Nothing looks more beautiful to a chocolatier than gazing at the gleaming machinery when the company has relocated to a new plant. When a chocolate company expands or rebuilds, the new location begs to be shown off to consumers; tours are a must. If you are a chocolate manufacturer and you want to generate enthusiasm, set a timetable for public visits once you have worked out opening kinks. Here are some tour-planning tips to sweeten the deal.
Polish the Equipment
If you stored equipment with warehousing services Los Angeles during the relocation, you probably want to make sure the vats and mixers gleam in the new factory. Any top-rated relocation and storage service will house your machinery in warehouses that protect them from rain, snow excess heat and other natural elements. However, you still need to clean and polish stainless steel services that will have picked up dirt during installation.
Schedule Around Production
Arrange tours during times when the factory is humming but not in overtime mode. When possible, schedule at the start of shifts when production workers are energetic and engaged. Also, make certain to avoid scheduling close to transition times when machinery and floors may need cleaning. Update your online site to include general a tour information section, scheduling forms and a frequently-asked-questions page.
Train Your Workers
You should develop a plan for worker-visitor engagement, a step that will bring a personal touch to your factory. Focus on managers and supervisors, singling out those who are the most personable. Provide training and talking points for those who may not feel comfortable stepping forward to discuss operations and answer questions. At the same time, instruct line workers not to break from production for safety reasons; these employees need to focus on their particular tasks.
Give Out Samples
When selling gourmet foods, especially more expensive treats, you hope to generate a buzz that extends beyond the tour. Give out samples at the end of the tour, presented by a professionally-dressed representative. For this sampling, clearly list ingredients and point out potential allergens. Ideally, you should have a shop presence that the group can pass through on their way out of the building. Stock not just chocolates, but also gifts and colorful books focused on chocolate.
Consumers hold a special affection for chocolate. Too often, they fill their plates with low-quality chocolates that do not bear the complex tastes and textures of high-quality samplings. To stand out from the competition, educate consumers and promote your product by giving factory tours that hit the entertainment sweet spot.
