Quiet-time offers
- Afternoon coffee deal for students
- “Study hour” refill price
- Combo: coffee and toastie
Café owner toolkit
Student offers that bring first-timers back.
An offer works when a student understands it in five seconds. Use plain words, clear terms and a reason to return in week two.
A plain offer template
- “[Offer] when you show a valid student card. One per customer per visit. Ends [date].”
- Example shape: “Small coffee and muffin for $X with a student card. Monday to Friday, 2 to 5 pm.”
- Say what, who, when and the end date. Nothing else.
Offer ideas to adapt
Return-visit offers
- Stamp card with a clear finish line: “Buy 5, get the 6th free”
- “Bring a friend” second drink discount
- Birthday coffee (ask for a card or ID only if you need to)
Learning offers
- Free conversation night coffee for first-timers
- “Ask us a word” menu quiz with a small prize
- Student-only tasting day for a new drink
Terms wording bank
Keep terms short and honest. Use your own conditions.
| You want to say | Plain wording |
|---|---|
| Limit one | One per customer per visit. |
| Valid ID | Show a valid student card. |
| Not combinable | Cannot be used with other offers. |
| Time limit | Weekdays, 2 to 5 pm. |
| Ends | Offer ends [date]. |
| Exclusions | Does not include [item]. |
| Loyalty card | Collect a stamp for each coffee. Ask us at the counter. |
See how stamp cards are explained to customers in café loyalty and stamp cards and how apps work in café apps and QR menus.
Where to promote
- A window sign: “Student offer inside”.
- Your menu QR code and Google Business profile.
- Notice boards at nearby colleges and language schools (ask first).
- Your Instagram bio and one pinned post.
- A mention on Chatsifieds: learn about Phrase Wall sponsorship.
Measure it in four weeks
No promised results. Use your own numbers.
- Week 0: note average daily orders on your quietest two days.
- Weeks 1 to 4: run the offer on those days only.
- Count: offers used, repeat faces you recognise, and any new reviews.
- Decide: keep, change or stop. Ask three students what they thought.
These are language tips, not legal or financial advice. For food labelling, allergen rules, surcharges, signage and trading rules, check FSANZ, your local council or state food authority, and the ACCC. Rules differ by state.