Managing Your Products

Effective product management is key to maximizing your revenue and reducing food waste. This guide covers everything you need to know about listing, pricing, and managing your surplus food items.

Types of Listings

Individual Items

Best for: Specific products with clear descriptions

• Examples: Day-old bread, prepared sandwiches, specific pastries
• Advantages: Clear customer expectations, easy inventory tracking
• Pricing: Item-specific pricing based on original cost

Surprise Bags

Best for: Mixed surplus items at a fixed price

• Examples: "Baker's Choice Bag," "Chef's Selection"
• Advantages: Flexible inventory, higher perceived value
• Pricing: Fixed price point (e.g., $5, $10, $15 bags)

Meal Deals

Best for: Complete meals or combinations

• Examples: "Lunch Special," "Family Dinner Pack"
• Advantages: Higher average order value, complete customer solution
• Pricing: Bundle pricing with significant savings

Creating Effective Listings

Product Information

Essential Details:

• Clear Title: Descriptive and appealing name
• Detailed Description: What's included, preparation method
• Allergen Information: Complete allergen disclosure
• Dietary Labels: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.
• Quantity/Weight: Specific measurements when possible

High-Quality Photos:

• Well-lit Images: Natural lighting preferred
• Multiple Angles: Show the actual product
• Consistent Style: Maintain brand appearance
• Fresh Appearance: Items should look appealing

Pricing Strategy

Discount Guidelines

• 30-50% Off: Premium items, recent preparation
• 50-70% Off: End-of-day items, day-old products
• 70%+ Off: Last-chance items, close to expiration

Pricing Considerations

• Original Cost: Factor in ingredient and labor costs
• Market Rates: Research competitor pricing
• Customer Value: Ensure attractive savings
• Profit Margins: Maintain reasonable profitability

Dynamic Pricing

• Time-based Discounts: Increase discounts as day progresses
• Inventory-based: Higher discounts for larger quantities
• Demand-based: Adjust based on customer interest

Inventory Management

Adding New Items

Quick Add (Mobile App)

1. Open merchant app
2. Tap "Add Item"
3. Take photo
4. Enter basic details
5. Set price and quantity
6. Publish immediately

Detailed Add (Dashboard)

1. Access merchant portal
2. Navigate to "Menus"
3. Click "Add New Item"
4. Complete full item form
5. Upload multiple photos
6. Set advanced options
7. Schedule publication

Updating Existing Items

Real-time Updates

• Quantity Changes: Adjust available stock
• Price Modifications: Update pricing as needed
• Status Changes: Mark as sold out or available
• Description Updates: Modify details or add notes

Bulk Operations

• Mass Price Updates: Adjust multiple items at once
• Category Changes: Move items between categories
• Status Updates: Enable/disable multiple listings
• Inventory Sync: Update from POS systems

Scheduling and Automation

Recurring Items

Set up for regular surplus:

• Daily Specials: Automatically list daily items
• Weekly Patterns: Schedule recurring weekly items
• Seasonal Items: Set up seasonal availability
• Time-based Listing: Auto-publish at specific times

Smart Scheduling

• Lead Time: How far in advance to list items
• Pickup Windows: Available collection times
• Preparation Time: Time needed to prepare orders
• Cutoff Times: Last order acceptance time

Category Management

Product Categories

Organize items effectively:

• Bakery: Bread, pastries, cakes, cookies
• Prepared Foods: Sandwiches, salads, hot meals
• Beverages: Coffee, juices, smoothies
• Produce: Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Packaged Goods: Shelf-stable items

Custom Categories

Create business-specific categories:

• Chef's Specials: Unique daily creations
• Healthy Options: Low-calorie, organic items
• Family Packs: Large quantity items
• Grab & Go: Quick pickup items

Quality Control

Food Safety Standards

Maintain high standards:

• Temperature Control: Proper storage temperatures
• Expiration Dates: Clear date labeling
• Handling Procedures: Safe food handling practices
• Storage Conditions: Appropriate storage methods

Quality Checks

Before listing items:

• Visual Inspection: Ensure items look appealing
• Freshness Assessment: Verify quality standards
• Packaging Check: Ensure proper packaging
• Allergen Verification: Confirm allergen information

Customer Communication

Product Descriptions

Write compelling descriptions:

• Appetizing Language: Make items sound delicious
• Clear Information: Avoid confusion about contents
• Honest Representation: Accurately describe condition
• Value Proposition: Highlight savings and quality

Managing Expectations

Set clear expectations:

• Pickup Instructions: Clear collection procedures
• Timing Information: Accurate preparation times
• Quantity Details: Specific amounts when possible
• Condition Notes: Any relevant condition information

Performance Optimization

Analytics Review

Monitor key metrics:

• Sales Performance: Best-selling items and categories
• Pricing Effectiveness: Optimal discount levels
• Timing Patterns: Best listing and pickup times
• Customer Feedback: Reviews and ratings analysis

Continuous Improvement

Optimize based on data:

• Product Mix: Adjust offerings based on demand
• Pricing Strategy: Refine pricing for better performance
• Timing Optimization: Improve listing schedules
• Quality Enhancement: Address customer feedback

Common Challenges and Solutions

Low Sales Volume

Potential solutions:

• Improve Photos: Higher quality, more appealing images
• Adjust Pricing: More competitive discount levels
• Better Descriptions: More detailed, appetizing descriptions
• Timing Changes: List items at different times

Inventory Management Issues

Streamline processes:

• Regular Updates: Frequent inventory checks
• Staff Training: Ensure team understands procedures
• System Integration: Connect with existing POS systems
• Automated Alerts: Set up low-stock notifications

Customer Complaints

Address issues proactively:

• Quality Control: Stricter pre-listing inspections
• Clear Communication: Better product descriptions
• Quick Response: Prompt customer service
• Process Improvement: Learn from feedback

Best Practices

Daily Routine

1. Morning Review: Check overnight orders and inventory
2. Midday Update: Add lunch items and adjust pricing
3. Afternoon Prep: List end-of-day items
4. Evening Wrap-up: Update tomorrow's schedule

Weekly Planning

• Menu Planning: Coordinate with regular menu planning
• Trend Analysis: Review weekly performance data
• Inventory Forecasting: Predict surplus patterns
• Staff Scheduling: Ensure coverage for ResQMeals orders

Next Steps

Continue optimizing your product management:

• Processing Orders Efficiently
• Using Analytics to Improve Performance
• Best Practices for Success

Effective product management is an ongoing process. Regular review and optimization will help you maximize both revenue and waste reduction.