Aug

20

Taste Test Profits

Filed Under Planning, Publicity/Media Attention 

Launching a taste testing day for customers to sample crackers, cheeses, dips, and other gift basket treats isn’t just for large shops. Small stores and home-based businesses are taking advantage of this traffic-building promotion to gain sales and client loyalty.

Some customers will enter your shop to eat and go. You know that. But to make your sampling day successful, it’s important to attract a mix of past and current clients, corporate contacts, and the media. Here’s a strategy I’ve outline for several designers, with great results.

Your taste testing day can be set up as an open house or private event. The choice depends on your location and client type. Some store owners schedule both to attract different customer segments.

Each tasting station contains shallow bowls of product and plenty of spoons, toothpicks, and crackers for sampling. Place packages of each sampled product next to every bowl so customers see the item and easily bring it to the payment counter.

Also be sure to display small and large gift baskets filled with these same products strategically around the room.

Make sure you’ve hired enough staff for the event, whether full time or temporary, to keep each station clean and filled with samples.

Home-based gift basket designers can also host taste testing events. Some locations for the festivities include conference rooms at clients’ facilities and library conference centers. Any place with four walls and room to set up rented tables and chairs is fair game.

Remember to collect customers’ names, addresses, and Email addresses. A clipboard at the front door, checkout counter, or primary spot within the room helps to secure this information. Staff members can also help with the collection.

Taste testing events allow you to establish your business presence, build relationships, expand referrals, and increase sales year round.

Here are three articles that complement this idea:

Five Brownie Points that Boost Sales
Sell More by Giving Away Leftovers
How to Follow Up After the Sale

Read these related articles:

  1. Taste Test Promotions, Library Marketing, What Clients Say
  2. Turn Small Orders into Big Profits
  3. Will Personal Shopping Boost Your Profits?
  4. Does “Yes” Mean “No” to Profits?
  5. Should You Decline the Sale?

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