Preparing for Black Friday can seem like a daunting task. Especially when you are already hearing about it at the beginning of October. 

But you know what they say... The early bird gets the worm! And that is true for all ice cream shops, froyo shops, boba and anyone in the restaurant business.

Retail traffic (including restaurants and dessert shops) is up 55% this year, and black Friday is expected to bring in some massive foot traffic. More traffic in your surrounding area means more people will visit your location.

As we head towards the winter holidays head first, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are expected to make a BIG splash this year. So no matter how early it may seem... It's time to prepare!

More and more retailers both online and off are starting their BF sales early. Wallmart for example started 5 weeks before the actual day!

So how can you get prepared?

First you need a plan of action. Think about what type of sales you want to offer, any marketing materials, signage or promotional content you will need. And, when you will start advertising.

As far as the "when" to start advertising it's best to let customer know which day your sale(s) start on pretty early on. We recommend at least 2 weeks prior, even if it's just a sign up in your shop.

If people know they can come back on BF or the week of, for a huge discount and maybe a free goodie or two, you can bet people will stop by.

You really want to give people a reason to visit. Whether that is an enticing sale, a mural on the wall people can take Instagram photos with, or free treats for all purchasers. Do what you can to make the most out of each customers visit.

Make sure to have signage out-front and visible for any passerby's and don't forget your social media posts and newsletters (if you have one).

Also, remember to keep your employees happy so they are performing their best. They are some of your top marketers! Prior to BF make sure they are letting your customers know that if they come back on Black Friday they can receive a % off, a free dessert, or whatever you would like to offer.

In our experience a % off their total order is the winning promo for BF. If you can manage 20% that seems to be the sweet spot, as many retailers use it, and people are used to it. But even 10% works well.

Don't kill your wallet, but give something good enough that will get a large amount of people through the door.

Last year a local ice cream shop offered free hot chocolate to anyone under 14 that purchased something from their store, plus 15% off their total order. And they started advertising this 2 weeks before BF began. They had a line out the door... I know, because I was there ordering far too much ice cream.

My only suggestion to that sale would be to offer coffee for any adults that want it. You know how it goes, late night Black Friday shoppers are pretty common. And many of them need help staying awake!

Don't Miss Black Friday!

Businesses that skip out on Holiday advertising and sales miss out on serious cash. You don't want to leave money on the table, especially going into winter. 

If you need help or have any questions please let us know!

And don't forget about our Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.