What do you think of my plan? (coffee sales - offline)

Speciality-Coffees

Free Member
Jan 11, 2012
56
1
Hi all,

Been in coffee trade a few years now and I like doing sales stuff, people seem to like me?

So I'm considering trying a completely different strategy (to run alongside the existing traditional ones). Selling coffee to home/office/work consumers, but rather than having the customer come to the bricks and mortar shop, or have them pay for delivery… I could take the product to them! i.e. Free Delivery! (within our city). This would allow me to get out and SELL my product to an endless supply of potential retail customers.

My initial concern was, I don't want to spend all that time going round knocking on doors just to sell someone a £5 (250g) bag of coffee. So what I'm thinking is ...coffee subscriptions! Customers can choose from weekly, fortnightly or monthly subscriptions, all delivered on a friday and setup via a customer login that they can cancel anytime on our website.

I'm estimating, if I spent a whole day knocking on doors, I could probably get at least 10 people to sign up to a subscription (Is that realistic? think I can do better tbh) In which case I'd just keep on doing sales. Base target being to deliver 100 bags a week (min delivery of 2 bags per order).

Now, obviously the product is amazing, genuinely fresh roasted, high end coffees, delivered every week for £5! (have I gone mad?!) The problem is marketing and getting the product sold.

Here's my plans and I'd like your input:

I've got about 500 small sample bags that I will prepare, combined with a flyer/card to drop through doors and businesses to warm up the cold approach. Also thinking about getting some posters made up so people can put them up in office kitchen areas etc. Maybe pay for an article in the local press, get the delivery motorbike vinyl wrapped for more exposure

What do you think? Any other good marketing ideas? Don't worry too much about the costing, I've got that sorted. I'm more interested about what you think might or might not work, marketing wise.

V (for Victory!)
Chris
 
Last edited:

ethical PR

Free Member
  • Apr 20, 2009
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    Why not pilot it at street food markets along with coffee drink samples so people can try before they buy. You can then sell at the market and sign people up for orders.

    No idea about the online freshly ground coffee market but I'm sure this is an area you're researching along with the type of customers who would pay for the product.

    Don't you think you could easily sell 100 bags a week at these venues?

    Can't see as the sort of product that would sell on the doorstep.

    Better to go to places where you know your target audiences are already gathering such as street markets and food festivals.
     
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    fisicx

    Moderator
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    Speciality-Coffees

    Free Member
    Jan 11, 2012
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    Some great replies here, thank you. I've never heard of that ringtons before which is strange as they've been around for over 100 years and offer free delivery. Though do they actually deliver it themselves? Their prices are quite expensive so I wonder if the 'free' delivery is actually paid for via the item.

    I just pinged a message to flavourly.com we'll see what happens there.

    Food markets, yes I could try those, I have a pitch at the Royal Norfolk Show in a couple of weeks so that would be a great time to try.
     
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    S

    Scott@KarmaContent

    Some great replies here, thank you. I've never heard of that ringtons before which is strange as they've been around for over 100 years and offer free delivery. Though do they actually deliver it themselves? Their prices are quite expensive so I wonder if the 'free' delivery is actually paid for via the item.

    Yes, they turn up in a Ringtons van with your order. I think they have employees who have designated geographical areas. It's been a while since I used them but from memory the prices were there or thereabouts what you pay in the supermarket for similar stuff.
     
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    Don't forget to sell online too. Coffee sells online, and customers would pay postage on top of the price you have mentioned. Some may prefer to order it when they want to, or when they need it, rather than set up a standing order.

    Appreciate you still need to promote your coffee, but the more places people can buy it the better.
     
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    The prices seem normal because the bag size is only 125g, what you buy in the supermarket is 227g and we are 250g.

    Customers will mostly not notice this, so you are mostly giving away 100% extra free product for no extra cash..

    If i were you i would offer the same size as the market leader, with your 250g bag at 1.5 x the price meaning you can add 50% to your planned sale.

    Lets consumers pay you the biggest margin and why would you enter a niche market as a cut price guy, giving a smaller and larger lets you move more product, people will be easier to sell a SMALL to than a one size fits all bag.., take a small, you will love it then come back and get the 250g which will save you money.. so stick 50% on your price
     
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    M

    M-CLEAN UK LTD

    This is a market that I know a little about. I have a very nice coffee machine. I buy beans and grind them myself. I measure out 18g of ground coffee, for every double espresso.

    Markets have been mentioned and I am sure if you took your experience & some different coffees, set up a stall and let people taste the goods, by selling it by the mugful you are creating interest and being paid, from there could you push the subscription.

    I am just finishing a bag of Moroccan Malibar and don't have anymore. A monthly subscription would be perfect for me!!

    Rob
     
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    AmitKaria

    Free Member
    Jul 2, 2015
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    Chris I think this is a brilliant idea - I am from India and have been using these guys when home - bluetokaicoffee dot com- fantastic range and quite reasonably priced and a well done website plus they freshly grind it and send it in excellent packaging - you could replicate it - I would be interested to meet/ contact you and see if I can buy some coffee in bulk from you.
     
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    MOIC

    Free Member
  • Nov 16, 2011
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    myofficeinchina.com
    Chris, you are thinking too "locally"

    Do not think of delivering personally, there is absolutely no need for this, apart from the time it will consume.

    By all means, start locally, consolidate, then expand your model nationally (as well as internationally)

    The things you must concentrate on:

    Brand Development - This is essential.

    Premium Product - You say you have this.

    Quality Packaging - With your logo & colours. This should exude quality.

    Product Range - To suit different tastes.

    Packaging Sizes - 150g 200g 250g. Coffee must stay fresh, so people will buy for their 2 week/4 week coffee fix.

    Promotion - "Subscribe for 10 months - Get 1 month free" or something along those lines.

    Think Outside The Box - Include a stencil set ( very inexpensive ) to make those pretty images on cappuccinos, with each subscription.

    Think Ahead - Have your coffee packaged into capsules that can be used in existing machines.

    The Whole Experience - Offer machines, utensils, etc , all branded with your logo.

    The Story - It's important to let your potential customers know your story, your ethical (hopefully) values, how you source, your blends, freshness, certificates, delivery to their door from start to finish . . . .

    Get one (initial) Bricks & Mortar shop, to run your operation, test coffees, show "How It's Done" & include photos, videos in your PROFESSIONALLY designed website.

    Your Website - This is they key to your expansion, which should be simple, clear and an easy format for ordering.

    I can go on and on . . .

    Good luck with your project!

    Ron
     
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    Lloyd N8N

    Free Member
    Jan 15, 2011
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    Surrey
    Hi Chris,

    I know you are planning to hit the mean streets yourself, but why not host an event and try and get your potential buyers to come to you?

    Or hijack another event.

    If there's a decent networking event in your area that gets a lot of business owners - offer to provide free coffee at the next event in return for a few minutes to pitch and to hand out leaflets / samples.

    Good luck
     
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    This maybe very out dated but try speak to some local milkmen and door to door fruit/veg traders and see if they wanted to add to their product list. It would be better on your expenses, build your brand and save you time finding new customers.

    I know milkmen and fruit/veg traders are not as widely used anymore but im sure their could still be some market there.
     
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