Gourmet Coffee Online

1. The All Important Sight Sense Test. Most people walking along the street will give you and your food cart, whether it is a small stand or large enclosed concession trailer, the once over eye test before they even consider walking toward your location. If they do not like the way you look or if they don’t like the appearance of your concession stand, chances are they are not going to approach you. They will keep walking.

2. The Sense of Smell Test. It has been said that the aroma from certain foods acts like an aphrodisiac to the senses. The seductive smell of sauteed caramelized onions can overcome the strongest resistance barriers. Add to that the enticing scent of fresh brewed coffee and warm pretzels drifting through the air and the magic spell is artfully cast. Depending on your market area, you might add certain spices to the hot plate to liven up the assortment of aromas even more. If they were not hungry before, the hodge podge of pleasing aromas will draw them in like robots in a trance.

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. 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 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. 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.