Do You Have The Necessary Senses To Become A Successful Hot Dog Vendor?
1. The Sense of Sight Test. The most important of all the senses. Let's face it, nowadays most people are naturally cautious and suspicious about anything and everything. If their first impression of you or your stand is unfavorable, they are probably not going to stop. Who would want to buy a hot dog from an unsavory looking vendor or an unsanitary looking concession stand? Keep yourself clean and your cart spotless if you expect to make it in this business.
2. The Nose Sense Test. Appealing to the sense of smell is very important in drawing in the crowds. The aroma of grilled onions with garlic or ginger produces an enticing aroma to the body's olfactory system. Combine that with the smell of fresh hot pretzels, steaming coffee and grilled hot dogs and you've got a whole smorgasbord of pleasant smells acting like magnets to draw your customers in.
3. The Taste Sense Test. We always served up the best quality. We carried brand name all beef hot dogs and sausages, such as Sabretts, Hebrew National or Nathans depending on local taste preferences. Your product cost will be a little higher, but in the long run it is worth every penny. You want your customer to enjoy the food you sell and to enjoy the experience of stopping and eating at your stand. And you want him to return and to recommend you to others. At the end of the day throw out or give away any left over perishables. Never save old product for use the next day. Never skimp on quality. Buy the best quality products even if you have to raise your prices.
4. Speech Test. Know what to say when a potential customer walks up to your stand. Be helpful and offer suggestions. And make sure you know how to upsell. Always ask if they would like the special combo meal. Just like you might hear at Burger King.
5. The Audible Sense Test. Always listen to what the customer is saying. He or she may be offering you clues. For example if the man says he is on the way to his office, you might ask if he wants to take a soft pretzel for later, or why not take two; one for him and one for his secretary. Offer to put them in an insulated bag while telling him they'll stay fresh for hours. Make it hard to say no.
6. The Sense of Feelings Test. Always smile and be friendly. Do not bring your problems to work. Leave them at home. If you are good at what you do, you will start seeing the same faces over and over again. Your customers will come up to you and talk to you as a friend. In time you will remember their names and what their favorite items are. Your ultimate goal is to make every single person that buys from you, to feel good about you, your products and your service. Once you accomplish that you are well on your way to success.
7. Common Sense Test. Smile, be happy, and be courteous. Watch how fast your new and repeat customer base grows. Watch how fast your profits add up. And as crazy as it sounds, the best test of your overall success or failure is how fast your tip jar adds up! This is a great indicator of how well you are doing your job. A sign of how much people like you and your product. And the more they like you the more successful you will be.
8. The Sense of Touch Test. Or better coined, the sense of no touch test. You should never touch the food with your hands. Use your tongs, wax paper or foil wraps while handling food. And try not to touch food surfaces either. In some jurisdictions you will have to wear plastic gloves and adhere to other local Health Department rules and regulations. In some areas you will need a Commissary partner as well. The commissary is where you will prepare any food products, clean your utensils and perhaps store your vehicle.
Michael Stadneck operated his own hot dog cart for many years. He built his business to 27 carts and then sold out and retired. He recently returned to the job he loves best and now oversees a division that assists new entrepreneurs considering the mobile food concession business.
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Small Business Articles Via RSS!
