Choose one question

For example: does offering a drink with an eligible sandwich increase contribution per order? Decide which sandwiches qualify, what the offer costs and how acceptance is recorded. Avoid changing the menu, price and placement at the same time if you want to understand which change mattered.

Agree a comparison

Where the systems and operating setup allow it, use a controlled allocation of eligible customers or comparable stores. If you compare time periods instead, match dayparts and weekdays and document other changes. A simple before-and-after comparison can be influenced by weather, seasonality and customer mix.

Keep the test running for the pre-agreed period. A good first afternoon is not a reliable reason to call the result. For important investment decisions, have an analyst review sample size and uncertainty.

Measure contribution per eligible order

Count all eligible orders in the comparison, not only orders where the offer was accepted. Subtract product costs, discounts and incremental transaction costs. Track accepted offers, fulfilment, refunds and checkout completion alongside contribution.

MetricWhy it belongs in the review
Offer acceptanceShows whether the proposed addition interests customers.
Contribution per eligible orderTests commercial value after direct costs.
Order completionReveals whether the offer creates friction.
Preparation and collection timeChecks the effect on store capacity.
Refunds and remakesFinds costs that basket totals can hide.

Write down what you learned

Record the products, dates, stores, method, sample size, exclusions and results. Report mixed or negative findings too. They can save the next store from running an unsuitable offer.

Download the promotion test worksheet. It is a planning template, not a report of Tapit customer performance.

Discuss this with Tapit

Tell us about your stores, your current setup and the problem you want to solve.

Discuss your operation