8 Secrets of Concession Trailers that Every Newbie Should Know

8 Secrets of Concession Trailers that Every Newbie Should Know

Starting your own concession trailer business is exciting, but it can also be very nerve-wracking. Especially when you start looking up all the codes and health department regulations.  It can feel like there is a lot of red tape, and sometimes you aren’t sure where to begin.  Having the right team in your corner, like California Cart Builder, to assist with the health department research is a smart move.  California Cart Builder will walk you through the design process, and the health departments processes, resulting in a unit that will pass code and make you the most money.  You have enough on your mind figuring out all of the other ends and outs to your business. To become a successful concession trailer operator, you must do everything possible to tip the odds in your favor.  Make sure that you have the right people in your corner. 

In addition to that, to help you out, here are eight secrets of concession trailers that every newbie should know.

1. Target the Right Events

One of the easiest ways to supercharge your success when you first start out is to hit up big events in your area. You can make enough money in one big weekend to keep you profitable for the month if you hit up the right event.  Make sure the event will have a high attendance.  Make sure you are unique to the other vendors there.  Even if you are selling similar or some of the same items as another vendor, having a quality unit will draw more people to your trailer.  A unit by California Cart Builder will be built in a manner that will keep up with volume, and keep your line moving.  If the crowd sees your line moving quickly they are more likely to stand in it.   

2. Change Your Menu Up

No matter how good your food is, you run the risk of losing business if you do not occasionally change up the menu. You should take a look every month or two at what isn’t selling. Trade out your unsuccessful menu items for new, exciting offerings that will draw in the customers.

3. Use Social Media

In today’s business world, you will be left in the dust if you do not have a strong social media imprint. You need to be on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram if you want to bring in Millennial customers to make your business thrive.

4. Have a Business Plan

If you have no goals to shoot for, you will never know whether your business is a success or not. You should write out a business plan when you start that has specific earnings goals to shoot for to keep you motivated to succeed.

5. Offer Great Food and Even Better Customer Service

The first step in concession trailer success is to offer your customers great food. However, no matter how delicious the food you make is, you will never succeed if you don’t complement it with terrific customer service. You should always bend over backwards to give your customers the best service possible. This will create great word-of-mouth advertising and earn you loads of repeat business.

6. Change Locations

It is important to remember that you are a mobile business when you are operating a concession trailer. It makes no sense to stay at the same location every day. You should move around the area to find new customers who will help grow your business.

7. Get the Right Equipment and Materials

Make sure that you have all the equipment and materials you need to start every shift. The last thing you want to do is close up shop during a busy time of day because you have to run to get something you forgot. Have an inventory list and double-check it before you open for the day.

8. Smile!

One of the most important things you can give every customer is a smile. Although you may be having a rotten day, you still need to make an effort to smile at every customer who comes to your concession trailer. This friendly touch will help make you a success as much as anything else.