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Selling coffee...

by ElGuapo
8 replies
  • ECOMMERCE
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Hi all,

A friend of mine has set up a small business selling very high quality coffee, imported from South America. He has the process in place, and has been selling a bit to mainland Europe. He was wondering if I'd like to get involved, because he has no reach in the UK and isn't particularly good on the whole web development/marketing stuff.

I've never done ecommerce before, but am intrigued. I was wondering what steps Warriors would recommend to try this out. I was thinking in terms of putting together a small list and offering some samples to coffee gourmets. Just gauge if people like the stuff and whether they'd buy it. That sort of thing?

Any recommendations welcome!
#coffee #selling
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  • Profile picture of the author dave_hermansen
    This is actually one of the few things where a free plus shipping arrangement could work out, as long as you don't try to make a profit on shipping.

    This is what we call the "addict" market. They are usually some of the most competitive niches out there (porn, gambling, cigarettes, alcohol). At least this is an "addict market" that payment processors have no problem with. But, if you can get the trial product in people's hands (and mouths) and get them to order again, you've got a fantastic repeat customer who could also become a great referrer for your company (especially if you incentivize referrals). You could even set up recurring orders with them.
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  • Profile picture of the author BradKasten
    I think Dave is onto something with the free plus shipping offer.

    Before I did anything I would get your branding dialed in and make sure all the logistics are in place.

    Coffee is a commodity item and there is a lot of competition. I would study what Bulletproof coffee is doing because they are killing it in the coffee market right now and have a very unique USP.

    I currently reading a book about branding that you might want to check out. It's called The Fortune Cookie Principle : The 20 Keys to a Great Brand Story and Why Your Business Needs One.

    It's about your brand and brand story and so far I think it's awesome. One of the first case studies is a brand of iced coffee in the UK. What a coincidence

    Good luck and I hope this helps,
    Brad
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    • Profile picture of the author Importexport
      Originally Posted by BradKasten View Post

      I think Dave is onto something with the free plus shipping offer.

      Before I did anything I would get your branding dialed in and make sure all the logistics are in place.

      Coffee is a commodity item and there is a lot of competition. I would study what Bulletproof coffee is doing because they are killing it in the coffee market right now and have a very unique USP.

      I currently reading a book about branding that you might want to check out. It's called The Fortune Cookie Principle : The 20 Keys to a Great Brand Story and Why Your Business Needs One.

      It's about your brand and brand story and so far I think it's awesome. One of the first case studies is a brand of iced coffee in the UK. What a coincidence

      Good luck and I hope this helps,
      Brad
      I agree with the idea of getting your brand sorted before you start test marketing. Your brand name, logo, label, packaging, can all make or break a start up and the coffee business is very susceptible to image perceptions.

      It's not necessary to spend a lot of money to get such things ready to go. I have taught many people how to have superb labels designed for them and how to source them. Well designed labels can make your product stand out from the crowd and be memorable.

      Walter Hay
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  • Profile picture of the author DIABL0
    I was going to say the same thing...free + shipping.

    At the very least you would be building a potentially valuable mailing list
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Wagan
    Make your branding stand out - coffee is a very competitive niche, you need ti be more than just a "quality" coffee brand. Here's a brand that I've seen the back story: https://www.deathwishcoffee.com/ - they promote themselves as the worlds strongest coffee.

    Yes the free+shipping is also a great place to start - try Ingtagram Influencer marketing as well to get traffic into your ecommerce store.
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    • Profile picture of the author Owain Williams
      Hi,

      New here and this is my first post woooooo!

      Totally agree with Mike here and can confirm that influencer marketing works well for coffee brands (I have worked with a couple coffee brands to launch their influencer marketing campaigns).

      Just a little advice - make sure you focus on (link removed by moderator) content, brand awareness, and authority rather than metrics like reach, comments, and likes - as this can kill your campaign easily.
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  • Profile picture of the author Carlos Jane
    I am not sure about the costing and profit. Imported from America. So the quality will be good no doubt. But how much will you profit by selling coffee. And which category peoples will drink this?
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  • Profile picture of the author Enfusia
    I would create a YouTube video of me making some of the coffee and sampling it to random strangers (best), or my friends (next best).

    It would give great social proof.

    For the video I would make a launch press release on Fiverr so that it goes to CBS, NBC, Fox and more, so that i can use those logos in my video and say as seen on.
    This blows up social proof and then you can use it on your site later too.

    I would then offer them a free sample where the shipping is $2.95 or something and it really costs $1.95 and your sample costs you a dollar. This way you break even.

    I would ensure that the video looks great and the packaging for the sample product looks amazing too.

    I would have their email address as part of the shipping and then email them offers over and above the offer that I stuffed into the free sample pack.
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