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. 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. 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. The worst enemy most people have is themselves. They become successful. They make a lot of money. They become greedy; they want more money. Some people start to cut corners, they look for cheaper inferior products as a means to increase their bottom line. Such irrational thought process eventually leads to their downfall. Instead of wasting valuable time figuring ways to short change the customer, they should be looking at ways to improve upon the product, add additional lines, improve the service and perhaps expand their business as well. Following this type of strategy is more apt to produce the desired results.
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.
