Boost Your Bar Takings: how to increase average customer spend in a bar

In the vibrant world of bars, simply getting customers through the door is only half the battle. The real magic, and the key to long-term profitability, lies in increasing what each person spends once they’re in. This isn't about tricking people into buying more; it's about enhancing their experience, offering value, and subtly encouraging them to indulge a little more. Let's explore some smart, actionable strategies to increase your bar's average customer spend, regardless of your location.

The Power of a Well-Crafted Menu

Your menu is your silent salesperson, and it can do far more than just list prices.

• Highlight Premium Options: Don't just list your most expensive spirits or cocktails; enticingly describe them. Use descriptive language that evokes a sense of luxury and quality. Perhaps a "Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned" sounds more appealing than just "Old Fashioned".

• Strategic Placement: Humans read from left to right, top to bottom. Place your most profitable and desired items in prominent positions on your menu where the eye naturally falls.

• Suggestive Selling through Design: Use visual cues, like a small graphic or a bolder font, to draw attention to signature drinks, daily specials, or bundle deals.

• Curated Combos and Pairings: Think about offering a "Beer and Burger Deal" or suggesting a specific wine to pair with a snack. This simplifies decision-making for the customer and encourages them to order more than just a single drink.

Educate and Engage Your Staff

Your team is your most valuable asset when it comes to increasing spend. They are the frontline and have the direct ability to influence customer choices.

• Upselling and Cross-Selling Training: This isn't about being pushy. It’s about being knowledgeable and helpful. Train staff to ask, "Would you like to try our premium gin in that G&T?" or "How about some loaded fries with your pints?". Simple, polite suggestions can make a significant difference.

• Product Knowledge is Key: Ensure your staff genuinely understands the menu, from the ingredients in cocktails to the tasting notes of different wines. When they can speak enthusiastically and informatively about products, customers are more likely to trust their recommendations and try something new or more expensive.

• Incentivise Success: Consider offering a small bonus or hosting a competition for staff who consistently achieve higher average sales per customer. A motivated team is a successful team.

Enhance the Customer Experience

A happy customer is a spending customer. When people feel comfortable, entertained, and valued, they tend to stay longer and spend more.

• Atmosphere Matters: Lighting, music, and seating arrangements all contribute to the overall vibe. A comfortable, inviting atmosphere encourages people to relax and linger.

• Timely Check-Ins: Staff should be attentive without being intrusive. Checking in at the right moment can prompt another round of drinks or a food order, preventing customers from thinking about leaving.

• Loyalty Programs that Delight: This is where meed truly shines, isn't it? Forget those flimsy stamp cards or confusing apps. With meed, customers have one central place for all their loyalty memberships, easily accessible via a QR code or NFC tap – no app download needed. For your bar, you can set up enticing rewards in minutes, like a "buy 5, get the 6th free" or a "10% off your next visit" voucher. When loyalty is this effortless for the customer, they’re more likely to return frequently and redeem those rewards, boosting their average spend over time. It’s about building genuine connections and rewarding regular patronage.

• Special Events and Promotions: Host quiz nights, live music, or themed evenings. These draw in crowds and often encourage higher spending as people are engaged and enjoying themselves.

• Offer More Than Just Drinks: A small, well-executed food menu can significantly increase average spend. Even simple bar snacks, sharing platters, or desserts can add considerable value to a customer's bill.

Leverage Technology (Wisely)

Technology, when used intelligently, can streamline operations and create opportunities for increased spend.

• Digital Menus: Consider digital menus that can be easily updated to highlight specials or "last chance" items, creating a sense of urgency.

• Seamless Ordering and Payments: While we're not focusing on POS integration just yet, making it easy for customers to order and pay, even through simple QR code interactions or Apple/Google Passes via meed, can encourage quicker decisions and less friction in ordering.

• Data-Driven Insights: Platforms like meed collect anonymised data on customer behaviour and preferences. This isn't about tracking individuals, but understanding broader trends. For instance, if the data shows a spike in certain cocktail sales on Tuesdays, you can run a targeted promotion the following week. This enables you to tailor your offerings and promotions more effectively, leading to increased repeat visits and purchases.

The Subtle Art of Suggestion

Sometimes, it’s the quiet nudges that work best.

• Water First: Offering a glass of water upon arrival is a small gesture that makes customers feel cared for and can slightly delay their first drink order, sometimes leading to more drinks overall.

• Dessert or Coffee: As the evening winds down, gently suggesting a dessert or a round of coffees can add to the bill without feeling like a hard sell.

• Open Tabs: Encouraging customers to keep a tab open makes ordering subsequent rounds easier and can lead to more spontaneous purchases.

So, how to increase average customer spend in a bar?

By implementing these strategies, your bar can transform from a place where people merely grab a drink into a destination where they happily spend more, driven by a fantastic experience, attentive service, and smart offerings. It's about nurturing loyalty, one delightful experience at a time.