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Permalink Reply by Paul Swanson on August 15, 2011 at 7:12pm

Do you have an idea as to why the sales are off so much? Did new competition open nearby? Did a major employer close or make layoffs? Could it have been caused by the heat? If there are no obvious external causes did something change in the store? Did you switch roasters and the customers don't like the new taste? Is there a new manager who isn't watching the quality? Could a barista be upsetting customers somehow?

It sounds like you might need to trim labor or increase advertising to cover the gap, but such a sudden drop makes me think there was a recent change that customers don't like.

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Permalink Reply by ray peck on August 16, 2011 at 5:19pm

Hmmm, it would be an easy out to just say, "nah, all is good on the home-front". However, the kinda guy I am, I will look at these questions. Thanks for your interest.

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Permalink Reply by Ron Ingber on August 18, 2011 at 5:39am

Please move to "Retail Coffee Business" forum

 

Thank you.

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Permalink Reply by Bryan Wray on August 18, 2011 at 6:57am

Our sales are up over 50% from last year and we're in similar geographical locations.  We trimmed our staff down to our core baristas and really focused on communicating why we roast what we roast and how we roast it, why, etc.

 

Having said that, the customer base hasn't really changed, but the way they approach their purchases has.  Being in the Portland metro area means that customers expect the utmost from their baristas because "________" (fill in with hipster/"3rd wave" shop here) has taught them to, and that's fine with me.

 

Reevaluate who around you is doing well and who isn't and find patterns.  From your cafe's Facebook page and noticing who's labels are on your airpots I would say look at different roasters, to be completely honest.  When I walk into an establishment and see C.U. as the roaster, my brain turns to mediocrity.  Again, just being completely honest.

 

I doubt that it's the fact that you are doing something wrong, the question is, however, what are you doing now that is better than what you were doing last year?

 

-bry

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Permalink Reply by Benza Lance on August 18, 2011 at 10:09am

You need to get a new job dude.

Ron Ingber said:

Please move to "Retail Coffee Business" forum

 

Thank you.

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Permalink Reply by ray peck on August 18, 2011 at 11:22am

Why would you think a new job would be in order?

Benza Lance said:

You need to get a new job dude.

Ron Ingber said:

Please move to "Retail Coffee Business" forum

 

Thank you.

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Permalink Reply by Dustin DeMers on August 18, 2011 at 12:41pm

Pretty sure he was talking to Ron...

ray peck said:

Why would you think a new job would be in order?

Benza Lance said:

You need to get a new job dude.

Ron Ingber said:

Please move to "Retail Coffee Business" forum

 

Thank you.

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Permalink Reply by Benza Lance on August 18, 2011 at 5:38pm

That comment was directed at Ron. For some reason, he thinks he's a moderator. 

ray peck said:

Why would you think a new job would be in order?

Benza Lance said:

You need to get a new job dude.

Ron Ingber said:

Please move to "Retail Coffee Business" forum

 

Thank you.

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Permalink Reply by Ron Ingber on August 19, 2011 at 5:33am

I would be willing to help moderate, if that is what is desired.

I have expressed my frustration regarding posts in the "wrong" forums, so I won't beat that dead horse again.

I have multiple jobs, including "massive" dance parties. Our last one, two weeks ago, had over 50 dj's and 5 rooms of music going simultaneously. Sometimes I need a break from working, and come here to learn how to be a better barista/cafe owner.

 

"the oldest guy at the party"

Benza Lance said:

That comment was directed at Ron. For some reason, he thinks he's a moderator. 

ray peck said:

Why would you think a new job would be in order?

Benza Lance said:

You need to get a new job dude.

Ron Ingber said:

Please move to "Retail Coffee Business" forum

 

Thank you.

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Permalink Reply by Bryan Wray on August 19, 2011 at 10:14pm

-bry

 

Ron Ingber said:

I have multiple jobs, including "massive" dance parties. Our last one, two weeks ago, had over 50 dj's and 5 rooms of music going simultaneously. Sometimes I need a break from working, and come here to learn how to be a better barista/cafe owner.

 

"the oldest guy at the party"

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