How to increase the average check at a retail store?

Average check is a dynamic magnitude that is why the earnings amount can change easily depending on the season, the product demand on the marketplace and other factors. Since the main goals of any entrepreneur are to make outlets highly productive and to increase the profit of it. Let’s have a look at a few models of the average check adjustment. As an example, we will take a small grocery store.

Analysis

In order to clarify every feature of the shop work effectiveness it is necessary to analyze the checks using several parameters:

• Calculate the amount of the average check for long and short periods. For convenience, take a period within a year and a quarter. If you will find some differences while comparing the figures and numbers, you should identify peak periods both positive and negative.
• Then calculate the average check for the weekend and weekdays. Also, compare the data between two periods.
• Finally compare the amount of sales at different time of the day - for example, in the early hours and in the evening when people come back home from work. Based on this information you can easily determine the total load of the retail outlet and realize which products are in main demand of the customer and which should be abandoned. Now you will be able to control the amount of average check guiding by the clear statistical data.

In what cases an upswing of the average check is the only way to improve the profitability of the grocery store?

• Customers are buying a lot as evidenced by the number of checks but the total revenue remains small.
• There are multiple positions in the average check, but the amount of the purchases is not high (that is because of the wrong outlet price policy)
• More than 30 per cent receipts contain only a single purchase (you may want to hire more qualified personnel or change the line of the facility)

6 effective ways to increase the amount of average check

According to marketing specialists, the most effective way to increase the amount of average check is a price rise together with an active store advertising. However, such a tool for enhancing profitability can only be used when the communication with customers is adjusted and organized and you have the funds on an advertising campaign. Therefore, we will give some methods to increase average check that does not require the cost and time-consuming preparation:

• Avoid small packages and forms; for example, instead of packaged juice of 0.2 liters you should sell the liter or half-liter containers
• Reduce the expiration date of discounts and special offers; let the buyer see that an attractive price is only available here and now
• Reward customers. If the customer has paid 20-30% more than the amount of the average check, offer him a coupon discount for the next purchase in your store or present him with a gift from the producer
• Divide the sales area into zones. Near the cash should be placed trays of candy, chewing gums, shaving accessories and hygiene products
• It is necessary to package sweets, vegetables, sausages and other products, which are sold by weight so that the cost of the portion would exceed the size of the average check
• Organize regularly the so-called “half off” or “buy two and get one for free” discounts.
• Select some good and relaxing musical content as the background music in the store.

Finally, you need to optimize the performance of personnel. Engage sales assistants to work as if they would worked on themselves. Encourage employees with bonuses and extra time off. You should also develop templates for Q and A that will help establish communication with customers.