The Vestibule to add online ordering and digital loyalty program

The Vestibule Coffee & Tea in Clinton will soon offer online ordering.

The owner said the decision came after considerable hesitation. The concern was that ordering through a screen might chip away at the customer relationships the shop values, and that keeping up with the added volume could be difficult with only one barista working at a time. Ultimately, the owner said, the convenience would serve a lot of people, particularly offices placing large orders.

That reasoning is part of what has driven other recent adjustments at the shop, including a return to offering specials only during specific times of the year, an effort to use up inventory and ongoing changes within the ordering system.

Online ordering will do more than move drink orders. Customers will also be able to preorder bags of coffee, mugs and shirts, view upcoming events and schedule bulk catering orders.

The shop is also moving to a tiered electronic loyalty program, which will replace paper punch cards. Customers will be able to redeem points as they earn them or save them toward larger discounts. The program will also allow the shop to offer special promotions and birthday drinks.

Current punch cards will still be honored, and the shop plans to help customers through the transition.

The features are available through the point of sale system the shop already uses, which is what prompted the owner to give them a try. The owner said the process has been an enjoyable one and acknowledged there will likely be a few hiccups along the way, since this is new territory for the business.

None of the changes have taken effect yet. The owner said she hopes to have everything available soon. Stay tuned!