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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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Are you using the correct size of gel pack?
What are you doing to prevent condensation from turning your shipping box into a soggy mess?
Shipping chocolate in the summer is tricky, but not impossible with the right supplies. With summer around the corner, we're sharing a list of must-have supplies and important considerations to ensure your precious cargo is properly packaged--thanks to the shipping experts at InsulTote by Innovative Energy, Inc.
SUMMER SHIPPING TOOLBOX
When shipping temperature-sensitive products, like chocolate, frozen gel packs are a given. Maximize the life of your gel packs by equipping yourself with the following summer shipping tools.
- Insulated box liners
- Large frozen gel pack(s)
- Dry ice (for shipping frozen items)
- Shrink wrap
- Absorbent pads
- Packing tape
CHOOSING YOUR GEL PACK
When choosing gel packs, look for the largest size you can afford to ship. One large gel pack will provide better performance than several smaller ones. For example, if you place four ice cubes next to one big block of ice both at room temperature, the ice cubes will melt faster than the block of ice. The larger the mass, the longer it will take to thaw.
WITH AIR COMES HEAT
It is equally as important to fill your box as full as possible, allowing the energy from the gel pack to focus on keeping the enclosed products cold and not the surrounding air. If using an insulated box liner, press down on it to release air before sealing. For added protection, taping the outside of the box at every seam will also slow down the infiltration of air.
LINER STORAGE
Extend the life of your gel packs by storing insulated liners, in a cool place prior to use. Starting with cool air inside each bubble means the gel pack doesn't have to work overtime to cool down the air inside the liners.
SHIPPING WITH DRY ICE
To save on shipping cost, you may want to use dry ice for frozen items that will be in transit for more than 24 hours. A combination of dry ice and gel packs is the best insurance. Dry ice will keep the gel pack frozen the first day and after the dry ice evaporates, the frozen gel pack will keep the contents of the package cool for the second day. The amount of dry ice depends on the size of package, freight carrier requirements and transit times. If using dry ice, do not tape the outside seams of your boxes to allow the carbon dioxide gas to escape as it evaporates.
Using dry ice is not always recommended for foods that are not frozen, as it may give off an odor that could be absorbed by foods, such as chocolate. To keep dry ice from effecting the flavor of your product, carefully cover your product with shrink wrap and only use dry ice when necessary. To ensure product meets your quality standards, taste test it after it's been packaged with dry ice for 48 hours.
CONTROLLING CONDENSATION
The space between the inside of a corrugated box and the outside of an insulated liner may condensate in warmer weather. Occasionally this may be enough to dampen a corrugated box and cause it to become soft. To avoid this, place an absorbent pad in the bottom of the corrugated box under the insulated liner. Absorbent meat pads can be found online and are an inexpensive way to abate excess moisture.
Shipping in warm weather is definitely a challenge, but when successful, it can surprise and delight your customers and create new sales opportunities.
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
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Packaging
Shipping
Summer
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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This week, we’re sharing tips for improving your leadership skills through effective communication techniques. Pulled from an article in RCI’s Kettle Talk magazine, Joseph Grenny identifies three key communication principles employed by influential leaders and how to apply those principles to your own skill set. Joseph Grenny is the co-founder of VitalSmarts,as well as a four-time New York Times bestselling author, speaker and leading social scientist for business performance.
I’ve spent thirty years studying what makes leaders influential. After studying more than 25,000 people, my colleagues and I found that one versatile skill set accounts for a great deal of the most effective leaders’ influence: how they deal with crucial conversations—emotionally and politically risky issues or disagreements.
Having seen how central crucial conversations are to bolstering the influence of leaders, I set out to learn how the 3 to 5 percent who master these moments do it so well. The reason I was particularly interested in these crucial conversations was because these influential leaders found a way to be honest without compromising respect, and to be respectful without compromising candor.
In my books, Crucial Conversations and Crucial Accountability, I describe key principles that result in this kind of quality dialogue and increased influence. Here are some that make the biggest difference:
#1 Learn to Look
Those who are most effective at crucial conversations are most conscious of their own behavior. They are aware of their own “Style Under Stress” and catch it quickly when their approach begins to damage dialogue. Specifically, they watch for when their own or other’s behavior moves to silence or violence— some form of withdrawal or attack. When that happens, they stop and mentally refocus on their real goals. To get back on track, they consider what results they really care about. When the other person is reacting badly, they make it safe.
#2 Make It Safe
Have you ever noticed how some conversations—even about very risky subjects—go very well? And others, perhaps even about trivial disagreements, can degenerate into combat or retreat? Why is that? We’ve found that the antidote to defensiveness in crucial conversations is to make it safe. People can listen to tough feedback so long as they feel safe with the person giving it. How do you create safety? You help others understand that you care about their interests as much as you care about your own. When they believe this is true, they open up to your views. When they don’t, they shut down. Secondly, you must help others know you respect them. Mutual purpose and mutual respect are the foundation of safety.
#3 Make It Motivating
The key to influence is empathy. Before starting a crucial conversation, influential leaders carefully think about how the problems they want to raise are affecting, or will affect, the other person. They think about the natural consequences of the situation to the other person. And they reassure others that these consequences always exist. For example, if a direct report appears incompetent, it’s likely their incompetence is as frustrating to them as it is to others. The problem is that they don’t see how their weaknesses are connected to their own concerns. However, if in a respectful way you can help them see how their own interests are served by addressing the problem, they are naturally motivated to engage in solutions.
Now let me be clear about my claim. I am not suggesting that if you Learn to Look, Make It Safe and Make It Motivating, people will naturally give you everything you want. What I am suggesting is that your influence will increase. Rather than contributing to problems by “acting out” your concerns, you’ll be talking them out—which gives you the potential for a solution.
Can these skills be learned? Absolutely. I’ve spent years developing methods for teaching and training leaders to increase their influence by improving how they deal with crucial conversations. And when they do, relationships and results improve rapidly and remarkably.
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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The secret to increasing sales may be right under your nose. The best way to entice new guests and keep them coming back is to manage the guest experience through highly personalized guest service.
In this week’s post, Jeffery Smith, with Peterbrooke Chocolatier, guides us on an exploration of each of the five senses and how to use them to ensure every facet of your location makes a quality statement.
It's time to take off your day-to-day blinders and put on your guests' eyes—have an open mind and experience your retail store as one of your guests, not as the owner/operator of your business. You can do so by focusing on your individual senses and asking yourself the following questions.
Sight
As you approach your location is the front of the store clean and attractive? Is the outside paint fresh and clean? Are the awnings clean? Is the sign in good repair and does the timer operate properly with dusk? Is the glass clean on all exterior windows, and all signage in your windows professional in appearance? As you enter the location is the packaging crisp? Are the shelves well organized, uncluttered and the product clearly labeled? Can the guest easily identify the price of each item on the shelf without having to turn it over to look for the price? Are all surfaces clean in publicly visible and nonpublic spaces? Are all of your chocolate items in temper with the shining chocolate appearance?
Hearing
The sound of your location should be complimentary to what you are trying to achieve and should never be louder than a comfortable conversation level. In addition to the volume, music is just as important for setting the tone in a retail environment. If you are striving for a fun and lively atmosphere, seek upbeat tunes. Likewise, classical or jazzy sounds can create the feel of a sophisticated, high-end environment. Next, stand in the center of your location, close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you. Listen for sounds you may have become accustomed to and would normally tune out. Do you hear compressors cutting on and off? Do you hear the employees talking about last night’s date? Does the air conditioning/heating unit squeak while operating? Is the music too loud to hear anything else? You may have gotten used to these sounds, but for a new customer they could be distracting.
Smell
Does your location smell like a chocolate/candy store? Are you employing the use of a scent machine to aerate the allure of chocolate into the street as a way of enticing guests to come into your location and purchase product? Does your location smell clean and fresh in all areas, not just the retail area?
Taste
How long has it been since you sat down and tasted your chocolate/candies during operating hours? Does all of the product you sell meet your quality standards for taste? Are you sampling the freshest, highest-quality product or items that are out of date and/or old inventory? Are the creamy items creamy, the cold items cold and crisp items crisp?
Touch
Are all surfaces both inside and outside of your location clean to the touch. There is nothing worse than dirty door handles with grime under the handle. Are soft surfaces soft? Does all packaging that is touched by your guest say quality? Hopefully by looking at your location through your guests’ eyes you can make it better than it already is.
As you begin to focus more on appealing to the senses, you may be able to improve customer experiences that may have been overlooked and poorly affecting sales without your knowledge. Change your focus and see how it affects your sales.
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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Customers are essential to any business. Finding ways to make them feel valued is key to creating return customers and champions for your business. Below we’ve shared five easy and inexpensive customer appreciation ideas to show your customers some love today.
Choose a Customer of the Day
Use the element of surprise to delight your customers. Use your POS system or an old-school tally counter to identify your 10th customer and surprise them with one of your signature products for free or a discount on their purchase. Post a photo of the lucky winner on social media to drive in-store traffic. Let customers know they’re just as appreciated during busy holidays as they are on a random Tuesday.
Think of the kids
Being part of an industry that relies heavily on gifting holidays, consider ways to cater to shoppers with kids. By simply creating a space for kids to color and enjoy a snack, parents will be able to shop more privately for Christmas/Valentine’s Day/Easter gifts in peace. Share photos of the space on social media with details on what parents can expect and watch as grateful parents thank you with their business.
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Bon Bon's Candy Housecreated this space for kids to color and enjoy snacks
while grateful parents shopped for their Easter gifts in peace. |
Send a handwritten thank you card
It may be old school, but a thoughtful handwritten note is one of the easiest and inexpensive ways to show you care. If you have access to your customers’ mailing addresses through a loyalty program or corporate accounts, consider making it a habit each week to mail a few handwritten notes to your customers. Try to make it personal or include a coupon to use on their next visit. You may be surprised how much of an impact this simple act of kindness will make.
Train your team to call customers by their first name
Calling customers by their first name makes their shopping experience personal. Train your staff to look for customers’ first names on their credit card and, then, call customers by name when thanking them for their purchase. Over time, staff are more likely to remember repeat customers and will be able to recall their names without even looking.
Say “thanks” with a video
A study by TD Banks revealed, more than 80% of customers like getting thanked in person. Since this isn’t always possible, a thank-you video from you may be the next best (and certainly memorable) option. If you request data, like customer birthdays, consider creating an email template with a video or GIF (create your own GIFs with the app, Giphy Cam) of you wishing customers a happy birthday and send it to a group of customers who all share the same birthday month. Even though it’s a template, the message will feel more personal and special with a video coming from you.
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Bufferis a social media management business that used this fun GIF
to thank customers for their business. |
You don't have to wait for Customer Appreciation Day on April 18 to celebrate your customers. That's why we've shared ideas easy enough to start incorporating into your business today or any day. How do you show your customers you care? Share in the comments below.
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.
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Customer Appreciation
email marketing
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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Have you ever wondered if working with a distributor would benefit your candy business? In this week’s post, RCI member Chris Romocean, with Linnea’s Candy Supplies, sheds light on a distributor’s role, as well as some of the ways a good distributor can offer value to confectioners.
HOW DISTRIBUTORS ADD VALUE
Manufacturers are not always able to service every customer as well as they would like and that’s where distributors can help. Whether due to a manufacturer's geographic location in relation to their customers or their ability to help with the administration of sales, customer service, inventory and logistics, having distributors lets a manufacturer do what it does best. Make product. To be successful, a distributor needs to add value to the products it sells.
SPEED
Manufacturer’s lead times can be difficult for confectioners to contend with, especially during holiday seasons. Lead times can be anywhere from several days to several weeks. A distributor usually has product in inventory available for immediate order fulfillment.
PRODUCT BUNDLING
A distributor should have a wide range of products that complement each other and meet the needs of confectioners. Having the ability to combine products from various manufacturers all in one shipment can significantly reduce shipping costs. Product bundling also saves time. Placing one order is much faster than placing several.
LOWER MINIMUMS
For many confectioners having a lower minimum order means they can order the quantities they need, not the quantities they have to. Requirements for precious storage space are reduced and their cash is not tied up in excess inventory.
INVENTORY
The burden of keeping a large inventory is shifted to the distributor allowing confectioners to use just-in-time strategies and smaller orders on a more frequent basis.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
There is a misconception that prices from a distributor will always be higher than buying direct from the manufacturer. Many distributors have prices that are comparable and sometimes lower than buying direct from a manufacturer. Distributors purchase products in large quantities from manufacturers and get discounts based on large volume orders or quantities committed to by contract. With this discount, a distributor can offer products at competitive prices.
Another misconception is that if a customer stops buying from a manufacturer and gets their products through a distributor; they are not as important to the manufacturer and will lose contact with them. While it is true the distributor will be assuming the customer service role, the manufacturer’s technical support, expertise and knowledge will always be available either through the distributor or directly. Manufacturers value their customers and want them to be successful whether they buy direct or through a distributor.
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH A DISTRIBUTOR
Distributors are faced with many challenges. Being able to accurately forecast, not only levels of inventory for thousands of products, but also planning for lead times and the logistics involved in replenishment is critical for a distributor’s success and the success of its customers. Good communication with the manufacturer and the confectioner is vital.
Another challenge is being efficient at getting products to customers fast, especially during the busiest parts of the year. A distributor needs to have a great team working together from the time the order is placed until it reaches the customers door.
In today’s business environment, now more than ever, a distributor creates value for manufacturers and confectioners alike.
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
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Save Money
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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What was once a relic that could only be found in diners, church basements or outside school gymnasiums, letter boards can now be found all over social media. Some say the appeal is in the nostalgia and simplicity. If you passed on the chalkboard trend due to a lack of artistic ability or even time, you might say the appeal is in the fact that a letter board is not a chalkboard.
Contrary to the chalkboard trend, letter boards are all-inclusive, only requiring decent spelling and a fair amount of cleverness or the ability to search Google (to borrow ideas from someone more witty).
Letter boards are an inexpensive and easy tool for merchandising in-store and on social media. Simply inserting a letter board next to a cute retail display or scattering a few chocolates near a letter board with a fun saying and voila you’ve got a trendy and fun social media post.
Here we’re sharing 52 of our favorite chocolate-related quotes for your letter boards—enough to share one a week for the whole year, plus a few bonus quotes for the holidays!
SWEET & SNARKY
- “When life gives you lemons, give them back and demand chocolate.”
- “Chocolate is made from beans. Beans are vegetables. Have you had your veggies today?”
- “A day without chocolate is like…just kidding. I have no idea.”
- “You can always trust me. Not alone with chocolate, but other than that.”
- “Snaccident—Eating an entire pizza / box of chocolates / and a bag of chips—by mistake.”
- “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy chocolate and that’s close enough.”
- “Wake up. Eat chocolate. Be Kind. Repeat.”
- “When you decided to have a cheat day and all of a sudden it’s three years later…”
- “Sometimes I think I’m a full grown woman, then sometimes I lock myself in the bathroom with a piece of chocolate—I said my kid couldn’t have.”
- “Whatever you do in life, make sure it makes you happy.”
- “On the chocolate package it says ‘resealable’…wha hahaha hahaha hahahahahahah”
- “Have you ever stopped to think maybe chocolate is addicted to me?”
- “Yesterday, I really wanted chocolate. Today, I am eating chocolate. Follow your dreams.”
- “Not all who wander are lost. Most of them are just looking for chocolate.”
- “Life happens. Chocolate helps.”
- “I’m not sure how many chocolates equals happiness, but so far it’s not 27.”
- “Being a mom means knowing how to unwrap candy without making a sound…”
- “Eat like no one is watching, or dance, whatever.”
- “Dip it in chocolate. It’ll be fine.”
- “Someday I will solve my problems with critical thinking, but today it will be with chocolate.”
- “Day 12 without chocolate…lost hearing in my left eye.”
- “I need chocolate because Monday.”
- “I don’t want to look back one day and think, ‘I could have eaten that.’”
- “I only need chocolate on days that end with y.”
- “Yeah, abs are great. But have you tried chocolate?”
- “Chocolate is my love language.”
- “Put chocolate at the top of your list of things to do today. That way at least you’ll get one thing done!”
- “A chocolate a day, keeps the crazy at bay.”
- “I’m just a girl standing in front of a salad, asking it to be chocolate.”
- “Tell me what ya want, what ya really really want. Chocolate. I want chocolate.”
- “Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend, never had chocolate.”
- “Skinny people are easier to kidnap… Eat chocolate. Stay safe.”
- “The first five days after the weekend are the hardest. Eat chocolate.”
- “I’d give up chocolate, but I’m not a quitter.”
- “I almost choked on a carrot today—all I could think was chocolate would’ve never done this to me.”
- “Chocolate says ‘I’m sorry,’ so much better than words.”
- “Don’t wreck a sublime chocolate experience by feeling guilty.”
- “People who love to eat are always the best people.” – Julia Child
- “You are what you eat, so eat something sweet.”
- “I don’t mean to brag, but I just finished my 14-day diet in 3 hours and 12 minutes.”
- “Kinda need to work out, kinda wanna eat chocolate.”
- “Chocolate is better than therapy and you don’t need an appointment.”
- "I'm a better person when I'm eating chocolate."
- “When the going gets tough, the tough make chocolate.”
- “A balanced diet is chocolate in both hands.”
- “Chocolate is to women what duct tape is to men. It fixes everything.”
- “I believe in chocolate for breakfast.”
- "Wanted: Chocolate with the nutritional value of kale, but that does not contain any traces of kale. Your move, science."
- “Things are getting worse, please send more chocolate.”
- “Life is short, eat dessert first.”
- “Coffee makes it possible to get out of bed. Chocolate makes it worthwhile.”
- “I don’t need an inspirational quote. I need chocolate.”
SEASONS & HOLIDAYS
- “Love is in the air. Nope, that’s chocolate.” (Valentine’s Day)
- “Roses are red. Violets are blue. Diets are hard. Chocolate.” (Valentine’s Day)
- “Ways to my heart: Buy me chocolate. Make me chocolate. Be chocolate.” (Valentine’s Day)
- “And IIIIIII E-III will always love yoooooou.” (Valentine’s Day)
- “She gave you life. Give her chocolate.” (Mother’s Day)
- “Thanks, Mom. I’m awesome.” (Mother’s Day)
- “I was going to tell you a joke about an egg, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.” (Easter)
- “You are egg-stra special.” (Easter)
- “You’re one of my favorite peeps.” (Easter)
- “Follow the bunny. He has chocolate.” (Easter)
- “Easter eggs prove that kids can find things, but only when they want to.” (Easter)
- “We’d like s’more weekend, please.” (Summer)
- “Cozy sweaters. Crisp air. Apple picking. Hot cocoa. Crunchy leaves. Fall.” (Fall)
- “When someone says it’s too soon for pumpkin spice and you realize you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.” (Fall)
- “When the clock strikes midnight…pumpkin everything.” (Fall)
- “There’s nothing fun about fun-size candy bars.” (Halloween)
- “Trick or treat yourself.” (Halloween)
- “We’re keeping it corny.” (Halloween)
- “Hocus pocus. I need chocolate to focus.” (Halloween)
- “Don’t forget to buy your Halloween candy early, so you have time to buy more after you eat it all.” (Halloween)
- “Tonight’s the night we eat the candy! -Parents” (Halloween)
- “You’re never too old to beg for free candy.” (Halloween)
- “Thankful for…stretchy waistbands.” (Thanksgiving)
- “Happy Thanksgiving! Remember to set your scale back 10 pounds this week.” (Thanksgiving)
- “When you buy from a small business and actual person does a happy dance.” (Small Business Saturday)
- “Hot chocolate is like a hug from the inside.” (Winter)
- “I try to shop for Christmas gifts…then I see something and I think, you know who would like that? Meee!” (Christmas)
- “May all your regifting go undetected this year.” (Christmas)
- “How to host an introvert holiday party: 1. Buy snacks 2. Invite no one.” (Christmas)
If you’ve ever hesitated to use a letter board for fear you’re not clever enough…fear no more and go get yourself a letter board! Tag @retailconfectioners on Facebook and show us your most clever letter board posts.
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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Looking to make your retail display pop this Valentine’s Day? There’s no doubt a giant heart-shaped box of chocolates, like the one pictured above, will turn heads and even inspire some shopper selfies. But the best part is, you can make it yourself!
With the following materials, you're sure to melt the hearts of all who enter your retail shop and follow you on social media (since you’ll definitely want to post this beauty on all your social media platforms).
MATERIALS
- (2) 40” x 60” Foam boards
- (13-15) 11” Brown balloons
- 12” x 18” Sheets of craft foam for decorations
- Balloon pump
- X-ACTO knife
- Scissors
- Metal ruler
- Cutting mat
- Hot glue gun (low temperature setting for balloons)
- Glue sticks
SAVE ON DIGITAL TEMPLATE FOR HEART-SHAPED CHOCOLATE BOX
Get crafty, no matter your skill level, with a free video tutorial and digital template for the "Heart Balloon Mosaic™" (pictured above) at thecreativeheartstudio.com. Lilly Jimenez is the founder of The Creative Heart Studio, creator of Balloon Mosaic™ and finalist on season two of NBC’s craft competition show, Making It.
RCI members and friends: Save 20% on digital template with the code “CONFECTION20” through March 31, 2020.
SHOW US YOUR VALENTINE'S DAY DISPLAY
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
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Posted By RCI,
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Updated: Thursday, January 21, 2021
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Looking to celebrate this Valentine’s Day in a big way, but with little extra effort? If you already make chocolate-covered sandwich cookies or pretzels, the following ideas will require very little, if any, additional ingredients and minimal effort. Keep reading for five quick and easy tricks to make your existing treats #adorbs this Valentine’s Day. “PAW-some” Puppy Pretzels Package these adorable pretzel treats with a printable tag that says “Puppy Love” or “You’re PAW-some!” and watch these puppies leap off the shelves. Credit: For Modern Kids Love Bug Sandwich Cookies All you need is some red confectioners coating, dark chocolate and candy eyes to transform your chocolate-covered sandwich cookies into lady bugs for Valentine’s Day. Credit: Cakegirls® Sweet Emoji Sandwich Cookies It’s okay to get emotional about how cute and easy these emoji-inspired cookies are. Dip in yellow confectioners’ coating and candy eyes and heart sprinkles. This particular example from Cakegirls® used an edible ink marker to draw the faces, but you could also pipe expressions with dark chocolate. Credit: In The Kids Kitchen "Beary" Cute Sandwich Cookies Pour on the cuteness by transforming chocolate-covered sandwich into bears. Use chocolate wafers for the ears and pipe on light pink confectioners’ coating for the snout and a heart sprinkle for the mouth. Credit: Sweet Simple Stuff Peanut Butter Cookie Broken Hearts Why mend a broken heart when you can eat? Transform everyone’s favorite peanut butter sandwich cookie by cutting it in half diagonally and covering it in red coating and a drizzle of chocolate. Consumers are sure to fall in love with these adorable treats this Valentine's Day! Make sure to share plenty of photos of your Valentine’s Day treats on social media and your e-commerce site for greater exposure and sales potential. If you plan to make a small batch of these fun treats, let consumers know they’re available for a limited-time only in your social media posts and your online store. This will cover you if you do sell out (we hope you do!) and also encourage shoppers to buy by creating a sense of urgency. Make note of the quantities you made and sold to help determine whether to bring them back this time next year. Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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If you sell chocolate-covered strawberries for the holidays, more specifically Valentine’s Day, and have found yourself working from sunrise to sunset to keep up with demand, this tip is for you.
RCI member, Luisa Chocolatiere shares her pro tips for extending the shelf-life of these delicate fruit confections to best avoid working yourself ragged while preparing for one of the biggest candy holidays of the year.
1.) Clear communication
Although this first step will not affect the longevity of your strawberries, it will help you better prepare for the holiday. Requiring advanced orders for chocolate-covered strawberries helps create expectations for your production needs. Clear communication to your customer base is key to ensure their expectations are met too. The beginning of January is a great time to start to taking orders for Valentine's Day.
2.) Gently clean and air dry
The way you clean your berries could be contributing to unwanted mold. Follow these step-by-step instructions to minimize moisture and bacteria.
- Start by wiping away any dirt with a clean towel and discard unwanted mushy or moldy berries.
- Gently submerge berries in a solution of cold water and non-pasteurized apple cider vinegar (use approximately 3 tablespoons for every one gallon of water) for five minutes. The acidity of the vinegar will kill spores and bacteria on the fresh berries.
- Next, place the strawberries in a colander to drain excess water before air drying berries in a single layer on top of a dry towel.
- Once the strawberries are dry, they can be placed in their original containers, which have since been cleaned and dried as well, until they are ready to dip.
3.) Chilled storage
To keep chocolate-covered strawberries overnight without the harmful effects of refrigeration, place dipped strawberries on containers, which are on top of gel ice packs and they can store for up to 48 hours.
These tips may seem simple, but they have the potential to completely transform the way you operate your business leading up to Valentine’s Day—for the better. Now with all that extra time saved up, you may be able to devote more of it to other areas of your business or spend it with family and, hopefully, get more sleep on the morning of Valentine’s Day! Let us know in the comments below what you plan to do with the time you’ll save with this tip!
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Member Ideas
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Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Updated: Monday, April 27, 2020
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Does your New Year’s resolution include improving your brand’s social media presence? If not, maybe it should. Did you know that 78% of consumers’ purchases are impacted by companies’ social media posts, according to a study conducted by customer intelligence company, Market Force.
A great first step towards improvement is to rate your social media presence as a consumer, right now.
Wait. Before you start tallying the number of followers on your Facebook page, I’m not referring to your numbers. I’m referring more to the aesthetics and the content provided on your social pages. Sure, these things are important to assess the overall performance of your social media efforts, but for now, just focus on the overall look and feel of your social media pages.
For example, how do your posts and product photos look? Are they visually appealing? Bright and colorful? Do they make you want to buy what you see? Are your followers engaged (liking or sharing your posts)? Are comments being replied to within 24-48 hours? How often are you posting? If you’re on Facebook or Instagram, you should make it a goal to post at least once a day. Do your posts always include images or videos? Did you know your posts will see more than two times more engagement if images or videos are included? Do your posts only include sales or do you offer inspiration for celebrating various holidays (from Valentine’s Day to National Potato Chip Day)? Beware: If you’re only posting when your products are on sale, you will attract followers who do not want to pay full price or are conditioned to expect reduced prices. Instead, focus on other areas of your business that make you stand out…like the fact that you make your own confections! “Behind the scenes” photos and video from the candy kitchen are as good as gold.
While assessing your social media page(s), the goal is to be as neutral as possible. If this difficult for you, ask a trusted friend, staff or family member who matches your ideal target market and will give you honest and constructive feedback. Note: If teenagers aren’t your target market, don’t ask your 16-year-old niece/neighbor/employee for feedback.
Next, focus on your company information. Imagine you’re a consumer interested in purchasing your products. What could a consumer learn about your business from your social media page? Are your physical and web addresses present? Are your store hours listed and up-to-date? How can they contact you? Is a phone number and email address listed? Next, your social media pages are, yet, another opportunity to tell your story. Make sure there is at least a short blurb about your company story, which may include when and how your business was started, what makes your products special? Do you hand-dip your chocolates or use state-of-the-art machinery? Do you like to experiment with unique flavors or use centuries-old, family recipes?
Once the questions above have been answered, assess what your business is doing well and what areas could be improved. This will help you determine your next steps. If done well, managing your social media page(s) will require an investment of time—especially if you post one day at a time. Improve efficiency by creating and scheduling social media in batches—such as a week or month at a time.
Careful consideration of the details reviewed in this week’s post will help you to improve your social media presence and create a strong brand for your business in the coming year! Let us know in the comments below if you assess your social media presence on a regular basis and what tactics you have found successful.
Crave more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe now" box on the right to enter your email address and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices.
Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.
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