Sauce To Go Dilemma

[bobaftt]

I am just a consumer. Have been thinking about getting into the vending thing. If they are buying 3lbs of meat and a rack of ribs I would not be surprised to see them a couple of 2 oz cups of each sauce. Especially considering they are taking it home and everyone may like a different variety. Part of the problem with lots of variety is that it encourages people to take 2 or three cups per person so they can try everything rather then just 1 because thats just the sauce you get with the barbecue. Just trying to share a consumer viewpoint fwiw...

[Smiter Q]

A very important part is COMMUNICATION to the regulars, the ones you do see often and know by either face or name. Take a moment and share with them why you had to change up the sauce situation. Be honest and share it was costing too much the way it was. Most regulars will be OK with an open, honest and direct communication from the owner. If not communicated to, they may make their own assumption that may not be positive. Such as "being nickled and dimed"... even when not the case. I hope your new plan works out, it sounds solid.. and 50cents is well worth 2 ounces of a home brewed sauce.

[chachahut]

A bit of an update. We posted the sign & started the new policy a couple of weeks ago. So far so good. No one has complained & sauce usage has been reduced to a reasonable amount. We've even seen an increase in people buying bottles with the big feasts.

Smiter Q - we have been letting the regulars know why the change happened. Usually with a "I can tell you this - it's not you but a few people had to ruin it for the rest..." type of line. Most of our regulars are quite good about their To Go sauce use. We also usually slip them an extra cup or two.

[dataz722]

Originally Posted by bobaftt

I am just a consumer. Have been thinking about getting into the vending thing. If they are buying 3lbs of meat and a rack of ribs I would not be surprised to see them a couple of 2 oz cups of each sauce. Especially considering they are taking it home and everyone may like a different variety. Part of the problem with lots of variety is that it encourages people to take 2 or three cups per person so they can try everything rather then just 1 because thats just the sauce you get with the barbecue. Just trying to share a consumer viewpoint fwiw...

i would agree with this. Would it be possible to give them a choice of 1 2oz cup or 2 1oz cups. That way they could get a little more variety if they wanted.

[chachahut]

Originally Posted by dataz722

i would agree with this. Would it be possible to give them a choice of 1 2oz cup or 2 1oz cups. That way they could get a little more variety if they wanted.

Trying not to add to many extra items to the paper goods inventory. So far - we have not seen any real issues with the Feast orders. If they ask for a couple extra cups - we give them some. Most cases, they've just gone ahead & bought a bottle or two.