Tim Van Arsdale posted on October 24, 2011
I’ve got some exciting news!!
Cups Cafe is preparing to increase our hours of operation and launch our very own line of merchandise for sale at Cups. It’s our plan to sell organic & fair trade coffees, flavored coffees, cups and t-shirts. We will offer a greater variety of products, and places to buy them in town, as the demand grows.
The mission of Cups Cafe will not change. We’ll still offer soups, drinks, sandwiches, etc for free as a way to serve Hope one cup at a time to young people and families desperately in need of Hope. However, there will be a display case at the cafe where supporters, guests, and shoppers visiting Medina’s Historic District can buy these products.
Non-profit organizations have been operating in this way for years. For example: Hospice of Medina County has its: Life’s Treasures thrift store. Project Learn runs: The Bookshelf. And Goodwill Industries, well…need I say more? While researching creative methods of funding our organization, it seems fitting that Cups Cafe sell coffee and cups and other merchandise to support its mission.
The purpose of selling our own line of products is to: (1) Generate more consistent revenue to support the mission of Cups Cafe. (Again, all the proceeds will benefit Cups). (2) Generate exposure and raise awareness of our mission within our community. (3) Strengthen and grow our organization in a way that will enable us to do more ministry (i.e. add new locations in other cities, purchase new equipment & supplies, expand our current location, start a shelter ministry, etc) and add future staff.
And who knows? If this grows, maybe someday Cups can open and operate a larger retail store on the square that offers a larger variety of merchandise and supplies that in turn benefit the non-profit cafe!!
To make this successful, we need your prayers and support with a few items:
1. An attractive display case. (I’ve already called a friend who built our donation box asking him to do the work but we may need materials).
2. A working cash register/computer with a point-of-sale software system, or paper sales slips to start.
3. Up-front capital to purchase our first round of inventory.
4. A strong base of consumers willing to shop at Cups for their coffee.
5. Volunteer help.
6. A wireless router and monthly support to add internet service at Cups.
Contact Tim if you wish to help with any of these items!
We’ll be sending more details in the coming days. And while you anticipate hearing from us, please begin to consider buying coffee and supplies at Cups. Thanks for your prayers and support!!