Pushing the Boundaries...

[Barrack]

We usually have a blend on for a week and throw a so at them daily or vice versa.. Variety is the spice of life and one of the reasons where i work does about 100-120 kgs of wet coffee a week. I am in Tasmania and thats huge for the apple isle!!

[Thundergod]

Re: Pushing the Boundaries...

Humans dont like change.
I wonder how many kgs youd do if the customers knew what they were getting?

Agreed 100kg/week is a lot (anywhere) but maybe its just cold.  :P

[Barrack]

Re: Pushing the Boundaries...

Humans dont like change.
I wonder how many kgs youd do if the customers knew what they were getting?

Agreed 100kg/week is a lot (anywhere) but maybe its just cold.  :P

Knew what they were getting??? Quality awarded coffee from quality competition baristi is what they get :P

Tas definately has the best coffee climate imho though.. Just lacks the "coffee culture"

[Barrack]

Re: Pushing the Boundaries...

Ahh you mean if we had a constant house blend or something.. I dont think we as a company would be where we are if we did that!! I think when our roastery opens in the city we may push a more "regular" blend at the 3 shops and have a house blend for the roastery (as well as 3 so offerings for the roastery). So if we go down that track will let u know the progress

[Thundergod]

Re: Pushing the Boundaries...

Knew what they were getting??? Quality awarded coffee from quality competition baristi is what they get  :P  

Only half joking.

By not offering a regular drink are you not limiting your market?

Those that want the variety or surprise can still be catered for by "todays offering" but remember that McDonalds is as big as it is partly because everyone knows that no matter where in the world they are, a Big Mac is a Big Mac.

As I said, humans dont like change.

Maslows Hierarchy of Needs also comes into play.
One of the basic needs is food.
If you were given an unknown food to try every day and didnt know what it tasted like or whether or not it was good for you, Im very sure youd start to get anxious.
If you got something you liked every day youd feel comfortable.

As a business, you want your customers to be comfortable with your service; thats what brings them back time after time.

You can cater for the adventurous as well as the less so.
Why limit the potential?

Have you surveyed your customers to find out if they like the current situation?
If not, Id suggest an anonymous feedback card.

[blanyon]

Re: Pushing the Boundaries...

Me I go with is it working? At 100+ kg per week yes it is, I would suggest they are servicing their target market very well and they are good at what they do. The changing blends is obviously a challenge to the customers but maybe that is what these customers are after (again 100+ kg cant be wrong).

[Thundergod]

Re: Pushing the Boundaries...

moto my point is that maybe it can be better.
How many customers are they missing out on?
If they dont want to increase sales then thats fine too.

I have a small karate school.
About a dozen students.
A few years ago I had classes of 50+.
I prefer my small classes.
My choice.

[blanyon]

Re: Pushing the Boundaries...

Totally agree, I am jealous of the t/o of 100 kg per week (not jealous of the work it would take though! )

[Barrack]

Re: Pushing the Boundaries...

Totally agree, I am jealous of the t/o of 100 kg per week (not jealous of the work it would take though!  )

It takes 3 baristi atm, without much more than a five minute wait most of the time. We are located smack bang next 2 the hospital and the city police complex which helps although we are SURROUNDED by "competition" they are way bellow par. dont get me wrong it wasnt instant. started at 15kg a week and have been there 4 years now..

[Barrack]

Re: Pushing the Boundaries...

Ohh and we cant do any more turnover, smallish shop and we are maxed out imho.

[stuartgrant]

Re: Pushing the Boundaries...

Hey Barrack,

Im from Hobart, and Im trying to guess which cafe(s) youre talking about!

Sounds a lot like Oomph, but since youre not mentioning names, Id have to guess its a non-sponsor?

Cheers
Stuart.

[Luke_G]

Re: Pushing the Boundaries...

100kgs?!?!?!?

I have trouble doing 40kgs in a week but i guess im not 3 people am i

Sounds like a recipe for success...ive found the single origin of the day idea works well to not only keep things interesting but informative also.

Like the TG suggested though...theres always the people who just want the house blend..which also changes twice a day. Dedicated espresso blend in the morning and a slightly milder (and mindfull) Fairtrade Organic blend in the afternoon.

[Thundergod]

Re: Pushing the Boundaries...

we cant do any more turnover

Fair enough then.