other possible customers.eg if there is few corner shops around you have a word with them ask if you could package your bagels (putting your label) and leave in their shop to sell ,in a no sell no pay deal you be boosting your sales and advertisement at the same time, remember it has to be daily and fresh.

 

[Y.Gunay]

Hi All,
I've been spending quite a bit of time researching the possibility of changing my business name. After our first years trading, we've not seen much of an increase in our turnover since week 1. If anything we're now turning over £100-150 more than we did originally. Not nearly good enough.

I think our name puts people off that don't eat bagels. We sell a lot more than just bagels, but I fear people don't see beyond that. Despite our best efforts in displaying eye-catching signage etc.

Any advice at all from people that have experienced a similar thing?

Regards,
Dave.

I recommend to use simple names such as Mr Bagel, i have been in food industry for good long years, to satisfy ones taste is not easy i will make few points of a customers first views before purchasing food from your store.

1- the name (to be simple to be remembered)
2- interior design( needs to be homely and cosy don't leave the walls empty put lots of pictures.)
3- professional staff (keeping clean, smiling, good communication)
4- displaying of food (most people eat with their eyes before eating with mouth.)
5- the taste ( this is important once a customer is happy with the taste of any food they will always expect to see the same quality every time when the taste changes so does the customer. )
6- loyal customer rewards (to offer a free coffee or bagel wont cripple any bagel shop)

As the owner of your own business you need to find a way of taking your items to other possible customers.eg if there is few corner shops around you have a word with them ask if you could package your bagels (putting your label) and leave in their shop to sell ,in a no sell no pay deal you be boosting your sales and advertisement at the same time, remember it has to be daily and fresh.

 

[papverpoppies]

Common mistake, just because they are still there certainly doesn't mean they are thriving, it more than likely means they are committed to a lease and have no choice but to continue trading to pay the rent/rates/suppliers whilst taking little or no money for themselves. You don't get the current retail climate do you Pops.

Oh if only us retailers were as rich as people presume

Well, they are still open then - and trading, and some must have very long leases as they have been there yonks, but hey, what would I know, I only live here.

You are very negative, whoever you are, and yes I get the current retail climate - so there is no need to be sarcastic.

Pops ~xx~

 

[papverpoppies]

Do you not think that maybe people just need to give them a try? I've never had a bagel lol

I love a fresh bagel, with coffee, scrummy.
But, you are right, I bet a lot of people are clueless as to what they taste like.

Pops ~xx~

 

[Rober193]

I love a fresh bagel, with coffee, scrummy.
But, you are right, I bet a lot of people are clueless as to what they taste like.

Pops ~xx~

Yeah Pops, first tried them in Canada during ...:|whatever:|... anyhoo....I loved them and ate them first thing in the morning. There were 5 Bagel cafe shops and the only one I'd go to was the one that had a breakfast happy hour...big bagels...big appetite and half the price. Trouble was...every other bugger did the same thing and we'd have to queue for ages. Mmm more coffee?

 

[papverpoppies]

Yeah Pops, first tried them in Canada during ...:|whatever:|... anyhoo....I loved them and ate them first thing in the morning. There were 5 Bagel cafe shops and the only one I'd go to was the one that had a breakfast happy hour...big bagels...big appetite and half the price. Trouble was...every other bugger did the same thing and we'd have to queue for ages. Mmm more coffee?

I think they need an image up grade in this Country, as you do not see them advertised that much.

I'm surprised baguettes ever caught on.

Pops ~xx~

 

[Rober193]

I think they need an image up grade in this Country, as you do not see them advertised that much.

I'm surprised baguettes ever caught on.

Pops ~xx~

Mmmm..yeah....only the really hard ones that slice the roof of your mouth to bits...or the really soggy ones that my missus throws at me. There's not one in Plymouth that I know of and I'd definitely go there if there was.

 

[Rhodes100]

Dave, you are not just talking about a name change but rebranding yourself as yet another run of the mill cafes.

As someone said here you have a niche so keep it.

I have said before that your location in Sudbury is a secondary one so you cannot possibly expect to have the same footfall as a shop in the market square.

I think there is enough market out there, perhaps not the same extend as their would be if there was a large Jewish community, but if you cannot rely on location you have to rely on marketing. And by marketing I do not mean price reductions.

When was the last time that you went into the centre of town offering tasting sessions, I would suggest that you need to do this on a weekly basis. You will find that some of these people actually prefer bagels but dont know it.

Offer a free order to your 100th customer of the day, they dont know when it might be, or whether they are too late but will be surprised when they are told.

Does your marketing really emphasise the low fat healthy aspects of bagels, or that bagels are fast food and an alternative to macdonalds for breakfast, lunch or a snack. it is your USP. It seems to me that you simply mention it no more.

Perhaps have a mobile bicycle service using twitter and facebook as your marketing tool. I.e we will be at Chilton Industrial Estate at 11 o'clock but in your orders now. There are plenty of fast food outlets that have built up their business this way. Just do a bit of research on how to use social media properly.

There is a lot of things you can do, so dont throw away your niche and USP it will be a mistake.

 

[Doughnut]

As the owner of your own business you need to find a way of taking your items to other possible customers.eg if there is few corner shops around you have a word with them ask if you could package your bagels (putting your label) and leave in their shop to sell ,in a no sell no pay deal you be boosting your sales and advertisement at the same time, remember it has to be daily and fresh.

Bad idea, you will be competing with yourself and selling the products at half price or less to boot.

 

[fwd333]

always do a search on Companies House

 

[kelvin1950]

I don't agree with the other two, no one is ever going to look on your website, twitter or facebook, you sell basic foods to passing trade that stuffs not even remotely relevant.

That's coming from someone with 150 websites.

I just meant if your website was the same marketing wise than your really not telling people about your other services.

You know what I would honestly do, give free bagels with Coffee for a few months. Make a big deal about it and get people passing in the habit of having a coffee on there way to work etc and a bagel. Bagels are not a popular food in the UK and maybe you just need to get people trying them, enjoying them and then once you start charging again they will continue to buy.

Although saying that, I have no ideas on your margins etc

Just an idea

Totally disagree. If you have a website, you have to keep it up to date and current. If I'm looking for something then the web is my first port of call.

 

[Richie N]

Totally disagree. If you have a website, you have to keep it up to date and current. If I'm looking for something then the web is my first port of call.

Indeed, I couldn't agree more.

 

[patientlady]

I love a fresh bagel, with coffee, scrummy.
But, you are right, I bet a lot of people are clueless as to what they taste like.

Pops ~xx~

I am one of those clueless people and will probably remain one I'm afraid! Interested to know bagelbox what percentage of your business is bagels v sandwiches? Rightly or wrongly a bagel to me seems similar to eating one of those ruffage bars! Sorry not trying to be unkind but I have just asked the rest of the family in the house and all but my daughter said they had not tried one either! We all eat sandwiches every day...
Is there more profit in a bagel than in a sandwich?

 

[WebTrust]

Totally disagree. If you have a website, you have to keep it up to date and current. If I'm looking for something then the web is my first port of call.

So you sit there and go I want a coffee, i could go 1 minute away to that coffee place i see everyday, no wait! I'll do a Google search for Coffee in my area?

 

[Esk247]

So you sit there and go I want a coffee, i could go 1 minute away to that coffee place i see everyday, no wait! I'll do a Google search for Coffee in my area?

no, you check opening times, wifi access, recharging sockets for your phone etc (well one of our geeks does)..if you're thinking of visiting the town.

when i worked for a cafe we had a website that was regularly updated, we had an email that went out once a month with our latest menu updates, best sellers, have you tried these, take away offerings, gift vouchers to download etc etc. It took agessss but eventually we had over 1000 subscribers, a few hundred regular openers a month and quite a few click throughs to the site. Not bad as it was free to send out

I think that bagelbox is a bit lost and doesn't quite realise the impact that branding and marketing has on a business.

Bagelbox, you say you have no budget for marketing, fair enough, but there are free marketing options of which one is above (emails to subscribers).

Have you tried doing more with the younger target audience? 4square, iPhone apps, facebook (yours needs work), twitter, healthy lunchtime snacks for school kids etc etc.

Oh and on the subject of name changes..be careful..Bagelbox.co.uk is a rather good name actually, you realise that all has to go when you rebrand/rename? will this set you back greatly?

 

[CompactCleaning]

Dave, Have you any ideas of what sort of name you want?? Whats your best seller at the moment?? can you think of a name to so with that?

Sudbury is a lovely little town have you though of a name, with something to do with the town or the history of it.

Just look at Subway, its nothing to do with the Underground, get my drift.

Wasn't sudbury where the 101 dalmations stopped for a drink?? perhaps a movie inspired name or i'm told its also where Gainsbourgh the painter lived?? perhaps a name like the Food Studio, or similar might create a bit of interest

This guy is on the ball.

 

[Dave Kinnel]

As the owner of your own business you need to find a way of taking your items to other possible customers.eg if there is few corner shops around you have a word with them ask if you could package your bagels (putting your label) and leave in their shop to sell ,in a no sell no pay deal you be boosting your sales and advertisement at the same time, remember it has to be daily and fresh.

What a bad idea, not only would you be competing with yourself and loosing your shops USP, you would selling your goods at less than half price plus taking the hit on the items that are returned unsold. A quick way to go out of business.

The OP is paying a lot of money in rent and rates for his shop, that is where the money has to be made.

 

[kelvin1950]

So you sit there and go I want a coffee, i could go 1 minute away to that coffee place i see everyday, no wait! I'll do a Google search for Coffee in my area?

Where I live, there are horses and sheep one minute away, come to think of it up to 10 minutes away. If I wanted a coffee shop, I have no idea where I would go.

But your answer is just a red herring, isn't it? Why would you have a website and not keep it up to date and current? It's as much a reference for your company as it is advertising. Tatty website says what about the company in your opinion? In my book it says they can't be bothered so I won't give them my custom.