How to Start a Reuse Program
At Your Coffee Bar, Tea Shop, Cafe, or Restaurant

Offering alternatives to disposable clamshells and hot cups such as reusable takeout containers can be daunting. Choosing which container to offer is just a small piece of launching your program. You'll want to consider a mechanism for incentivizing customers to return the containers such as a deposit system. As well as how to train your staff and how to promote your Reuse Program. Below we lay out the steps to consider when launching a reuse program.

We know your time is valuable so if after reading through the list below you feel a bit overwhelmed, don't worry. Solutions are available that take care of the brunt work for you, saving you time and money and giving you the ability to start offering reusables as soon as today. Visit Forever Ware to learn how to get started.

1. Research suitable containers
   • Materials: glass or steel base with a Silicone lid (avoid painted options and plastic)
   • Construction: Single Wall, Double Wall Insulated, or Vacuum Sealed
   • Branding Options: Lazer Engraved or Chemically Etched
   • Afterlife: What will you do with damaged vessels? Are your mugs recyclable or repairable? Who will accept them for recycling?
2. Order samples from suppliers
   • Be mindful of MOQ or Minimal Order Quantities
   • Assess the quality & consistency of multiple samples
   • Test the durability and longevity
   • Receive samples that have examples of branding
   • Request any proof of certifications, standards, and compliances
3. Place your Container Order
   • Get price quotes for the desired quantity including branding expenses
   • Factor in the Freight Price
   • Get an estimated Manufacturing and Delivery Date
   • Prepare and provide your artwork
   • Request environmentally sustainable packing materials
4. Receive your Shipment
   • Arrange receipt at the shipment location
   • Is the shipment large enough to require a loading dock
   • Arrange storage facilities
   • Unpack your shipment
   • Inspect for damage or quality concerns
   • Recycle or reuse packing materials
5. Stock your bar or kitchen
   • Wash the containers
   • Find a convenient location to stock them
6. Set up your POS and online ordering
   • Add a packaging modifier to your online menu items
     PACKAGING (NEW! TRASHLESS OPTION)
           Purchase a Disposable Container - $0.50
           Borrow a Reusable (Refundable) - $5.00
           Swap a Reusable (Return upon pickup) - FREE
   • Alternatively, if you don’t have online ordering, add a single item for the deposit in your POS
7. Train your staff
   • What will barista’s say to offer reusables to customers?
   • How do barista’s charge a deposit?
   • Should customers bring reusables to the counter or put them in the dish bin?
   • What is your washing procedure?
8. Promote your Reuse Program
   • Email Newsletter
   • Social media post
   • Posters
   • Table tents
   • Ask each customer when they order
9. Track and Share your metrics
   • How many customers opted in for the first time
   • How many customers reused the mug
   • How many customers returned the mug for a refund, opted-out
   • How many total reuses did you have (containers diverted from landfill)
   • What was your upfront investment
   • What was your profit or loss from the program