The Smart Merchant’s Guide to Crafting Winning Drops

Low-Cost, High-Interest Offers

Choose items with low cost of goods but high perceived value — like snacks, sides, samples, or bundled extras. These are easy to give, easy to love, and great for driving in-store visits.

Feature a low-cost drop that nudges customers toward higher-ticket items (e.g. free chips and salsa with a burrito purchase).

Move Through Seasonal or Overstocked Items

Have items that need to move before they lose freshness, shelf appeal, or relevance? Drops help you turn that extra inventory into foot traffic, new customers and cash.

Test New Ideas with Real Customers

Thinking of adding a new product or flavor? A drop is the perfect way to test it with a small group before going all in — and gather real feedback.

Create Buzz Around Complementary Offers

Promote add-ons that enhance your main products — like free bacon on a burger, or a drink with a sandwich.

Bestsellers and Items with High Lifetime Value

Promote products that consistently turn first-timers into repeat customers.

Want to make those bestsellers even more unique? Take a popular item and create a limited-edition variation (e.g. seasonal flavor, themed packaging, upgraded version).

Weather-Based Drops

Let the forecast drive foot traffic! Hot day? Offer a free scoop of ice cream with any burger. Crisp air calling for something warm? Add a free hot chocolate to every sandwich order. Use the weather to create timely, crave-worthy incentives that bring people in.

General Tips

  • Drive Traffic During Off-Peak Times

    • Schedule drops during slow hours or days to boost visits when you need them most. (Think “Tuesday taco hour” or “Happy Hour sweet treat.”)

  • Reward Loyalty or Surprise New Customers

    • Drops act like mini VIP perks. Use them to thank regulars or catch the attention of nearby first-timers scrolling for something new.

  • Keep It Exclusive, Fun, and Time-Sensitive

    • Limited availability makes people act. The more specific and time-bound your offer, the more urgency it creates — and that drives action.