Tastes of Culture

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 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. 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.