People love our cafe vibe but barely buy anything… What can we do?

Hey everyone, I’m posting on behalf of my sister who isn’t on this forum but could really use some advice.

She owns this cozy cafe that everyone loves hanging out in. It has comfy chairs, warm lighting, and the whole vibe is perfect for chilling. The issue is, people come in to relax but end up buying just a coffee or sometimes nothing at all. She’s tried organizing open mic nights and book clubs to get people to spend more, but it hasn’t been much help.

She’s really invested in keeping that community feeling, but it’s getting hard to keep things afloat when there’s little sales. Any ideas on how she can encourage customers to buy something without ruining the welcoming atmosphere? She’s open to trying new ideas.

Thanks so much for any suggestions!

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What does the menu look like? Do you make everything in-house?

Are there pastries? Soups? Sandwiches?

Is the food good? Any other drinks like juices or smoothies?

Have you thought about giving your customers a short survey? Something simple like:

  • Rate the coffee 1-5
  • Rate the food 1-5
  • Rate the atmosphere 1-5
  • Rate the service 1-5
  • Anything you’d like us to offer?

You could also mention that rent is getting expensive, and you’re looking for ways to either cut costs or bring in more revenue. Most people will understand that. Surveys help you learn more about what your regular customers want.

If your coffee or pastries are lacking, people might not buy as much. Maybe the food quality is keeping them from coming back.

What does she serve? I don’t get why people would hang out in a place without buying anything.

Here are a few suggestions, plus some questions for you:

  • If people are staying for a long time, consider a small cover charge (you can call it something else) that includes a drink or snack.
  • Think about creating a membership or punch-card system where regulars get some benefits.
  • You could offer a ‘Stay & Sip’ deal: A refillable coffee pass for those who want to hang out longer.

Some questions:

  • What are your best-selling and least popular items?
  • Do you offer food that pairs well with your drinks?
  • Have you tried adjusting the seating to encourage more orders?

Maybe consider a premium seating area or a minimum spend per table, especially if a lot of people are sitting with laptops. You could also offer proactive table service (many people will say yes if asked for a refill). Or, think about a deal where customers get unlimited refills at a good price. Overall, try focusing on ways to get customers to spend more per visit (like menu bundles, bigger sizes, premium options).

Have you actually talked to your customers?

What’s on the drink menu? You mentioned coffee, but if she doesn’t already, adding sodas or refreshers (like at Starbucks) could help.

She could also start selling books, have a rewards program, or offer promotions like a free cookie with a drink purchase.

Three things came to mind:

  • Are the prices too high?
  • Does the menu match what your customers want?
  • Are customers walking past the counter/register area before they settle in?

What about adding cats? Maybe partner with a local shelter and create a safe space for them. People will stay longer to play with the cats and might even adopt them!

Eli said:
What about adding cats? Maybe partner with a local shelter and create a safe space for them. People will stay longer to play with the cats and might even adopt them!

That sounds like a lot of extra work and bills.

Eli said:
What about adding cats? Maybe partner with a local shelter and create a safe space for them. People will stay longer to play with the cats and might even adopt them!

Not everyone likes having cats around food and drinks.

Eli said:
What about adding cats? Maybe partner with a local shelter and create a safe space for them. People will stay longer to play with the cats and might even adopt them!

The issue isn’t the staying; it’s the buying. Adding extra costs like feeding and caring for cats isn’t really what the person who posted this is asking about.

Eli said:
What about adding cats? Maybe partner with a local shelter and create a safe space for them. People will stay longer to play with the cats and might even adopt them!

No thanks.