SYSCO iCare
www.syscoicare.com July 2009 
IN THIS ISSUE
8 Ways to Save on Merchant Processing Fees
Cooking Up a Delicious Subscriber List
The Season of Green
Turning Promotions into Profits
 
QUICK LINKS
8 Ways to Save on Merchant Processing Fees

In today's economic climate, everyone is searching for ways to save on expenses, yet service their customers well. Credit card acceptance is a vital part of doing business and provides convenience to your clientele. Did you know that there are ways to reduce your merchant processing expenses that you can implement today? Just by making a few changes and becoming more vigilant with your staff, you could realize savings on your next merchant statement.

Here are some ideas to help you get started:
1) Make sure your employees swipe a card rather than hand key whenever possible. Electronic transmission of card data is more complete and results in a lower transaction fee for you.

2) Batch out daily to avoid downgrade fees. Transactions should be closed or settled each day. Batches closed out after two days incur additional fees.

Credit Card
 
 
Online SurveyCooking Up a Delicious Subscriber List 
 
 It takes a little extra time and effort to build a high quality list, but it's worth it. Not only will your email campaigns perform better, you'll earn a loyal subscriber list for your trouble. Here are some tips from Constant Contact to get you started.

Where to Build Your Email List

If you're just starting out with email marketing, you may not have a big list, or any list at all. But don't worry, building a high-quality email list is much easier than you might think. The best place to start building your list is where you connect with your customers and prospects the most.

Your website - Many diners today search online for restaurant reviews, menus, or other information before choosing a dining destination. Don't miss the opportunity to add these prospective diners to your email list when they're visiting your website. Add a prominent link or button for visitors to sign up to receive your emails.

> DOWNLOAD FULL STORY
 
The Season of Green:
Tools and Tips from the Green Restaurant Association
 
Summer is in full swing. With the sweltering heat comes endless opportunities to conserve water and energy, and to green-up your daily practices. Keep these tools, tips and solutions in mind as you green your operation, save money, conserve valuable resources, and enjoy the summer months.
 
Get Local
 
Local, organic, and sustainable foods have become mainstream. In focusing on where your food originates, the next logical consideration would be "where does it go?"
Keeping the conversation alive and bringing about issues of food origin, safety, and growing practices, has helped consumers and industry professionals also start to realize that there's life after food - it can be composted and its packaging can be recycled.
 
Other important questions being asked:

What chemicals were used to grow it?
What's the best way to clean produce without wasting water?

Where food originates, how it's grown, prepared, and disposed of, all goes into the overall practice of creating a more environmentally sustainable restaurant industry.

DinersTurning Promotions into Profits
 
When restaurant operators think of promotions, discounts immediately come to mind. However, promotions are far more than just menu price reductions. There is a broad variety of promotional techniques that restaurateurs can use to attract customers, ranging from integrated menu promotions to special events and coupons. Effective use of promotions depends on selecting the right approach, based on business goals and objectives.
 
Over the past few years, new Internet-based technologies have dramatically changed the way that consumers gather information and communicate. The majority of people today use email and increasing numbers of these consumers are using mobile devices to access the Web and their email. Not to mention that text messaging has become a significant method of communication. During this economic downturn, the competition for consumer dollars continues to grow. Independent operators must go head-to-head with chains that have deep pockets, large marketing budgets, and frequent promotions. Promotions are a proven way for independent restaurants to attract new customers and increase visits from loyal customers. Promotions don't have to be expensive. With some creative thinking and advance planning, operators can drive more traffic through the door throughout the year.

> DOWNLOAD FULL STORY 
 

At Sysco iCare , we've done our homework, so you don't have to. iCare partners are Sysco approved and uphold the highest service levels, quality standards and performance guarantees of anyone in the industry.