Does anyone have any ideas on how to get customers to dine in our shop?

Question

I recently opened my own business. I sell desserts and espresso. We have a lot of business outside of the business. We cater weddings and events and we serve our cakes to restaurants and hotels. So that part of business is good. But I really would like to push customers to eat or drink inside the shop. Any cost effective ideas or any ideas are greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Offer frequent customer discounts like a little punch card or something. Get some spiffy, modern looking comfy furniture from Target and cute tables. Something that looks good but has the "more is less" appeal so you can stay cost-effective. Also, get Wifi.. you'll get all the business type in there and they'll stay forever with their laptops. Or newspapers, especially Wall Street Journal.

Answer 2

Sounds like you need to advertise. Check with the local newspaper about a postum type insert. As a potential customer, a two-for-one usually gets me into a new business. Also check with the Better Business Bureau because there may be mailers that go out of coupon books you can use.

Remember it takes money/ads to make money/business.

Answer 3

Make flyers and post them on bulliten boards, look for places that will trade goods for advertising like http://www.morestealsanddeals.com. Place free ads on online bulliten boards. Have a sampling day where customers can sample your products. Put an ad on your car.

Answer 4

I'm constantly seeing businesses spending so much money on commercial advertising,but did anybody realize that "Word of Mouth" is also a very powerful tool.

Answer 5

Offer discounts on goods purchased if you stay and eat in the shop.

Answer 6

make flyers
give away some services
maybe go on the news and talk about your business
send out mail and e-mails regarding your services and what-not