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How Can Small Business Compete Against The Big Boys?

23 May

owner of a small business store showing her tasty cakesLarge corporate chains are the nemesis of small business, often offering lower prices and using high marketing budgets to lure consumers through their doors. While these ‘big boys’ may have buying power and big advertising campaigns on their side, small businesses can fight back by offering higher levels of personal service then these cookie cutter giants.

Consumers Crave Personal Service

One thing that a small business can offer is personal service that differentiates them the ‘big boys’ in their industry. By making service and customer relationships a cornerstone of their business, small businesses can create loyalty at the local level that a large chain just cannot compete with. For example:

-          A personal thank you. Taking the time to thank a customer for their business goes a long way today. A hand-written note or even just saying, “we appreciate your business” can increase loyalty from local patrons.

-          Learn customer names. Something as simple as employees introducing themselves and learning the customer’s name can build a stronger relationship with them and be the first step in gaining a new loyal customer.

-          Go the extra mile. Offering service above and beyond will always get a customer’s attention. Always strive to honor special requests and give more than is expected. Ask your customers about changes they’d like to see or products they’d like you to stock, then act on those suggestions.

-          Support the local community. One way to shine in any community is to be a part of it. Get involved in local events, support community causes and make alliances with other small businesses. By banding together, small businesses can help each other compete against these big companies.

Many consumers are tired of hearing phrases such as “sorry, it is against company policy” and will welcome the chance to spend money at a business that treats them as a valued individual. Taking the time to make local customer service a priority can make any small business stiff competition for one of the ‘big boys’!

 
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Posted by on May 23, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

The Sno-Kones® (Snow Cone): A Universal Warm Weather Treat

12 Mar

Sno-Kones at the FairWhether attending a ballgame, festival, or any summertime event, it’s quite common for kids and adults to search for a concession stand with a snow cone maker. This chilly treat may be spelled a number of different ways, such as “sno cone,” “snow kone,” or “sno-kone®.” Regardless of the branding, the term “snow cone” means only one thing on a sweltering summer day: Icy cool refreshment!

To Beat the Heat, Ice is Nice

Depending on where you live, some summer — or even late-spring — afternoons reach a point where the heat is almost suffocating, especially in parts of the country notorious for high humidity.

At this point, our instincts usually kick in and we begin to search for something that will help us cool down a bit. Cold drinks, ice cream and even those little spay water bottles with the fans attached to them all seem like viable options. But we set our sights on the one thing that we know will satisfy our craving for coolness: Ice!

Therefore, our next step is to head directly to the snow cone vendor, where we will be able to choose from a variety of flavors to top our crushed ice treat. We don’t think much about it as we dive into this frozen delight. But eating crushed ice on a sultry day actually carries with it a number of benefits. We immediately realize the cooling effects of our snow cone consumption, but the ice will obviously turn back into its original form, water, which will keep us hydrated.

Additionally, for young children, seniors and those who sometimes experience physical problems in the heat, the ice from a snow cone can lower one’s core body temperature by a few degrees. This can help prevent the possibility of developing conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

So, the next time the heat begins to become somewhat unbearable at an outdoor affair, look for the nearest snow cone machine. Not only will your taste buds appreciate this flavorful icy delicacy, but its rejuvenating impact on your body may help you to at least temporarily avoid the withering effects of the heat!

 
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Posted by on March 12, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

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Engage the Senses, Engage the Wallet

22 Feb

Do you woo? Buying isn’t a knee-jerk reaction. We’re an information-saturated society and consumers have a wealth of options at their fingertips. You have mere seconds to convince and cajole today’s savvy shoppers into choosing your product or service before they move on to something else. Engaging the senses is the quickest way to returns, and cutting through the constant bombardment of noise and ads.

Smells trigger memories. They also will lure customers into your store, make their mouths water for increased profits, and inspire relaxed buying atmospheres. That’s why countless food service locations vent aromas, and companies will spend millions in market research to develop the right smell to pull you in. You can spend a lot less, and get the same allure, by making items fresh during high-traffic times.

Cotton Candy Spinner HeadWe eat first with our eyes. Keep this in mind for everything from your logo to plating. Warm colors like reds inspire hunger and are ideal for interior designs or signs. Action draws crowds. Did you ever see the mesmerizing motion of a cotton candy machine? The light glistens on all the spinning soft, sugary goodness and you instantly crave that candy cloud. And bold colors attract attention. That’s why our eyes are instantly drawn to the shockingly bright syrup, as it splashes onto the barren white ice of a Sno-Kone®.

Tune them in. Popping corn is one of the most recognizable sounds in the world. It’s like sweet music to the cash register’s ears. Find the other sounds that will trigger stop-ins and second glances.

Get in touch with textures. There are numerous sense-appealing serving options. Seek out the best ways to boost buys and get noticed with a variety of consistencies, sizes, and materials.

Taste turns a sale into a repeat customer. Whether it’s simply sweet, jalapeño hot, or buttery rich, the flavors and high-quality ingredients must sing through in all your products.

Immersing customers in a total sensory experience is the best way to hook in new buyers, and create one-of-a-kind events that will keep them coming back for more. Fun foods make it easy to set the scene and tempt taste buds. Classic sights, smells, and tastes bring back cherished memories. Fresh, bold flavors and fares appeal to foodies and give your customers ways to form new memorable moments. So woo away. We’ll be here to help. Gold Medal has everything you need to turn straightforward sales into an unforgettable, crave-inducing and bring them back to the door experiences.

 
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Posted by on February 22, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

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Starting a New Business and The Advantages of a Distributorship

12 Feb

Starting a New Business and The Advantages of a DistributorshipThere are numerous reasons why people contemplate starting a new business. These may include limitations or frustrations within a current job or profession; a downsizing on the horizon; or a burning desire to call one’s own shots.

There are also many who long to strike out on their own, but are uncertain which route to take. However, there are ways to test the waters regarding the feasibility and marketability of new business ideas or new products.

Although there may be significant growing pains involved in a particular venture, many business start-up stories have ended in success through hard work, organization and sheer determination.

For budding entrepreneurs who seek to eliminate some of the uncertainties surrounding building a new business from the ground up, entering into a distributorship may be worth serious consideration.

Hitting the Ground Running

Not many “sure things” exist in any aspect of life. This is especially true in the business world, where many more companies have fallen by the wayside than have become successful and stood the test of time. But becoming a wholesale distributor offers some distinct advantages over starting a brand new business.

Many manufacturers and product producers that offer distributorship opportunities are already established in the marketplace or have shown consistency over time in selling their products to a target market. This gives distributors that these entities choose to bring on board a “head start,” especially if a brand is well known.

Many product producers will offer training and the peripheral materials or supplies necessary to give new distributors the tools they need to maximize their chances of eventual success. Of course, distributors must have a degree of business savvy, good interpersonal and relationship development skills, a solid business plan and whatever capital, equipment and warehousing that may be required.

But whether the product is machine parts, food service equipment, or any one of an infinite number of goods or merchandise, with the right opportunity, wholesale distributors often do indeed have the opportunity to “hit the ground running.”

 
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Posted by on February 12, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

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The Shaved Ice “Snowball” a Mardi Gras Favorite

07 Feb

Sno-Kone GroupThe streets come alive as thousands of enthusiastic party-goers gather in New Orleans to participate in the Mardi Gras celebration each year. Flashy and sometimes outlandish costumes, parades filled with fascinating floats and attendees adorned with colorful strands of beads are only a few of the many Mardi Gras traditions on display. Of course a diverse array of delectable cuisines, from gourmet eats to creative concession snacks, are always a big part of the festivities as well.

Ice is Nice, but Snow Steals the Show

Mint Juleps, King Cakes and seafood gumbo are among the famous palate-pleasing traditions of Mardi Gras. But when it comes to cool refreshments, the “snowball” is not only a flavorful icy treat, but is a bona fide New Orleans original, woven into the very fabric of the “Big Easy.”

As opposed to the widely-recognized “snow cone,” which consists of chopped ice of a thicker, chunkier texture, snowballs are made from thinly shaved ice, resulting in a lighter, fluffier texture that closely resembles snow.

Snowballs have actually been a part of New Orleans fare since the 1930s. Big Easy history tells us that when struggling Depression-era grocer George Ortolano noticed that a nearby snow cone vendor never seemed to be lacking for customers, he decided to refine the whole idea behind “crushed ice.” Mr. Ortolano then took it upon himself to create a shaved ice machine that produced a finer, flakier brand of snow cone that held truer to the consistency of actual snow than its coarser counterpart. Thus, the snowball was born.

Word of Mr. Ortolano’s newly-created delicacy began to spread. With the addition of a growing variety of sweet-flavored syrups and toppings, snowballs began to become a highly sought-after treat. Today, shops, stores and stands that serve up snowballs are not only commonplace in the New Orleans area, but they can be found in just about every corner of Louisiana and the surrounding region.

Although crushed-ice snow cones and variations of soft ice machine products are enjoyed by millions on hot summer days throughout the land, there is only one “snowball,” as first-time visitors to the Mardi Gras are often quick to discover.

 
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Posted by on February 7, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

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Popcorn Making: Leaving No Kernel Unpopped

29 Jan

Sometimes the little things in life are what we find to be the most frustrating. Take the act of making popcorn. Whether using a stovetop, microwave or store-bought popcorn machine, at the end of a popcorn popping endeavor, there always seems to be at least a handful of unpopped kernels left at the bottom of the cooking vessel.

Unpopped kernels can be an unwelcome and somewhat painful surprise if they should find their way to your teeth. It’s also a shame when leftover kernels end up in the garbage instead of your mouth in popped form. For snack vendors and concession business owners, discarded unpopped kernels translate into dollars and cents. But steps can be taken to greatly improve the percentages and keep unpopped kernels to a bare minimum.

Increasing the Popping Percentage

Piece Popcorn in KernelsWhen it comes to popcorn poppers and popcorn making techniques, there are many variables. But the constant is the popcorn itself. Choosing the right brand of popcorn is a major factor in achieving a thoroughly popped batch of popcorn. This may take some trial and error. But just like any product, some brands of popcorn are simply better than others.

For concessionaires, popcorn and cooking oil will often come in pre-measured bags and popping machines will generally be programmed for maximum popping efficiency. But small adjustments can still be made in regard to heating, oil amounts and agitation.

This is also important for the rest of us. Other than when using “air” popcorn machines that are built to evenly distribute kernels throughout the popping process, popcorn must continuously be agitated or shaken to allow as many kernels as possible to reach the heat source.

Other factors for popcorn popping success are being a good listener and popcorn storage. After the machine gun-like cadence at the height of a popping endeavor, listen carefully for when the popping slows down. Wait until there is a second or two between pops before removing the popcorn from the heat source. But don’t wait too long, or the popcorn will begin to burn.

Popcorn also contains a certain amount of moisture that allows it to pop effectively. So store popcorn in a tightly-sealed glass or plastic container in a cool area away from heat or sunlight.

Don’t forget that any unpopped kernels can be reused. Just add a few drops of water to moisten them up, re-insert them into your popcorn maker … and happy popping!

 
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Posted by on January 29, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

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Spring Time is Fair Time in Florida

10 Jan

cotton candy girl at fairCome on down!  Get your popcorn, kettle corn, caramel corn, corn dogs, cotton candy, candy apple, nachos or whatever your guilty pleasure is when Fair time comes around!  There is nothing like spring time in Florida.  The weather makes for a great day to spend at a fair and when it comes to Fairs, there are plenty to choose from in the Sunshine State.  The visitors to this state can keep plenty busy choosing where to go and which concession stands they are going to choose.

The two largest events attended during this season are the Florida State Fair, which is always held in February and The Strawberry Festival which is always late February to early March.  Both of these events pull many vendors, concession stands and visitors.  Between the entertainment, the rides and the food trailers there is never a lack of something to do or something to eat!

Along with those big fairs are several other events that pull people in.  There is the Kumquat Festival, Pioneer Days, Fly Wheelers (4 weekends a year), the Manatee Fair and Pasco Fairs.  All of these fairs are spaced out nicely so that snowbirds always have something to do and visitors can usually hit one or two on a visit as well.  It is a great way to welcome in the spring weather…rides, food, entertainment and fun.

Steve Loew – Tampa Branch Manager
http://www.goldmedaltampa.com

 
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Posted by on January 10, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

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Cotton Candy Fun Facts

08 Jan

Cotton Candy ConeAs I was sitting on the plane coming back from a business trip the older gentleman next to me and I started talking. As the conversation started to flow we begin talking about what I do for a living and the subject of cotton candy came up and this older gentlemen sure took me to school when it comes to where it is from and how it was originally made. Since I was so new…. I did a little research and I found these Cotton Candy Fun Food Fact

  • Most food historians seem in a hurry to give the U.S. credit for it, but cotton candy actually originated in the central Iranian city of Yazd. It is known as Pashmak by Iranians, and has been made for centuries.
  • It then became popular in Italy in the 15th century, but without cotton candy machines the popularity was limited.  This brings us to how America stole the thunder and became known as its founder.
  • Spun sugar, made on forks, was prohibitively expensive, and was reserved for ancient royalty in Medieval times.  The cooks would make them castles and dragons out of the stuff to their great joy.  The little princes and princesses would be enchanted.

Tom Newsome – Jacksonville Branch Manager
www.goldmedaljacksonville.com

 
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Posted by on January 8, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

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Make 40% of Your Yearly Sales in Just a Few Weeks

11 Oct

The weather may be cooling, but now is the time to cash in on hot holiday sales. Dropping temperatures remind consumers the holidays will soon be here, and the yearly quest for the “person who has everything” is quickly descending. Families will typically spend more in November and December than in the previous 10 months combined.

According to The National Retail Federation, 2011 holiday sales reached $471.5 billion in America. The group also reported that many small and mid-sized businesses do 20%-40% of their annual sales in the final two months of the year. Holiday sales are forecasted to increase another 4.1% this year.

Now is the time to capitalize on the spending and increase repeat business sales!

Give Something Memorable

Personal concession equipment for the home is the answer. Small poppers, Sno-Kone® machines, or cotton candy equipment are the gifts that keep giving. They’re not only the ideal presents to get customers into your store or display room; they also introduce you to buyers from a variety of markets. Shoppers will come to you for their supplies and keep you in mind for their churches, schools, party rentals, and so much more.

10 Tips to Increase Holiday Spending

  1. Get Started Now—One of the biggest mistakes is to wait to market, schedule employees, or order stock. Plan now for success.
  2. Theme or Localize Your Holiday Promotions—Stand out from the competition. This is especially key if you are a small or medium-size business. You need to tell your customers why you are unique, who you are, and why people should buy local.
  3. Reach Out to Community Groups—This is the time of year for business, school, community, and religious groups to host family or corporate functions. Get your name out by donating equipment or food, sponsoring an event, or speaking at a function.
  4. Gifts for Every Budget—Entice customers with a range of prices from teaser deals and packages. Promote the price range or “prices starting at…” in your marketing.
  5. Create an Event—Host Power Hours, Secret Santa Days, or Black Friday sales.
  6. Have it in Stock—People are more likely to buy-up and add onto their order when it’s convenient. Keep a selection of the top-sellers on hand to ensure fast delivery and same-day pickup. Also, be sure to re-organize your displays to encourage impulse buys.
  7. Consider Back-End Sales—Are there any items you could take a slight loss on in exchange for the chance to hook the customer? Think of how the large retailers slash costs on big-ticket items. People know there will only be a limited quantity and come early to snag the deal, which encourages other purchases. This is especially ideal for anything you may want to move out of inventory.
  8. Direct and E-mail Marketing—The holidays are the best time to reach out to lapsed customers or those who expressed interest, but haven’t bought yet.
  9. Send Out Coupons—Create the call to action with limited-time-only deals.
  10. Stagger Your Deals—Don’t give it all away at once. Plan specials to get customers back during the holiday months and into the future.

Bonus: Don’t Stop with the Holidays—People are planning parties even during the cool months. Create Super Bowl deals, specials for holidays like Boxing Day, Valentine’s Day sweetheart deals, and so much more!

 
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Posted by on October 11, 2012 in Uncategorized

 

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The Top 10 “Fun” Concession Foods at Amusement Parks

02 Aug

We are beckoned to amusement parks by the thrills of roller coasters, the spills of water rides and the skills we put on display in our attempted mastery of gaming. But the “grill” is also a big part of our day at the amusement park, as all the activity is bound to cause us to work up a good appetite.

Large amusement parks offer a vast array of food choices and cuisines, from snack shops to sit-down restaurants. Concession stands can be spotted just about everywhere we look, presenting those seeking to grab a quick bite with a large selection of “fun” foods and tasty treats.

The Top “Fun” Foods

A “fun food” can be described as a “snacky” sweet or a rib-sticking food item that is fast, easy and delectable. Hamburger and hot dog grills are always working overtime on days where the weather is agreeable and a park is packed with visitors. But aside from these ever-popular staples, here are ten of the most favored fun foods found at amusement parks:

Belgian waffles and funnel cakes: Both of these treats can be placed in the same category, as Belgian waffles are often made with funnel cake mix, and vice versa. These delightful dishes emerge from the Belgian waffle maker or the deep fryer a tempting golden-brown. They can be topped with powdered sugar, fruit, ice cream or whipped cream.

Sno Kones: An icy, flavor-filled refreshment that is perfect on a hot day.

Cotton candy: A sweet and fluffy kid-favorite that melts in your mouth.

Caramel corn: A crunchy snack that bursts with sweetness on every bite.

Nachos: A snack food staple topped with meat, cheese and peppers. The nacho machine is a very popular piece of equipment at just about every public event or gathering.

Pizza: By the slice or in pie form, need more be said about this international favorite?

Popcorn: A salty, ready-to-munch snack standard.

Pretzels: Whether soft and warm, salty, sweet or cheesy, pretzels at amusement parks, festivals and ballgames are a timeless tradition.

Ice cream: No food-furnishing affair would be complete without this sweet and creamy offering.

The fun foods deserving “honorable mention” are countless. From chili cheese fries to warm cinnamon almonds to potato ribbons, the list goes on and on. From the traditional to the unique, snacks and treats round out the amusement park experience. Quite often, their packaging and presentation is half the fun!

 
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Posted by on August 2, 2012 in Uncategorized

 

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