The Pros and Cons of Offering Happy Hour in Your Coffee Shop

Happy hour is a time-honored tradition of many restaurants and bars. It's a great way to bring in business during slow times of the day. Should you offer it in your coffee shop? Here are some of the pros and cons.

Pros

1. Bring in Business

Happy hour is a great way to bring people into your store during quieter hours of the day. Rather than just coming to your shop in the morning, people have more of a reason to come later in the day. It's an easy way to get more customers later in the day.

2. Introduce New Customers

Because happy hour is such a strong marketing opportunity, it pulls in new customers easier. It sets you apart from other coffee shops in the best way. New customers have a great reason to come to your shop over others'.

3. Try New Specials

You may have a hard time justifying the risk of trying new specials during normal hours. Happy hour is the perfect time for new specials! You'll have people looking for more than a morning pick-me-up, giving you the opportunity to try new things.

Cons

1. Minimized Margins

If you choose to offer sales or discounts during your happy hour, you'll be minimizing your profits. Happy hour will bring in more customers. So, if it's worth a small loss to give your shop more new customers, this con won't matter.

2. People Can Take Advantage

Another negative side to offering discounts for happy hour is the chance of customers taking advantage of your low prices. They can do this by trying to upgrade your specials while still paying the same price. You can remedy this by putting a limit on your customers' add-ons for happy hour.

Your coffee shop may benefit greatly from having a happy hour. It will bring in new customers and increase your reach. It could also mean losing some of your profit. Try implementing a happy hour today!

Do you offer happy hour in your coffee shop? Tell us about it in the comments, we love hearing from you!