MyConcessionBusiness.com

Archive for May, 2010

There are many advantages of buying a used concession trailer instead of a new one. First and most importantly, buying a used concession trailer can save you a ton of money. When you are just starting down the path to become self-employed, the last thing you want to do is spend extra money.

The money that you save on your used concession trailer can be used to buy start up product, pay your personal bills while you are establishing your business or even be spent on customizing your trailer. Customization could be things as simple as the outside appearance including paint, awnings, skirts and graphic designs or interior customizing that would cover the floor and any fixtures. A customized exterior really can help you stand out from all of the other stands.

When buying a used concession trailer, do not overlook checking auctions. Also, you may even be able to buy a used concession trailer at government repossession auctions or online auction sites. If you are purchasing in person, inspect every inch of the trailer and if you are purchasing at an auction, get all of your questions answered before you place a bid.

You will want to find out what this particular used concession trailer was used for and if the previous owners purchased it new or used. The appliances should be in working condition and you may even want to check the tires to be sure that you will not need to replace those right away. Check the inner and outer body thoroughly. Is it clean? Do not purchase a used concession trailer that has any rust present.

Used trailers come in an array of sizes and with many different features. The size that you buy will be determined by how much space that you will need and the features that you require will be influenced by what food you plan on selling. Buying a used concession trailer is a smart choice. Soon you will see the rewards of having your own business!

48" ITALIAN ICE Concession Decal cart trailer stand sticker equipment

US $21.99

44m

48" ICE COLD DRINKS Concession Decal drink beer signs cart trailer stand sticker

US $21.99

1h 37m

28" HOT DOG Concession Decal menu sign new cart trailer stand sticker

US $16.99

2h 2m

48" COLD BEER Concession Decal ice drink vendor cart trailer stand sticker

US $21.99

2h 24m

24" SOFT SERVE ICE CREAM CHOCOLATE Concession Decal cart trailer stand

US $16.99

2h 44m

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The procedures for getting a business license may vary slightly from state to state but regardless of location there will basic similarities. Some issues regarding permits, licenses and business names can be a bit of a handful for new business owners so for some matters, you may want to seek the help of a lawyer or a mentor in the business to guide you through the process.

You may be asking yourself do you really need a license? Most likely, the answer is going to be yes, unless of course you plan on conducting business illegally. Getting a business license is absolutely necessary but not to worry, the fees that are associated with this task are usually quite minimal.

Traditionally, the place to go for getting a business license will be your local city hall building or courthouse. Upon arriving, the city clerk will be able to direct you where you need to go in the building and you need to speak with. You can also make a phone call to the county clerk's office if you have questions, they can be found under municipal government offices in your local phone book.

Getting a business license may require that you also get a DBA. General partnerships and sole proprietors operating under business names will need a DBA. Enforcing of any contracts cannot be done unless you officially own your business name and if you do not get a DBA, someone else can take your name that you worked so hard to create. Also, if your business will have employees, you will need an employer identification number (EIN). You can apply for this very easily at the IRS website.

When you go to obtain your license, you will want to have all of your business paperwork ready which includes your EIN, DBA and any fictitious name certificates. You will complete your license application and then file it with a small fee, in person, at the appropriate government office. Keep in mind that getting a business license is not a one time ordeal, you will need to file renewals annually.

The concession stand market is a growing business in this defunct economy. One of the most reliable concepts is that concessions never lose their novelty; this is the case for stands which sell food (items which are always in demand) and also for souvenirs (which are readily in demand at areas such as ballparks and sports stadiums). With hundreds and even thousands of people going into and coming out of sporting events and public venues, the concession stand business becomes a cash cow in which high volumes of traffic – and money – exchange hands from them to you.

A particular concession stand, such a a simple hot dog wagon, can yield amazing profits in a short amount of time. Consider the costs of running such a stand: the stand itself, even one of the cheapest ones, runs about at about only $2,000-$3,000 (used) or twice that price ($4k-$6k) for new models. Take into account the costs of materials (at the most, you'll spend about $100 in materials such as hot dogs, buns, condiments, and even pre-packaged chips and canned or bottled drinks). With only a $100 investment in materials, you can make over triple that amount in only one day's worth of sales, if packaged correctly. Putting together a meal (hot dog with fix-ins, chips, and drink) can justify a price of $3.00-$5.00; even if you decide to be generous and sell for cheaper than this, you will still come out with money in your pocket to cover expenses and pocket the rest. Think about this: the cost to make a hot dog is about $0.17 for the dog, $0.10 for the bun, and less than $0.05 for condiments; add chips ($0.40 per bag) and a drink ($0.25), and you've got yourself a total cost of $0.97 for the meal! At a $3.00 price point, you're making just over $2 in profit per sale!

Location is the key to your success. Placing a concession stand at a location known for its traffic, and also providing convenience in an area where food or drink is not readily accessible, provides you the opportunity to rake in the cash. Think beaches during the summer, or even just outside schools. Target those who are looking for a quick bite to eat on the fly – these will be your constant influx of revenue. Imagine school's out, it's a nice summer day. No one is at home, everyone's at the beach enjoying the surf, sun, and sand. Swimming sure does work up an appetite – make sure to provide your service to them, because they'll be dying to have one of your meals. And if it is something as simple as a hand-held hot dog, they'll likely buy more than one meal throughout the day! Repeat customers in a highly saturated location; you're bound to make huge amounts of money in little time, and with very little investment. In only a few short months, maybe even weeks (if you're truly motivated), you'll have made back the money you put down for your cart, and will have established a strong customer base with your continued presence at these locations.

Concessions are probably the best way to make money in this tough economy, as you're able to reap the benefits of a cost-effective business model, along with high volumes of customers, in a time when people want – nay, need – your product. Just provide the service, and the product will sell itself! Good luck in your future money making!