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. The Nose Sense Test. Appealing to the sense of smell is very important in drawing in the crowds. The aroma of grilled onions with garlic or ginger produces an enticing aroma to the body’s olfactory system. Combine that with the smell of fresh hot pretzels, steaming coffee and grilled hot dogs and you’ve got a whole smorgasbord of pleasant smells acting like magnets to draw your customers in.

3. The Taste Sense Test. We always served up the best quality. We carried brand name all beef hot dogs and sausages, such as Sabretts, Hebrew National or Nathans depending on local taste preferences. Your product cost will be a little higher, but in the long run it is worth every penny. You want your customer to enjoy the food you sell and to enjoy the experience of stopping and eating at your stand. And you want him to return and to recommend you to others. At the end of the day throw out or give away any left over perishables. Never save old product for use the next day. Never skimp on quality. Buy the best quality products even if you have to raise your prices.

4. The Oral Sense Test. When a customer is approaching your stand, know what to say to be helpful. Be pleasant and sell at the same time. Be sincere and offer suggestions. For example you might point at your menu board which shows your offerings and the various condiments. Ask them how they like their hot dog dressed. Make sure you know how to upsell. Take a cue from MacDonalds and ask if they want a soda and chips with their order. If you can be funny, humor is good. If you are not a funny person, don’t fake it. Be everything else instead.

5. The Sense of Hearing Test. Listen closely to what the customer is saying. He or she may be offering you buying clues and opportunities for upsells. For example if the lady says she has a train to catch, ask her if she wants a soft pretzel to eat on the way home. Make it more appealing by telling her you have insulated bags that keep the pretzels warm and fresh for hours.

6. Feeling Test. Always smile and be friendly. After a while you will start to see familiar faces. You will eventually remember their names and what they like. In time youll become a Cheers (where everybody knows your name) on wheels. And hopefully very wealthy too.

7. Common Sense Test. Smile, be happy, and be courteous. Watch how fast your new and repeat customer base grows. Watch how fast your profits add up. And as crazy as it sounds, the best test of your overall success or failure is how fast your tip jar adds up! This is a great indicator of how well you are doing your job. A sign of how much people like you and your product. And the more they like you the more successful you will be.

8. Sense of No Touch. Always use your tongs and foil wrap papers when handling food products. Never touch the food. If the Health Department sees the violation, you will probably get a citation.