Do You Have The Necessary Senses To Become A Successful Hot Dog Vendor?
1. Sight Test. Most prospective customers will give you and your food cart (or even your larger mobile food concession trailer) the critical eye test before they buy. If they do not like your appearance or your mobile food concession’s appearance, chances are they will surely keep on walking.
2. The Sense of Smell Test. It has been said that the aroma from certain foods acts like an aphrodisiac to the senses. The seductive smell of sauteed caramelized onions can overcome the strongest resistance barriers. Add to that the enticing scent of fresh brewed coffee and warm pretzels drifting through the air and the magic spell is artfully cast. Depending on your market area, you might add certain spices to the hot plate to liven up the assortment of aromas even more. If they were not hungry before, the hodge podge of pleasing aromas will draw them in like robots in a trance.
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. The Sense of Speech Test. When a customer approaches your concession vehicle, know what to say in advance. You should have a number of scripted introductions that you know by heart. Always smile and be pleasant. Don’t be over exuberant to the point of appearing insincere. Be natural. Be helpful and offer suggestions. For example you might point at your menu board and ask them how they like their hot dog dressed. Make sure you know how to upsell. Take a cue from the fast food giants and ask if they want a soda and chips with their order.
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. Feeling Test. Always smile and be friendly. Try to leave your problems at home. After a while you will start to see the same faces over and over again. People will start talking to you like you are their friend. You will eventually remember their names and what they like. In time youll become a popular concession stand where people like to go. And in time very wealthy too.
7. The Common Sense Test. One of the biggest traps most people fall into is greed. Some people start to cut corners; they look for cheaper inferior products in an attempt to increase their profits. They become overwhelmed with their success. They see all the money they are making and figure they could make more if they cut some costs. This type of thinking eventually leads to their demise. What they should be doing is looking for ways to improve the products and services, to increase their customer base and perhaps expand their business. That is the proper way to make more money.
8. Sense of No Touch. Always use your tongs and foil wrap papers when handling food products. Never touch the food. If the Health Department sees the violation, you will probably get a citation.