InFocus supports a hasty rethink for the Buffalo…Let’s drink to that
InFocus helps the launch and growth of Drinks By Post
It all started with a converted 1964 Airstream affectionately known as the ‘Old Girl (Airstreams, in case you’re wondering, are those beautiful polished aluminium trailers from the US). ‘The Buffalo’ are travelling, luxury high end bars specialising in handcrafted cocktails using quality ingredients with service to match.
We identified a need for an alternative to a trestle table bar at weddings and events and saw a gap in the market for a travelling bar.
said Sam Fitch, Buffalo owner, alongside his wife, Jo.
Sam and Jo had 2020 all planned out. This was going to be the best ever year for Buffalo Bars.
But of course, Covid put a stop to all that: 25 cancelled events, no work in sight and three children in tow. Hence the need for a hasty rethink, and with the support of their InFocus Business Development Manager, Holly Barber, the birth of their Drinks by Post business.
Holly said:
I started working with Sam and Jo at the start of 2020 on plans for growing the Buffalo business. However, as soon as we went into lockdown, we spent 1:1 online meetings brainstorming new ideas which is when their online business, Drinks By Post, was formed.
INFOCUS FUNDED ECOMMERCE AND SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT
Having never run an eCommerce website before, Sam and Jo received fully funded coaching support from InFocus to help them launch and grow Drinks By Post.
Sam said:
InFocus organised time with Mish from the Retail Fixers who talked us through ‘the beginners guide’ to eCommerce. She helped us improve the customer journey through the site to drive more sales. We’re delighted; the website is performing really well!
Additionally, InFocus coach, Katherine George from Oh So Social helped the couple create a social media strategy to put Drinks By Post in front of the right audiences.
Now Jo and Sam send premium cocktail kits around the UK for zoom parties, gifts and virtual corporate team-building events. This has enabled them to keep their business running throughout lockdown and, with Christmas in mind, they’ve also launched a completely plastic-free cracker (which of course includes a cocktail).
WHAT DOES 2021 LOOK LIKE FOR THE BUFFALO AND DRINKS BY POST?
“2021 is still anybody’s guess!” said Sam
For The Buffalo, in theory, we should have our 2020 wedding bookings take place which were postponed earlier this year, however we are starting to see some of these postponing again or rethinking their plans all together. Despite this, we feel better knowing we have Drinks By Post up and running – we have something to fall back on.
Sam and Jo are also working on converting a much smaller Airstream into another travelling bar, but one which would be more suited to smaller gatherings.
If you would like to find out more about InFocus and what fully funded support could be available for your business, complete our short interactive form and one of the team will be in touch.