I have just opened a coffee shop in the middle of a natural park in Devon (UK), but many customers are interested in forming a running club and using our shop as a starting point/goal point.
I have no experience in this field (club management or participation experience) and I do not know what is expected of the coffee shop.
Besides discounted coffee and pastry, what do runners want from a typical coffee shop-based running club?
thank you very much.
I’ve never seen a bakery or drink discount for a running club.
I’ve seen bars and pubs offer discounts on drinks, but that’s because people may drink more than one drink.
In the case of a bakery, if you order a pastry and a drink once, few people will want more.
The service that the runner may require is “luggage storage” before the run and after the run. However, this is risky and takes time to arrange
Are they asking you to form a club or are you simply asking for permission to use the cafe as a starting/ending point?
Water Prepare water and cups that can be used immediately so that the runner can hydrate the counter staff without bothering. This is an absolute gold word.
A local bar hosted a running club for a while, with eight to ten pints of ice water at the counter. Especially on a hot day, it was best to go into the shop and drink water. After that, I ordered beer and asked for a meal later.
Self-service water is trivial, but very important. Not only is it convenient for runners, it also prevents staff from taking time at the request of water. You only need to go to the counter when you actually buy something.
You can make an electrolyte drink for free if you put ordinary table salt in a bowl and add 1/4 or 1/8 cup of weighing spoon. Perfect for hot season, cheap and considerate.
If you want to prepare additional, you can also place a container with potassium salt specified at a small additional cost. This is a great idea!
The local “club” began, and now 30 to 40 people participate every time.
As a result of actively promoting on SNS, it grew naturally. The store has a meeting place, coffee, electrolyte drink, and matcha after the run. There is also a run that ends at the local bar that is affiliated. There are also occasional social evening gatherings.
The content is very social, there is no fixed session or pace, just the start time is determined. The base is 5 km, but there are also options for 10 km and trail courses on weekends.
Do not offer discounts. If you want to help, you should be willing to pay the regular price. You are the one who offers the store as the starting point/goal point in the first place. Rather, if you order the running gel at a wholesale price, it will be another revenue source, and you can also provide the participants with the option of resupply. Nothing is expected of you, and this is just a favor. Please be careful to be polite at the store.
Customers,
Thank you for your hard work, but please refrain from discounts. It is a dangerous path. You must not be asked to receive discounts from customers.
Possible measures:
・ Provision of baggage storage service if possible
Free water is always available
Gatorade, Energy Bar, etc. (Free/No discount)
Once the runner has achieved a certain milestone (e.g. 50 tablespoons/100 cups purchase), press the stamp on the ticket to provide cookies and coffee (not free for running only)
Please do not start disadvantageous because it is a new business.
We wish you success!