Sample
Visited a new coffee shop (of a chain) in town.
While making my order of hot chocolate, the barista asked; "why don't you guys order white chocolate instead?"
Well, if he offered it when I placed my order, I may have considered. I didn't see it on the menu board.
He gave us a small sample of white hot chocolate, and we enjoyed it. But I was a little disappointed with my order as it was not as hot as the sample. It wasn't well mixed either so the first impression was weak.
Lesson learned: Sample is a good promotion, but you have to make the ordered item (what the customer paid for) right.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
While making my order of hot chocolate, the barista asked; "why don't you guys order white chocolate instead?"
Well, if he offered it when I placed my order, I may have considered. I didn't see it on the menu board.
He gave us a small sample of white hot chocolate, and we enjoyed it. But I was a little disappointed with my order as it was not as hot as the sample. It wasn't well mixed either so the first impression was weak.
Lesson learned: Sample is a good promotion, but you have to make the ordered item (what the customer paid for) right.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Plan ahead (continued): Option 1
A day after my discussion on "what's the future of independently-owned rental movie shop?," with Kay, she emailed me: "Virgin Megastore in downtown San Francisco is closing!"
In contrast to Apple store across the street which is attracting customers with the latest technology, Virgin's storefront is covered by a banner; "Store Closing." Sad to see one of SF tourist-stops go. But even a megastore like Virgin has to keep up with the trend, and one option in the ever-changing world is to fold.
Kay's concern is that it will be too dark and quiet while she waits for the bus on Market street in the evening. Don't worry, Kay, I think some other business will move in soon.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
In contrast to Apple store across the street which is attracting customers with the latest technology, Virgin's storefront is covered by a banner; "Store Closing." Sad to see one of SF tourist-stops go. But even a megastore like Virgin has to keep up with the trend, and one option in the ever-changing world is to fold.
Kay's concern is that it will be too dark and quiet while she waits for the bus on Market street in the evening. Don't worry, Kay, I think some other business will move in soon.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Plan ahead
As movie and music files become downloadable online, demand for disks decline. Blockbusters and Wherehouse have already started online services, but how would these small independent rental movie stores survive?
Not sure what they can do for a long-term, but for a short-term customer retention, they could host events, utilizing their space, such as:
- Movie nights featuring rare films.
- Amateur movie contest.
- Game nights.
By the way, when I was little there was a manufacturer of record needle in my neighborhood. After the record player became obsolete, it was making, for how long I dunno, equipment to mass-produce sushi rice balls.
I now wonder why how the shift was made.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Not sure what they can do for a long-term, but for a short-term customer retention, they could host events, utilizing their space, such as:
- Movie nights featuring rare films.
- Amateur movie contest.
- Game nights.
By the way, when I was little there was a manufacturer of record needle in my neighborhood. After the record player became obsolete, it was making, for how long I dunno, equipment to mass-produce sushi rice balls.
I now wonder why how the shift was made.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Rider's point of view
My car needed some repair, and so I decided to take public transportation for a few days instead of paying for a rental car. Walks to and from the train station have been pleasant so far, with some discoveries along the way.
Until now, I admit, I have not thought about Snappy's customers who would be using busses and trains. But there are, actually, several bus routes running through the neighborhood. I at least should know which line passes in front of the shop and would like to post the schedule inside.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Until now, I admit, I have not thought about Snappy's customers who would be using busses and trains. But there are, actually, several bus routes running through the neighborhood. I at least should know which line passes in front of the shop and would like to post the schedule inside.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
A blog entry about blog entry.
I realize I have been trying to write blog entries solely related to Snappy's business. So, as the store preparation is going slowly (even though surely), I could not find things to write, I thought.
But then I finally noticed I should pay attention to things that maybe seemingly unrelated to Snappy's and think how that could incorporate into my business.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
But then I finally noticed I should pay attention to things that maybe seemingly unrelated to Snappy's and think how that could incorporate into my business.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Wish list (of a aroma-conscious restaurant patron.)
3. I would like to enjoy my food and drink, their look, smell and taste, without smelling cleaning chemicals!!
Some restaurants clean their table-tops with Windex, regardless what material the table is made of. And some of these restaurants do so while customers are eating at the next table. I do not appreciate Windex mist near my food. I wonder if these servers and the restaurant owners would do the same thing to their house guests.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Some restaurants clean their table-tops with Windex, regardless what material the table is made of. And some of these restaurants do so while customers are eating at the next table. I do not appreciate Windex mist near my food. I wonder if these servers and the restaurant owners would do the same thing to their house guests.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Greeting cards
Had dinner with a friend June who is considering a greeting card business. It was interesting to listen to her partially because I have started carrying blank cards with me since my lap top crashed. Even if some people say she is crazy to start selling card in this e-everything world, I value personal touch delivered with a hand-written card.
I also noticed some similarities in her business to mine; bringing a smile to someone's life by delivering something we care.
The business is still at the 'idea' stage where she is thinking about designs and publishing, but I have already requested samples.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
I also noticed some similarities in her business to mine; bringing a smile to someone's life by delivering something we care.
The business is still at the 'idea' stage where she is thinking about designs and publishing, but I have already requested samples.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Logo
Had a discussion on Snappy's logo with a graphic designer Dman. For the first time I had a chance to see his creations being drawn on his sketch book, and wasn't I impressed! I am looking forward to "Snappy" soon.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Ice box
There is one coffee shop my friend and I call the "ice box."
It was cold outside, and we entered the shop expecting the 'warm' feeling of a typical cafe. But there was no friendly "hi" with a smile, and the place was actually really really cold. It felt as if not only they had shut the heater off, as the store was to close in 10 minutes, but they also turned the AC on to kick all the customers out or something.
Needless to say our first visit there was the last one. I still call it "ice box" when we pass by.
Recently I was at a restaurant where I had to keep my jacket on my lap during the meal. It was disappointing to see my food getting cold. I understand wait staff are busy moving around. But I wish look at things from customers' point of view as well.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
It was cold outside, and we entered the shop expecting the 'warm' feeling of a typical cafe. But there was no friendly "hi" with a smile, and the place was actually really really cold. It felt as if not only they had shut the heater off, as the store was to close in 10 minutes, but they also turned the AC on to kick all the customers out or something.
Needless to say our first visit there was the last one. I still call it "ice box" when we pass by.
Recently I was at a restaurant where I had to keep my jacket on my lap during the meal. It was disappointing to see my food getting cold. I understand wait staff are busy moving around. But I wish look at things from customers' point of view as well.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Personal touch
As I struggle with the semi-permanently-borrowed iBook, I have started utilizing low-tech communication means. Mr. Camp who has been giving me numerous advises and a book recommendation sent me back a card. He mentioned there are things to keep himself busy with especially in this state of economy. He has also suggested that we have lunch together soon. I look forward to meeting him as I will surely learn something new from his stories.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Lent
Lent has started last Wednesday and will last until Easter. During this season, some Christians choose to refrain from coffee or caffeine. That would affect the coffee businesses in some community. But fortunately, Lent is expected every year (unlike recession) so that we can plan to deal with it. Maybe Snappy's will have special promotion on non-caffeinated items (such as herbal tea) around this time of the year.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
Japanese version of this entry is here.
