October 16, 2017 Fall Seminar, Dollies Tea Room

Round Table Discussion:

"Best Practices for Tea Businesses".

Members are requested to bring their best experiences and ideas for business growth. What works? What didn't work? Some topics to include:

In's & Outs's of bus trips (request Dollies input)

TV monitors - how much of an investment, placement, usage - internet connected? Suggested input from One Steep at a Thyme (Kathleen)

Children's parties - Gypsies (Jo) has a lovely house where she has children's tea parties. How do they work? Is it one price for all? Are adults invited? Do other tea rooms host children's events?

Catering: I know many of our tearooms and tea businesses do catering - how do you price for catering? What equipment must you purchase for catering? Are there certain menu items not suited for catering?

Holidays: What types of incentives do you offer for holiday shoppers/diners? Do you purchase holiday themed merchandise? Do you have an open house?

Tea Rooms: Do you do carry out and if so how? Do you do online reservations? How do you handle no shows or reduction in groups? Do you do events? Which events are most popular? How do you handle reservations for special events?

Retailers: How do you choose your products? How do you get rid of old inventory? Do you coupon? Do you go to gift shows? Which products sell best in your area? What's your most profitable item?

Bloggers: How do you find content for your blogs? How do you build up your followers? Do you guest blog?