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Starting a New Business and The Advantages of a Distributorship

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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Spring Time is Fair Time in Florida

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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The Top 10 “Fun” Concession Foods at Amusement Parks

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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Prep for Carnival Season

In the concession business, fun foods are in season all year. However, depending on where you do business, your city or town might have a busy season, especially during the summer months when there are fairs, carnivals, and outdoor sporting events.

If a busy season is approaching your area, there are a few things you can do to be in good shape for it to begin.

Start by taking a look at your equipment. Is your trailer up to date with the proper equipment, such as a fryer or a grill, if needed? If you normally use a cart or a wagon, make sure the parts are in working condition.

It’s also a great idea to clean up your trailer or wagon, and get things sparkling and shining again.

Restock on all of your product. If you’ve been through this season before, take a look at numbers to get a feel for how many people you might be serving this time around. If you can’t purchase your food items too far in advance, you can get a leg up on paper goods, or recipe mix packets.

Are you considering adding a new product to your cart for the season? If so, remember to keep it simple. You don’t want to offer too many items, or anything that’s difficult to make. Consider your market, and if the new item will sell and help profits or not. If you sell popcorn, maybe you add caramel corn, or additional sizes for variety instead of an entirely new item.

If one season is your only “busy” time of the year, consider additional events or locations you could tap into. Also consider selling gift tins to add another option for sales.

By following these steps, you’ll be ready for the busy season. After the season, take a look at your market and see where you can expand to make the entire year your “busy” season.

 

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Built to Last Generations

Close up of
1967 Whiz Bang Gold Medal
Popcorn Machine

Six years ago, Mark Schmidt received a most unexpected call. The popcorn machine that fueled his first car purchase at age 15 was not only still popping, but up for sale 39 years later. His father found the 1967 Whiz Bang Gold Medal popcorn machine in an engine shed at a farm sale, and it was still on its original cabinet that Mark’s dad built to sell the popcorn.

“I told him I didn’t care how much it cost; just buy it! That thing was amazing,” Mark said. He noted he would pop 100 lbs. a weekend at events around town for $.15 or $.25 for a large bag.

“As kids, we thought we hit the jackpot. That’s where I first learned about entrepreneurship. It’s a pretty cool understanding to know what you want to do with your life at such a young age,” Mark remembered.

After buying his car, Mark sold the machine to his brother, Tim and sister Janice who ran it for a few years before they sold it to another family who had a mobile concession stand.

Mark Schmidt with his
1967 Whiz Bang Gold Medal Popcorn Machine

Later after the Schmidt family found the machine again, they brought it to their cabin and eventually their business, AMEK Custom Builders.“For a while, popcorn would be our main food group at the cabin. When my daughter was six months old, she would try to rip the bowl out of our hands. We have a long history with good popcorn from that machine and we are meticulous about real popcorn,” Paul Schmidt, Mark’s son, said. “Now, we pop it about three times a week at the office. Our customers love the aroma, our stories, and reminiscing about it. They appreciate our efforts to restore it.”

The family still gleefully lists popcorn at the top of the food pyramid and takes requests from Mark’s five children and 18 grandchildren. Thankfully, though, they know the Whiz Bang will keep popping for generations to come.

 
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Posted by on April 25, 2012 in Uncategorized

 

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Where to Set Up your Food Cart: The Possibilities are Endless

One of the many benefits of owning a concession trailer business is the ability to set up shop where you want and when you want. If you have your own food cart — or multiple food carts — and it is your desire to cater to a particular customer base, venue or event, you have the freedom to do so.

Many concession trailer owners are content with their “comfort zones.” A consistent rotation at certain sports fields or summer festivals can be advantageous in several ways. Such a system allows concessionaires to develop a fairly good sense of what to expect regarding profit potential and how much product to stock. They also become knowledgeable about the types of food and snacks those customers tend to gravitate toward.

“Branching Out” Has its Rewards

Despite the advantages of keeping a food trailer in familiar territory, some food stand owners may eventually find themselves in a bit of a rut. While some owners are comfortable with consistency and are fine with sticking to what works for them, others eventually begin to feel they might be limiting themselves and missing out on some lucrative opportunities.

Especially for those who make their living operating one or more concession stands, it is advisable to occasionally break out and “test the waters” by researching new locations. Those who “think outside the box” will often land vending locations few other concession trailer owners have occupied. Getting there first and possibly obtaining exclusive rights in a particular area can be as good as gold for the concessionaire.

Large street sales, fishing lakes, trade shows, craft shows, construction sites and corporate outings are just some of the many possibilities vendors can investigate. It might require some ground work, such as making calls to municipalities or scanning local ads to become aware of the availability of viable venues. Depending on the environment, it may also call for the purchase of new and different equipment such as a snow cone maker, pretzel maker or funnel cake equipment. But the ultimate payoff could be very well worth the effort and short-term expenditures.

 
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Posted by on April 17, 2012 in Uncategorized

 

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Dining for Daredevils: Amazing Amusement Park Food

Bored of funnel cakes and corndogs at your favorite amusement park? Tingle your taste buds with some of the most amazing amusement park food choices from across the country, including fried alligator bites and chili-and-cheese potatoes.

Are you an Adventurous Eater?

Credit MSN for this article

 
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Posted by on August 18, 2011 in Fun Foods

 

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