There are many ways in which butchers can improve efficiency and profitability or even look to expand their business. This section focuses on opportunities for butchers to exploit market trends and maximise their sales potential.

Even though the supermarket has become the convenience shopper's first point of call, in today's modern world, there is still an undeniable opportunity for butchers to attract new customers and become a viable alternative for all meat purchases. Click here for more information on attracting new business.

In addition to the butcher’s shop, there are a number of ways to sell red meat and meat products to the public – most usually via farm shops or, increasingly, through mail order and the internet.
Click here for more information on selling via mail order and over the internet.

Publicity can take many forms, from a chalkboard outside a shop to a write up in the local paper to leaflet drops or even just customers’ word of mouth. The aim is to INFORM and COMMUNICATE with your customers.
Click here for more steps to successful sales promotion

Supplying catering establishments such as local pubs and restaurants, or even schools, hospitals or care homes, can be a profitable addition to your business. Many caterers see great value in sourcing produce locally and butchers are often perfectly positioned to supply this market.
Click here for advice on how to expand your business to supply catering outlets

attracting new business
selling via mail order and over the internet 
steps to successful sales promotion
supply catering outlets

BPEX carried out some research to gain an understanding of what customers are looking for when visiting a butcher’s shop. Butchers are certainly perceived as being trustworthy and knowledgeable - and customers trust that their meat is fully traceable back to a reputable source. But the research also suggests that there are a number of ways in which butchers could consider adapting their business to attract new customers to their shop.

ATTRACTING NEW BUSINESS

There is no doubt about it, we live in an age of convenience and it pays to adapt your business accordingly. Why not consider offering easy-cook products such as ready-basted, prepared, dressed, stuffed or seasoned meats to your customers?

You may also like to consider stocking gluten-free sausages, free-range and organic options, homemade items and other niche products which are often difficult for supermarkets to provide.

Have you thought about providing your customers with details of the origin of the meat you sell? Many people like to know that the meat they are purchasing is locally-reared as it helps them feel like they are giving back to the community. Plus, displaying licences and hygiene certificates prominently in your shop can reassure customers that independent butchers are strictly regulated when it comes to safety and hygiene.

Why not play the supermarkets at their own game and offer deals based on barbecue or breakfast packs, for example, or even try standard buy-one-get-one free or money-off promotions which can prove very effective in boosting sales.

A great way of attracting new business is by offering new opening times. Have you thought about opening until 7 or 8pm a couple of times a week to catch customers on their way home from work? You could consider investing in a rotisserie and cook products such as belly pork or spare ribs in your shop, offering a convenient, freshly-cooked, ready-made meal option for passing customers at this time of day.

You could even consider diversifying and offering a range of non-meat products that either complement the meat itself, such as marinades, herbs and spices or you could think about stocking products from other local suppliers such as eggs, cheese, milk, jams or yoghurt.

Selling via mail order and over the internet