Tanzania Peaberry

Greetings, Coffee Drinkers,

Autumn is the time we love apple cider and all things spice.  Don’t forget about our luscious Tanzania.  It is fabulous brewed “straight” or add a dash of cinnamon to the grounds before brewing.  Enjoy a cup with a slice of apple or pumpkin pie.  Yum Yum… 

I particularly like the African coffees this time of year with their fruit and spice notes.

Customer Service or Customer Helping??  Before you begin your day and caring for your customers consider these three questions:

1.       Why do people buy our coffees?

2.       What is the result if I don’t help them or serve the best coffee and service?

3.       How could I improve their experience with my business?

These questions should help you determine your purpose for opening your doors AND a guideline for customer service as you train your staff.

I recently read an article about how coffee houses across the country are weathering the recession.  Here are a few ideas:

1.       $5.00 gift card giveaways that produced a 70% return.  You need some capital to make this one work.

2.       Staffing with quality employees is as important as quality products.  Remember the mantra “ quality coffee AND customer service”.

3.       Flexibility in providing what customers want.  This can be challenging during these times when many people aren’t sure what that is.  How about trying a suggestion box asking for ideas?  Maybe give a free drink once a month for the best customer idea.

4.       If you have an ice maker with excess capacity, try bagging and selling ice if you have a customer base for this.

5.       Here is a favorite of mine; coffee tastings.  Offer a monthly coffee tasting and provide information about the coffee farms, varietals, etc.  Let me know if you want this indepth information on a particular coffee.

6.       If you have an evening clientele, add wine and beer.  Wine and coffee drinkers are often the same customers.  We all love to sip, swish, and spit.  Lol

7.       Customers are looking for better quality choices, not more of them.  This is just reinforcement that we need to step up quality and not skimp on our great products.

8.       More than merely an “affordable luxury”, coffee is now considered an essential part of everyday life by those who drink it.

Do you promote flavored black coffees?  Irish crème, hazelnut, and vanilla are great in a heavy, full bodied coffee.  Our True Blue, Sonoma Signature Blend, and House Blend work very well for starters.

What do you think of the bag clips we are sending to you?  Are they better than the tape?  Please chat with Tanya during her service calls to you or let me know.  Thanks!

Make it a great week!

Peggy Sue Ennenga