There 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.”
Tags: amuzement park, business, concession equipment, concession stand, concession stand equipment, concession trailer, Concessions, fair food, food, fun food, Gold Medal, gold medal products, Marketing, Popcorn, small business
It’s easy to think that treats such as snow cones, caramel corn, and hot pretzels won’t sell in a down economy. The truth is, although people are spending their money a little wiser, they still make a budget for fun, and fun includes great food.
When people venture to the movie theatre, they prepare to spend at least $2-$5 for sweet treats and salty snacks. On the flip side, a $2.00 bag of caramel corn only costs the seller $0.25!
Of course, movie theatres aren’t the only places selling popcorn and cotton candy, think about all of the places concession stand food is necessary. Parks are a great example. Whether it’s an amusement park or a theme park, your concession stand will get business.
In some parks, there is no other option for food. Since competition is low, people will wait in lines, and purchase the food you offer. That’s not to say park the cart in a high traffic area and throw business ethics to the wind. It’s more about learning where you can make the most profit, no matter what the economy is like.
Fairs are also great for concession stands, even during a recession. People look forward to their city fair, since it only comes once each year. Chances are, they’re going to the fair for the food; they’re prepared to pay for unique treats they might not get during the rest of the year.
Shopping malls is also another option. While people might not be hitting the shopping mall quite as often during a down economy, the concession stand will be the most affordable option in the mall when it comes to snacks and meal options. With the aroma of your freshly popped caramel corn wafting through the mall, you’re a sure seller.
Don’t get discouraged when it comes to the world’s money troubles. Businesses can succeed, and luckily, people always want to have fun and enjoy great food while doing so.
Tags: business, Caramel Corn, concession equipment, concession stand, concession stand equipment, concession stand food, concession trailer, Concessions, fair food, food, fun food, hot pretzels, Popcorn Business, restaurants, Sales, salty snacks, Selling, small business, small businesses, snow cones
Operating a food cart or concession trailer business affords proprietors a level of freedom, flexibility and mobility they would be hard-pressed to find in any other line of work. But despite having the ability to call their own shots with regard to schedule, location and offerings, concession trailer owners still face many of the same challenges as other small business operators, with a few twists.
Small Business Challenges
Starting a small business requires hard work, determination and resiliency. New entrepreneurs often spend long days and nights ensuring not only that their enterprise gets off the ground, but that it has a good foundation.
Of course, everything revolves around finances. From start-up costs to ongoing expenditures, it is crucial for small business owners to be very well organized in this make-or-break department in order to remain solvent and eventually establish consistent profitability.
Staffing is another critical area, as it can be a major challenge to find trustworthy and dependable employees.
Before getting into the food trailer business, it is essential to thoroughly research every facet and develop a solid business plan. This includes determining:
• What type of operation they would like to run — whether stationary or mobile.
• Where to purchase foodservice equipment and where it can be serviced.
• The kinds of food, snack, drink and possible novelty items they wish to sell.
• Where to keep a mobile cart during off hours.
• Where to store food and other concession supplies.
• The types of locations that would best fit their strategy.
Licensing, registrations and permits are other areas of constant consideration for the food trailer owner. These and other legalities must be investigated and budgeted before moving to new locations.
Striking out on your own to carve out a niche in the world of commerce is never easy. But with a sound strategy in place, small business owners can work through the challenges to create a viable and profitable product.
Tags: concession equipment, concession stand, concession stand equipment, concession stand food, concession trailer, Concessions, small business, small businesses
The first time for anything can be a little scary, especially when it comes to running your own business. But have no fear, running a concession stand is possible and you are the one to make it happen.
Since you’ve already thought about getting into the business of concessions, it’s time to focus your thinking on certain items of the shop.
Start by getting some ideas for brochures, so you can eventually create your own. Look at brochures that you know sell items, and see how they list products.
Know that a successful shop makes money in three ways: 1. From over the counter sales, 2. Shipping sales, and 3. Wholesale or packaged goods. Start thinking of good locations where your shop can accomplish all three of these ideas.
Visit at least two successful concession stands, so you can start thinking about ideas for product presentation, interior décor, display, and even uniforms for your employees. Only use what you see for ideas, it is important that you create your own, unique brand.
Next, do some investigating. Make sure this is what you want to do before you invest your money in the business.
Decide what you’re going to sell at your shop. Create a good balance of sweet and salty, and remember to keep it simple, especially in the beginning. In fact, your best bet is to limit the menu items, but vary the sizes they come in. Or, perhaps you offer popcorn, but sell different flavors. You also want to sell items that are easy to prepare.
Create a business plan based on your location and the products you plan to sell. A business plan will help you determine the costs for the first year, how to promote yourself and the products, and how much you need to make to succeed.
By following these tips, you’ll be on the right track in the concessions business before you sell your first bag of popcorn!
Tags: Advertising, best bet, business, concession stand, concession stand equipment, concession stand food, Concessions, fair food, Gold Medal, Marketing, marketing plan, Popcorn Business, running your own business, Sales, Selling, small business, small businesses
Simple Ways to Humize Your Brand
Many people say: “Yeah, using social media sounds like a good plan but I am a big corporation. How do I do that? Hubspot is a marketing company that helps companies grow and nuture leads and lead generating materials and they have come up with these 12 simple ways to humanize your brand. Take a look and tell us in the comments section below if they missed any.Read More…
Tags: Advertising, business, Marketing, marketing plan, Sales, Selling, small business, small businesses
I had McDonald’s today. I love McDonald’s. I always have, and likely always will. But every time I leave McDonald’s I feel hungrier than when I arrived. I’ve heard it’s actually done on purpose. That it’s a combination of the salt and fat in their foods that actually stimulates your hunger, so that you will buy more food. I don’t know if that’s true or just an urban legend. (I smell — or is it taste? — a Mythbusters episode.)
But it got me thinking — how do you keep customers hungry? This is an important question that all businesses must answer. It’s also personal because I run a successful freelance consulting business as well as a successful start-up photography business (with my wife). And in both cases I’m forced to keep thinking about customers. While there are lots of ways to run a business, I think (good) businesses do three things to keep customers hungry…
Read the rest of the article here.
Tags: Advertising, business, Concessions, food, fun food, Gold Medal, Marketing, Sales, small business, small businesses
New York City, with its fabled culture and rich history, is often referred to as the “center of the universe.”
One traditional aspect of the “Big Apple” is its street vendors. Many food cart and concession trailer owners have made a very good living peddling their wares on the streets of New York. In some cases, food trailer ownership is generational. Fathers and mothers pass their food carts on to sons and daughters who continue to serve loyal customers year after year.
The “Steaks” are High
The competition between food stand owners is fierce. The aroma emanating from pizza warmers, hot dog grills and popcorn poppers drifts throughout the city streets as customers gravitate toward their favorite vendors when hungry.
Seemingly located on just about every street corner, food concession trailers offer a broad variety of menu items that range from ethnic tastes to those purely American. Nacho machines work overtime as wide-eyed customers walk away with plates piled high. And shredded steak, chicken or pork sizzle on a grill as a slice of pita bread waits to be filled.
The availability of Greek, Asian and Mediterranean dishes on opposite street corners make a mealtime decision even more difficult. But New York’s famous gourmet hot dog carts also beckon. Kabobs, roasted nuts, gourmet pretzels and overstuffed omelets are all part of New York City’s vast food vending tapestry, and that just scratches the surface.
For those considering starting a food stand or concession trailer business in New York City, the costs for permits and licensing are relatively steep. But the biggest challenge might be finding a good location; one that is not already occupied by any number of the Big Apple’s world class vendors.
Tags: business, concession stand, concession stand equipment, concession stand food, concession trailer, Concessions, food, food carts, food concession trailers, fun food, hot dog carts, pizza, Popcorn, popcorn machine, Pretzels, small business
Whether prospective entrepreneurs enter the food vending arena to earn extra income or to start a full-blown concession trailer business, this industry offers many advantages. One of the most attractive aspects of the food trailer business is the ability of owners to “call their own shots.”
Flexibility Comes with the Territory
Leaving a regimented, workaday environment for freedom and flexibility is one of the many reasons that people are drawn toward careers in concessions. This is not to say that food cart and concession trailer proprietors don’t work hard or that there are no administrative hurdles to navigate. But there is a degree of autonomy in food stand ownership that cannot be found in most other professions.
The decision-making process rests with the independent concessionaire in regard to when and where to set up shop, which products to serve and how to market their food stands. Vendors may choose to start with “standard” concession food equipment such as a hot dog roller, popcorn maker or nacho machine. Or they may try something a little more unconventional such as gourmet pretzels or kettle popcorn.
Anything Goes
Successful owners of food carts leave “no stone unturned” when it comes to developing marketing ideas and ways to separate themselves from the competition. It is always wise to survey the territory before venturing into a new event or area. If other food vendors are peddling standard fare, those offering atypical menu items will often reap the rewards.
Vendors may also choose to branch out into areas such as catering or opt to offer an exclusive food item. For instance, having the only funnel cake concession trailer at a particular event can prove to be very profitable.
Food stand owners can also be creative in their marketing endeavors. Robust websites with social media alerts and Facebook pages can stir up customer interest. Discount coupons distributed throughout an area before a festival or other event is a good idea as well.
Concession trailer owners have the freedom to customize their careers and operate on their own terms. Whether they are happy to work on a part-time or “specialized” basis, or whether they set the bar high for sales and profits, the possibilities are wide open.
Tags: concession trailer, Concessions, fair food, fun food, Popcorn Business, popcorn machine, Sales, Selling, small business, small businesses
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.
Tags: amuzement park, business, concession stand, concession stand equipment, concession stand food, concession trailer, Concessions, fun food, Gold Medal, gold medal products, Popcorn, Popcorn Business, popcorn machine, small business, small businesses
Some concession trailer and food cart owners “pick their spots” and run their business on the side to earn extra income. Others make their living by selling snacks and refreshments year-round.
For those with the desire to enter the world of food stand entrepreneurship, the concession trailer business offers freedom, flexibility and a seemingly endless choice of venues in which a concession cart would be a most welcome addition.
Knowing the Lay of the Land
Many of the keys to running a successful concession stand business are born of practicality, experience and a little common sense. Food stand owners will learn about certain aspects of the business over time, such as which locations have the greatest profit potential and what type of fare is best suited for a particular customer base.
For instance, the hot dog grill roller and nacho dispenser will usually be working overtime at soccer fields and ballparks during the spring and summer, especially around lunch and dinner times. Other summertime favorites are ice cream, cold drinks and, of course, snow cones. The shaved ice business booms during those steamy mid-summer days at any outdoor gathering.
Speaking of the Seasons…
Concession stand success is certainly not restricted to the warm-weather months. The fall brings with it the sweetness of caramel corn, cotton candy and caramel apples. For “Oktoberfest” events, many concessionaires break out the funnel cake equipment and trade traditional hot dogs for sausages and bratwurst.
Cold weather customers will gravitate toward the popcorn poppers and pizza warmers. Warm cones of caramel popcorn are always a coveted wintertime treat. Naturally, concession stands with coffee and hot chocolate available when it’s chilly outside will usually attract a steady stream of patrons.
Food stand owners often choose to mix in a few specialty items according to the season, such as soups in the fall and winter and popsicles and a variety of ice cream bars in the summer. In this business, seasonal adaptability that satisfies customer expectations results in profits!
Tags: Caramel Corn, concession stand, concession stand equipment, concession stand food, concession trailer, Concessions, cotton candy maker, food, fun food, Marketing, Popcorn, Popcorn Business, Sales, Selling, small business, small businesses, word of mouth
There 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.
