Online Recipes

1. The Sense of Sight Test. The most important of all the senses. Let’s face it, nowadays most people are naturally cautious and suspicious about anything and everything. If their first impression of you or your stand is unfavorable, they are probably not going to stop. Who would want to buy a hot dog from an unsavory looking vendor or an unsanitary looking concession stand? Keep yourself clean and your cart spotless if you expect to make it in this business.

2. Smell Test. Certain foods give off very enticing scents. The aroma of steaming hot dogs, grilled onions or fresh warm pretzels waifing through the air will draw your customers in. Even if they just ate or are on a strict diet, the temptation to resist is just too strong.

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. 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. 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.