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Posts Tagged ‘concession trailer’

Walking the Walk – Actual Concession Business Testimonial

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to share with you an email that I received from one of our blog readers...  I am posting it here with his permission.  I think our readers will gain a lot from his experience in the field.   It is a lenghtly, informative email so I am going to break it down into 3 or 4 sections posted in 3 or 4 days.  Hope you enjoy.  Below is discusses how he got started and a little advice for setting up your trailer.   A lot of people reading this blog are interesting in selling the donuts concession style, for example at flea markets and the like.   If you are interested in doing that,  there is a great website that will basically "hold your hand" and teach you the ropes in explicit detail,  head on over to:

Concession Trailer Business

I don't do a lot of promotion of the site, except in the forums I've added a banner.. but it truly is a good resource.   Here is Part 1 of the email,  thanks again Dave for your excellent advice!  I have found (and as I have told Dave) that people in the concession business are so secretive with their information so this is a rare glimpse in someone that is actually walking the walk.

Hi John,
I have been in the concession business since 2005.  I started with my Italian ice trailer.  Actually, that trailer I originally intended to be a full service ice cream shop on wheels.  I went and bought a used soft serve ice cream machine on ebay, a flurry machine, milk shake machine, hot fudge warmer, etc.  I had bought the trailer used on ebay also, sight unseen, and had it shipped to CT from Minnesota.  It got here, and was in deplorable condition.  Nobody ever caulked the seams in the roof, and for years, water had leaked into the roof, down the walls, and completely rotted out the floor to the point that the plywood actually came up in handfulls.  This trailer was advertised as "could use new linoleum".  Yes, it did need new linoleum, but it also needed new floor framing and plywood!  I was busy trying to get the trailer in order before my first event, and time was ticking.  I had to have it ready for a certain date because I was supposed to be selling at a blueberry festival.  Well, I didn't have all my ducks in a row with the ice cream stuff, so I just ended up putting one of the freezers back in there after repairing the floor, and did Italian ice only at that first event.  It was a two day event, and I took in $650 in two days.  I had never made that much money that quickly in my life.  From then on, I was hooked.  I decided that the Italian ice went so well, and was rather simple to do, so I would just make it an Italian ice trailer... forget about all the ice cream stuff.
This is a picture of that trailer on my first day of business:
It looks a little different now.  I've found that "flash is cash".  The more flashy your trailer is, the more it will catch people's eye and make them want to buy from you.  Especially if you are a travelling unit, where people really don't know you or what kind of product you sell.  You have to attract them to you with flash.
It takes time to build a good route for a concession trailer.  I still don't have every weekend booked during the summer months.  I have found some events that advertise 10K people, and I doubt if they get half that.  So if I don't do good, I don't go back.  And some events keep changing their weekend from year to year, so it will conflict with something else, and then I'll have to choose which one to do because I can't be in two places at once.  So my schedule always varies to some extent every year.  I think it's always a good idea to visit an event first before putting up money to vend there.  See what you think of it, and if you think it would be worth while.  Do they get good foot traffic?  What other vendors do they have selling similar merchandise?  How many years have the existing vendors been vending there?  If they are repeat vendors and have been vending there for years, chances are it’s a good event for them.  A bunch of new vendors is indicative of high turnover because vendors are unhappy and don’t return.
Be sure to come back tomorrow for Part 2 of His email...  he will be talking specifically about his experiences on getting into festivals and the like.  He will also be talking about his experiences with a popular donut machine.   Don't forget to check out the website Concession Trailer Business,  it is an excellent resource for those interested in the concession business, also called mobile food trailers.... ( I didn't know that either)

Are you looking for a quick way to make money?

Are you looking for a quick way to make money? Would you love to become self-employed but don't know where to begin? Do you want a business that will allow you to turn a profit fast? Surely you have seen concession trailers at fairs, festivals, parks, sporting events or even in parking lots or on busy streets. Chances are you have even been a patron at a few.

Has it ever occurred to you that a quick way to make money is to open your own concession trailer? This is a business that you can start up with a very low investment that offers high profitable returns. It can be a part time or full time job and the best part is you are guaranteed to make money. As long as you are setting up your business somewhere where there is foot traffic, the hungry people will come to you. Advertising costs aren't even necessary like with a traditional restaurant!

It doesn't matter if you have no experience in the food business or if you are a good cook or not. It really doesn't matter even what food you choose to sell. All concession food is popular and adored by the masses and of course, very profitable.

The concession food business is not only a quick way to make money, it is also a recession proof business. Even during financial downturns when other businesses fail, a concession food trailer will not. Unlike a restaurant where people have an unlimited choice of places to go, a concession food business is completely different. When you are set up at events, people have to eat, they come to spend money and there are no restaurants available. People will stand in long lines for your food because they have to and because they actually want to, its all part of the novelty of getting their favorite food.

If you are looking for a quick way to make money where you can finally set your own hours and work for yourself, open a concession food business and take control over your future.

Making Extra Money With a Concession Food Business

Are you thinking about starting your own business as a way of making extra money? If you want to become self-employed to put some extra money in your pocket for bills, vacations or school, the concession food business is the perfect place to start. Making extra money this way is extremely easy and a whole lot of fun. It is a business that allows you the unique opportunity to work outdoors at fun events and the chance to meet tons of interesting people.

A concession trailer has the ability to be moved wherever the people are gathered which makes making extra money super convenient with endless potential money making possibilities. Fairs, festivals, sporting events, parks or the busy corner of the business district in your city, anywhere there are people, there are opportunities to make money. On the other hand, should you decide to set up a semi-permanent location, that is always an option too.

A concession food trailer is the perfect way to get into the food business. It can be as profitable if not more profitable than a traditional restaurant with a lot less work. Making extra money is simple and fast because it requires very little start up capital and you don't have to hire a whole restaurant staff. You can literally triple the amount of money you spend on product in only one day.

Making extra money with a concession food business is also ideal because you can choose to just work at it part time on the weekends if you have a day job that you love or it is a perfect opportunity for a summer job for students. Of course, if you want the freedom of being your own boss and setting your own schedule, making extra money can easily be making full time money for your sole source of employment. Many people choose to open a concession food business as the perfect way to retire and have extra income or as a great excuse to travel and take their business with them. The best way for making extra money is by starting your own concession food business.

How to Become Self Employed

  Most people, at some point in their lives, have the dream to become self-employed. There are a huge number of benefits of being self-employed such as control over your own schedule, having no boss and the sense of accomplishment of creating your own future. However, if you want to become self-employed, you must also understand that there are a few disadvantages including not having a guaranteed paycheck and no paid vacations or health insurance.

 To become self-employed, you need to really think about if it is the right choice for you. Are you self-motivated, driven and goal oriented? If so, you are probably a good candidate. However, if you are someone who needs guidance or cannot figure things out for yourself, self-employment is not a good idea.

 You will need to decide what you want to do to become self-employed. The most popular approaches are opening a small business such as a concession stand or a catering business or offering your services as an independent contractor or freelancer. Make yourself a list of way to become self-employed by doing something that you would love and that you are good at.

 Then, once you decide on your niche, do as much research as you can on the topic and create your own business plan. You will need to explore financing options unless you have a substantial amount of money saved up for start-up costs like equipment and supplies. Most people choose personal loans, small business loans or home equity loans for financing their new business.

 If you really want to become self-employed, go for it and do not listen to anyone else. Start with something small that you can turn a huge profit with like your own ice cream or hot dog concession and then work up to a concession trailer with other food options and highly profitable venues like fairs and festivals. Your opportunities are truly endless when you want to become self-employed.

Forming a Business Plan for Your Concession Business

Forming a business plan for a concession business is the most important step of the whole process. Chances are, you probably already have an idea of what you plan on selling but if you don't, this is the time to make that decision. Your business name will need to be determined which should relate to your product and you will need to select a business structure for tax purposes. You may want to do a bit of research on the pros and cons of a limited liability company, sole proprietorship or a partnership. Also, if this is going to be a partnership, you need to be precise with what each person's responsibilities will be.

When you are forming a business plan for a concession business, you need to be aware that you will probably need a certificate granted from the health department that states that you are educated on how to prepare and serve food in a safe and sanitary way. You will also need a license allowing you to do business.

The next thing you will need to do when forming a business plan for a concession business is set up a realistic time line and use this to establish your goals. This time line will also help you decide the time you are willing to spend on development and marketing. Be careful not to make the mistake of setting unrealistic goals.

You will need to spend a bit of time analyzing opportunities for your business. Do you plan on being grounded at one location or will you have a concession trailer and travel from festival to festival. Your time line will also allow you to create milestones for securing your location, buying equipment and your estimated date of when to open your business. List intermediate and long-term goals that are attainable and attractive to investors and banks. Of course, if you are seeking outside funding you will have to know how much money you will need and be able to explain exactly how it will be used.

Forming a business plan for a concession business may seem like a time consuming task but it is the only way to be sure that you cover all important areas that need attention along the way to obtaining your goals.

Tips for Buying a Used Concession Trailer

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!

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