Since the last post we have had a real push to accelerate the growth of Capsaicinoia. If we move to Scotland in the Autumn (fingers crossed) we need it to be ticking over nicely as we will be giving 99% of our attention to the Guest House business and it might be a little more difficult to promote and manage logistically due to the remote location.
We have decided that the best way to do this is to boost sales and promote the business at the same time by doing some Markets and Chilli Festivals throughout the summer.
We took a trip along to the Wellesbourne Airfield Market on the Easter Bank Holiday Monday.
http://www.wellesbournemarket.co.uk/
It was a dreary day, wet and windy and we probably did not see the market at its best. We had almost decided it was not for us when we stopped to chat to a couple of traders who ran a little gift shop in the Cotswolds and had decided to give the market a go. They felt it was well worth the money and gave us some helpful advice about how to go about it.
So, we got home and it was all steam ahead to get set-up for this and the Chilli Festivals that are happening all over the UK from May to September. Mike has put together a list of events that we want to attend and is gradually registering us for them all. The first will be the Eastnor Castle Chilli Festival on the 6th and 7th of May.
http://www.eastnorcastle.com/special_event.aspx?id=246
It's fair to say we are excited about this. Me especially much to Mike's irritation.
So what have we done to get ready for this? Well firstly we have seriously increased our stock levels in anticipation. A risky strategy as so far we have only sold a few bits and pieces to friends and family on the web-site. Fingers crossed it will pay-off.
We have also purchased a Heavy Duty Gazebo and two Tables, some new Business Cards, a Banner and some 10% off Promotional Flyers (from our local Printers who are brilliant!),
http://www.paperandprint.co.uk/
a Cash Box, some biodegradable bags, price labels, a receipt book, a cash book and a big calculator. Oh, and we have joined the Market Traders Federation to take advantage of their public liability insurance. Ready to go!!!!
http://www.nmtf.co.uk/
We have also been gradually expanding the product range as funds permit but they are running low until we make some serious sales. I managed to source and purchase some snazzy Chilli USB Sticks from a guy in China - that was good fun! Let's hope they are as good as they look when they arrive.
We have realised that to increase our turnover quickly we also need to increase the average price of our products as well as maximising profits. The main way we are going to tackle this is through the development of chilli lover Gift Boxes which will essentially be collections of our products in Large, Medium and Small boxes with varieties for Him and Her and in Mild Medium and Hot. That is our next project after we are ready for the festivals.
We have also, changed from postage being included in our prices to getting the customer to select a postal option of their choice and pay for it on top. This was largely due to the fact that including the postage in our prices made them appear high and the increase in the Royal Mail prices further exacerbated this issue - that was a bit of a slog sorting that one out but all done now. Phew...
So here's hoping we have a successful summer...................................We need Capsaicinoia to start making money, the house to sell and my shoulder surgery to happen soon and to go smoothly.
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