In an intensely competitive space such as the catering industry, standing out is not just an advantage – it’s a necessity. Often, the difference between a struggling business and a thriving one can be traced back to one main factor: a unique marketing strategy. This is where the element of a ‘gimmick’ comes into the picture.

A gimmick, a creative tactic used to attract customers, can be anything from a bicycle-themed cafe to a restaurant that serves its meals in complete darkness. They’re eye-catching, they’re memorable, and most importantly, they draw in customers and cultivate a brand identity. In this blog, we’ll explore the power of gimmicks in the catering industry, discuss practical tips for their utilization, and delve into the role of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.

Understanding the Magic of Gimmicks

Before we venture into the practicalities of implementing gimmicks, it’s worth clarifying what exactly qualifies as a gimmick. In essence, a gimmick is a marketing strategy that uses a unique or unconventional feature to make a business stand out and attract customers.

For example, take the wildly popular Japanese ‘Maid Cafes’, where waitresses dress up as maids and treat customers as their ‘masters’. Or consider the famous ‘Cat Cafes’, where customers can sip their coffee while petting resident cats. These operations use their themed concept as a gimmick to differentiate themselves from the overcrowded market.

So why do catering businesses need gimmicks?

Simply because gimmicks help businesses stand out. The food industry is a saturated market, and businesses need to offer more than just delectable menus. Gimmicks provide a unique selling point, create buzz, attract new customers, and promote customer retention.

How to Profit from Using Gimmicks

Now that we understand what gimmicks are let’s discuss how they can be used to maximize profits in the catering industry.

• Be Genuine & Authentic: A gimmick should never be a blatant attempt to mislead customers. Whatever your unique attraction is, it must be genuine. For example, if you’re running an organic cafe, make sure your produce is truly organic.
• Match your demographic: Your gimmick must resonate with your target audience. If you’re targeting youth, something trendy and Instagram-worthy could work well. If your customers are predominantly health-conscious individuals, a green and organic theme may be more viable.
• Offer Value: Give your customers a real reason to choose you. Whether it’s serving food in extraordinary ways, offering entertainment, or creating a themed atmosphere, ensure it provides value to the customer.
• Incorporate your gimmick into your branding: The gimmick should become a part of your identity. Include it in your logo, your menu design, or the interior design of your outlet. This will help customers associate your brand with the unique experience you provide.

The CRM Connection

Incorporating a CRM system into your marketing strategy can assist with managing customer relationships and using gimmicks more effectively. CRM tools allow businesses to track their customers’ interaction history, preferences, and feedback.

For instance, if you notice that your “Wine and Dine Nights” are drawing more crowds, you can use this insight to plan similar events in the future. Not only does this improve customer satisfaction by offering them tailored experiences, but it can also boost profits by attracting more clientele.

In conclusion, while the quality of food and service is critical, gimmicks enable catering businesses to distinguish themselves from the competition. This creative tool, when combined with effective CRM strategies, can help businesses to thrive and achieve sustainable growth. Indeed, in today’s business landscape, success is as much about the experience you provide as it is about the product or service you offer.

Multiable, a leader in the CRM solutions arena for three decades, offers a robust and tailored CRM system created to synchronize with your business objectives. Whether you aim to polish your sales techniques, strengthen customer relations, or enhance marketing plans, our system enables a seamless transition. Catering to your venture’s expansion, our system is scalable and adjustable. With a proud history of serving over 6000 pleased customers from diverse industries throughout Asia, Multiable’s expertise in optimizing business procedures is well-evidenced. Joining our growing network provides you with our sophisticated CRM solution, equipping your enterprise with the arsenal to advance confidently.