10 Ways to Offer a Coffee Shop Guest Experience that Sets You Apart from Competitors

Want to stand out from all the other coffee shops? Try these tips for a better guest experience.

You may think that your loyal customers are there to stay. But chances are, they probably check out other coffee shops here and there. Hopefully, those coffee shops won’t measure up to what yours has to offer.

But what if they do? Then it’s just a matter of choosing the one that offers the best overall guest experience.

“With coffee shops popping up around every corner, there is one sure way to differentiate your shop from the competition: By offering a unique, personalized customer experience,” according to The Customer Loyalty Marketing Blog — Loopy Loyalty.

The guest experience at your coffee shop can either build customer loyalty or, in the case of an unpleasant experience, damage your reputation by word of mouth.

Here are 10 ways to offer a guest experience that makes your coffee shop stand out against competitors.

1. Train an upbeat staff

Being cheerful and inviting when engaging with customers is one of the key factors that make successful coffee shops stand out from other businesses, according to the coffee shop blog Coffee Shop Answers.

Train staffers to smile and greet everyone when they walk through the door or while they’re standing in line so that guests feel welcome and valued.

2. Greet customers by name

Train your staff to introduce themselves to regular customers and greet them by name when they enter the coffee shop or when they order. Guests will appreciate the effort and will likely reciprocate by learning and using your baristas’ names, too.

3. Know and meet regular guests’ preferences

Does Jason, who comes in daily for a cappuccino, like his with an extra shot of espresso? Maybe Taylor, who stops by for a to-go cup of coffee on her way to work every day, likes an inch of room left for cream in her cup so coffee doesn’t slosh onto the car seat.

Train your staff to remember what guests like and try to accommodate their preferences when they can. This small step alone could be the thing that keeps guests from checking out your competitors.

4. Keep music at a pleasing volume

Just because one of your baristas loves head-banging rock music doesn’t mean your guests will enjoy it, too. In fact, loud music can drive away customers who are trying to relax, conduct business meetings, work on their laptops or catch up with friends.

5. Provide comfortable seating

While tables and hard chairs are fine for business meetings over coffee and people who like to spread out a bit, a variety of comfortable seating options is preferred by many. In addition to tables and chairs, offer a bar with stools and/or a cushy sofa and chairs that guests can sink into while they visit or work.

6. Offer fast and reliable Wi-Fi

Do customers complain that the Wi-Fi isn’t working? Check into the issue immediately, since slow or spotty Wi-Fi will send guests trying to work to the coffee shop down the street.

7. Be consistent

Make sure all baristas are trained on how to make every drink the same way every time so that guests feel confident they’ll receive the same outstanding product every time they visit.

8. Host coffee sampling and brewing events

“You can hold events that teach people to make coffee at home or to create their own favorite drink creations at home,” according to Coffee Shop Answers.

“You can also hold events where customers learn about coffee making and coffee flavors. Many people love to take these classes and the process of sharing information about coffee can be fun for everyone.”

9. Put out dog treats

Show your dog-loving guests that you value their four-legged friends, too. Place a water bowl outside the front door or in the patio area and provide a jar or bowl of treats that guests can grab for the dog they’re with or the one that’s waiting at home.

10. Respond to guest issues right away

Did a guest mention that their coffee wasn’t hot enough? Respond right away by offering them a new cup or brewing a new batch if the coffee they were served is past its prime. Maybe a customer mentioned that the half-and-half or sweetener container is empty and needs to be refilled. Perhaps the shade needs to be lowered because the sun is glaring on laptop screens.

Making sure your staff is responsive to all guest concerns and complaints wins customer loyalty and shows that your coffee shop values its guests.