Rob Bowe
The biggest factor affecting your sales is a combination of location of your food stand, the popularity of your product, how your food stand looks and how much competition there is at the event. This issue we are going to focus on securing a good location.
You will hear constantly, the phrase, "Location, Location, location! When you are starting out in the food vending business, booking decent shows with good locations can be challenging.
To make sure you are getting the best location, you should discuss in depth with the promoter the traffic flow and other attractions in the area of the location being offered to you. Remember location is everything. It’s a good idea to ask questions such as; Is there a map available of the show grounds? What was last years attendance? If you are starting new in this business you will discover some locations are great, some are poor and most fall in between.
Some shows tend to "sell real estate" to anyone and everyone as way of making money for the promoter. Some shows only allow a new vendor in if someone leaves. Usually they will offer that vacated spot to someone who has been with them for a while and then after the shuffling you may be offered the least attractive spot at the show. That could be on the main traffic fare. If your location is behind or to the side of a building off the main traffic flow, or stuck in no man's land, you will NOT make much money. No one will find you. Other questions to ask about your location include cost (AKA Privilege Fee)?, distance to amenties such as water and electric hook ups. How many people are selling my primary menu items?
