You have full responsibility for the success of the test market at your store. Write a memo outlining the preparations that you will have to make at your store before the start of the test marketing. Your memo should focus on at least four of the following issues: staffing, training, equipment, supplies, store layout, quality, customer service, etc.

As my store is selected to conduct the test marketing of the new Sensation Coffee, there are certain requirements that would be necessary for the successful conduct of the test marketing.

The first requirement would be related to adequate staffing. My store is located in a prominent location and has a large footfall of customers. There are instances when the current staff strength falls short of servicing all the customers within a reasonable time and even I had to step in on the counter and serve as one of the workforce members.With the new product added to the menu and the responsibility of test marketing, we would require at least two extra staff members for ensuring the success of the test marketing launch. My requirement of having two Staff members is to cater not just to the queries related to the new product but also provide suggestions to the customers to try the new product. The target audience of the new product being the young customers it is necessary for me to have people from the same age group as staff members and also those who are enthusiastic and energetic towards this initiative.

The next requirement would be training. I would prefer that at least 50% of my workforce is trained in the making of the new product. The training part is very essential as the new product involves certain new ingredients and the mechanism of making this new product is different from the other products currently on the menu. The amount of precision required for making this new product is essential as any mistakes would destroy the taste of this product and will not be a fair parameter for the conduct of the test marketing initiative. The other aspect of training is that it will give confidence to the workforce on the making of this product and will ensure better service to the client. The lack of training will not motivate the workforce to promote this product among the customers visiting the store. In my view the training will ensure that the product is being considered at the time of manufacturing is provided to the client and a fair review is captured.

The next important aspect that needs to be considered is the equipment. As the new product requires special equipment it is necessary for the installation of such equipment in the store. The other aspect required would be that proper training is provided on the handling and maintenance of such equipment. We would also require a mechanism for servicing of the equipment in case of any downtime. The equipment would also require a proper space and my request would be that the installation team should visit the store and finalize the place where the equipment can be installed and effectively operated. It is also necessary that a proper manual is set up at the store so that the equipment can be effectively managed.

The manufacturing of a new product requires certain old and new ingredients. While managing the store there are certain estimations on which the inventory at the store is handled. With the new product in place, the inventory will require a reestimation and in all probability, there would be a requirement for an increase in supplies. My request would be that it such a case an increase in inventory requirement is considered and proper information about the new ingredients and their handling is also supplied so that the workforce can effectively manage the inventory levels and there are no slippages and spoilage.

With the above requirement, we would like to undergo a standard test marketing technique and provide feedback on the new product as we perceive and collect from our customers.

Copy to - The Head of Marketing Operation Starbucks.