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Permalink Reply by Dennis McQuoid on October 25, 2010 at 1:56pm

October 2010 Fresh Cup Magazine has a whole section on this. Excellent read. Make sure you read the article about Groupon. Not that you should avoid the site, but make sure you use it very wisely or you could get burned worse than grabbing a hot steam wand. Also read the article about Water Street's marketing.

I really like the idea of a website based upon a blog so that the mobile users can easily access. And don't forget about 'Accessibility Programming" on you website.

Good luck with the opening!

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Permalink Reply by Mike Spence on October 25, 2010 at 4:48pm

That issue Dennis mentions did have a lot of good ideas. If you are issuing gift / reward cards then definitely look at the ways you can market with those. I have some customers that have passed them out well ahead of time to help promote the store. Also, if you are coming to Coffee Fest this weekend you will probably be able to pickup a ton of ideas!
Good Luck!

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Permalink Reply by John P on October 25, 2010 at 5:52pm

First, I would suggest having a "soft" opening a week or two minimum before you have your Grand opening. You want everything to be up to speed and perfect when you're on the big stage.

I would find a local charity, animal shelter, Childrens' Hospital, etc., that you truly believe in supporting and do a day or a weekend benefit for them. This is what we did for our opening and because we donated ALL proceeds to the charity, our suppliers generously donated all product for free, and our staff donated all of their time for free--or they would not have been staff any longer :) . We created good will, people got to taste our drinks, and we had coverage on both TV and Newspaper.

It's about visibility, impact on community, and letting people know that you have the best product out there.

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Permalink Reply by Kim Anderson on October 25, 2010 at 6:15pm

AMAZING! Biggest of THANK YOU'S to all that have offered up advice, incredible community and site. I wish all the best to you and your Coffee houses and you exceed your expectations and goals. Thanks again, these ideas are
billiant! Ciao for now, Kim

John P said:

First, I would suggest having a "soft" opening a week or two minimum before you have your Grand opening. You want everything to be up to speed and perfect when you're on the big stage.

I would find a local charity, animal shelter, Childrens' Hospital, etc., that you truly believe in supporting and do a day or a weekend benefit for them. This is what we did for our opening and because we donated ALL proceeds to the charity, our suppliers generously donated all product for free, and our staff donated all of their time for free--or they would not have been staff any longer :) . We created good will, people got to taste our drinks, and we had coverage on both TV and Newspaper.

It's about visibility, impact on community, and letting people know that you have the best product out there.

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