Posts Tagged ‘course’
Finding Concession Trailers for Sale
Finding concession trailers for sale is actually the easiest part of opening a food concession trailer business. Once you actually start looking, you may be surprised at how many are even in your local area since business owners are constantly upgrading and retiring. Of course, you will first need to decide if you want a new or used concession trailer.
New concession trailers for sale are easiest found online. There are plenty of websites that not only sell an array of styles of trailers, they will also customize them for you with the options that you need. Special options include quiet generators, flat tops, grills, fryers, sinks, toasters, freezers and refrigerators. Although new concession trailers for sale will cost you more money, they will also come with a full warranty and you can design them with the exact options that you want.
If you are looking for used concession trailers for sale, you may have luck finding one in your area. Check you local newspaper classified ads or try your luck at local automobile auctions. It it always recommended that you ask any questions on the item prior to bidding. If you cannot find anything locally to suit your needs then there are a ton of concession trailers for sale online, even online auctions. The only downfall to shopping online is that you may not be able to view it in person as easily. It is recommended to find something close enough for you to go view the trailer in person to inspect. Of course, if you find a good enough deal on one, the drive will be well worth it. Although used concession trailers for sale will probably not have a warranty on them, they will cost you quite a bit less money so they are definitely ideal for someone just starting out in the business and on a tight budget. Also, do not rush into buying one. There are enough of them for sale that you can be selective and wait for the perfect one that is in your price change offering the exact options that you need
Basic Business Strategies for Running Your Concession Business
There are a few basic business strategies that you should apply regardless of the type of business that you are in. Quite often, entrepreneurs are so preoccupied with all of the immediate issues and day to day tasks of running their business that they tend to lose sight of what their ultimate objectives are which is why a strategic plan is so incredibly necessary.
Do not confuse a strategic plan with a business plan, they are not the same thing. Your strategic plan actually provides the foundation for your business plan. An effective strategic plan needs to be both attainable and realistic. Basic business strategies include reviewing past performance of the business and employees, focusing on all matters that are of strategic importance including marketing, and distinguishing clearly between cause and effect.
When you develop your strategic plan you need to clearly identify the current status of your business as well as all of your objectives. Write out weaknesses, strengths, opportunities and threats. You need to focus on building on your strengths, exploiting all of your opportunities, avoiding potential threats and resolving your weaknesses.
Next you need to take the time to set your business goals. These should be specific, time-based measurements that you plan on achieving by implementing your strategies. Your goals should be consistent, achievable and quantifiable. They can relate to finances, products, market, utilization, profitability, expansion and efficiency.
When outlining your basic business strategies, your objectives, strategies and goals need to be inter-linked and also consistent with each other. Of course, this is easier said than done since most businesses are set with objectives of purely becoming exceptionally wealthy as fast as possible, but they lack realistic goals, strategies and concise missions. Make sure that you develop attainable goals and review your strategies often to make sure that you are on track to be successful with your business.
Top Five Healthy Concession Stand Ideas
Just because you are a health food fanatic does not mean that you cannot become self-employed by opening your own concession stand. There are plenty of people that would prefer to have a healthier alternative available to eat, not only for themselves but for their children as well. Many festivals, fairs and other events only offer concession stand food so people have no choice to make unhealthy food choices but they may actually prefer to have an option that is good for them, especially in today's society when more and more people are becoming health conscious everyday. Of course, some of these healthy concession stand ideas are not extremely healthy foods, they are better for you than items that are fried or loaded in sugar.
Frozen Yogurt – This is ideal especially for a hot day. You can choose to just carry one or maybe two flavors and have toppings that have a long shelf life and that will not melt like granola, nuts and coconut. If you know business will be busy, consider caring one of two types of fruits to top with such as raspberries, blueberries, sliced strawberries or kiwi.
Popcorn – Nothing draws a crowd like the familiar aroma of fresh popped popcorn. Of course you will want to have butter and salt on hand for those that prefer their popcorn flavored but many enjoy it as a healthy snack plain.
- Frozen Bananas – So, chances are, your frozen bananas will probably be dipped in chocolate but at least the banana is healthy, full of vitamins and potassium which is a plus if you are looking for healthy concession stand ideas to set up around sporting events like children softball or soccer games or anywhere people might be sweating and in need of something healthy that will refresh their energy levels.
Vegetarian Burgers and Hotdogs – You do not have to be a vegetarian to enjoy these either. Many people are looking for healthy alternatives to meat that are still full of protein.
- Fresh Fruit – Ideally, you can simply prepare fresh fruit cups or you can also sell large slices of watermelon, frozen coconut or even contains of frozen grapes or berries. Fresh fruit appeals to people of all ages and chances are you won't have any competition.
Getting a Business License for Your Concession Business
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.

