The Common Senses Test For Mobile Food Vendors
1. The All Important Sight Sense Test. Most people walking along the street will give you and your food cart, whether it is a small stand or large enclosed concession trailer, the once over eye test before they even consider walking toward your location. If they do not like the way you look or if they don’t like the appearance of your concession stand, chances are they are not going to approach you. They will keep 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 Sense of Taste Test. Never cut corners on your food products. Always serve up the best quality. If you have to, raise the price before you cut the quality. If you are selling hot dogs, use all beef hot dogs and sausages, such as Sabretts, Hebrew National, Vienna Beef or Nathans depending on where you operate your concession. Your product cost will be a little higher, but your chances of success will also be greater. You want your customer to enjoy the food you sell and to enjoy the experience of stopping and eating at your stand. In order to survive in this business you must build a following, a repeat business as well as a referral business. Remember this rule. It is of paramount importance. 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 Sense of Hearing Test. Listen closely to what the customer is saying. He or she may be offering you buying clues and opportunities for upsells. For example if the lady says she has a train to catch, ask her if she wants a soft pretzel to eat on the way home. Make it more appealing by telling her you have insulated bags that keep the pretzels warm and fresh for hours.
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. 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. 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.