Food Vendors Guide: Expand Your Presence at Events
Are you looking to make extra money while having fun and meeting new people? Becoming a food vendor at events is an exciting way to do just that. Selling food at events is a profitable business, but it can be hard to know where to start.
This guide by Pearl Lemon Catering will give you all the information you need to become a successful events food vendor. With tips on choosing the right events for your business, what food sells best, and how to make the most of your pitch, after reading this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge needed for a successful events season.
What Food Sells Best At Events?
When it comes to what food sells best at events, the answer can vary depending on the size and type of event. For example, if you’re attending a small local event with only a few vendors, classic comfort foods like burgers, hot dogs, and pizza will likely be your best bet.
However, if you want to make an impression at larger events with more people in attendance and higher disposable incomes, it’s worth considering more unique options.
How To Choose The Right Events To Attend
Choosing the right events to attend is key in taking your food truck business to the next level. When making this important decision, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, take into account the size and location of the event. A larger, more well-known event will likely draw bigger crowds, while a smaller local event may be a better fit if you’re starting.
Secondly, research the demographic of attendees so you can tailor your menu accordingly. Lastly, make sure you have all the necessary permits and licenses in order before setting up the shop. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to make an impact at your first events.
How To Become A Food Vendor At Events
Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential events, it’s time to speak with the organiser and secure your proposal. If you’ve never done it before, it can be a difficult task. Here are our suggestions for becoming a food seller at the events of your choosing to assist you.
Start The Process In Plenty Of Time
Apply For A Catering Spot At Events
Visit the organiser’s website and complete an application to request a catering spot at an event. They’ll be curious to know:
- Your name, address, and phone number
- Which types of food do you sell?
- What size is your stall?
- How many parking permits are required
- What electrical needs do you have
Because they can accommodate more vendors into the same space, event organisers will find you more appealing if your business is more efficient. You’ll consequently stand the best chance of acquiring a pitch if you can minimise the size of your spot and the number of parking passes you require.
Read The Contract Carefully
If your application is accepted, a contract for your signature will be delivered to you. As with any legal document, you should carefully study this one; if there is anything you don’t understand or don’t like the look of, ask the organiser to clarify it. You shouldn’t take any chances with your livelihood, so if they can’t respond satisfactorily, walk away from the deal.
How To Make The Most Of Your Event’s Pitch
It might take a lot of effort to get a pitch at events, but that’s only half the battle. Your ability to draw in customers and generate enough revenue to pay your costs and more will determine your success. Here are all you need to do to seize the moment and generate money with your event’s pitch.
What You Should Sell
The greatest street food menus limit their selection to a few products, and setting up during events is no different. You’ll be able to forecast the amount of stock you’ll need more easily with a smaller menu, which increases your chances of turning a profit. Also, it will reduce wait times and stop potential consumers from leaving because of menu confusion.
When you go to events, you might want to streamline your menu even more than usual. This is due to how simple it is to underestimate the amount of stock you require for the more things on your menu. Stick to only a few dishes to offer yourself the best chance of success because ordering too much or too little food might be disastrous.
Up Your Design Game
Your events stall needs to look the part if you want to draw attention to yourself there. While some vendors choose to use slick and elegant designs for their stalls, others prefer to use more homemade materials. Depending on the type of food you are serving, either one can be just as effective.
Offer A Trader Discount
The neighbourhood of street food is close-knit. By providing a discount to other traders, you can make some friends who might be priceless if they reveal business secrets to you or alert you to a forthcoming events you’d fit in at.
Final Tips
Attending an event as a food vendor can be a great way to make some extra money while having fun and meeting new people. But before you set up your stall, there are a few things you should consider to ensure it’s a successful venture. It’s best to choose items that are easy to prepare, beneficial for those on the go, and that won’t need too much equipment or refrigeration. Once you have all these elements, you can start making money.
Need help planning your next event? Let Pearl Lemon Catering help you figure out your plan as a food vendor. We are more than happy to supply or guide you through the event.
FAQs
How do you attract customers to an event?
Including special incentives and offers for the attendees helps attract a wider target audience with ease. You can encourage your audience to participate by offering them special discounts, job offers and gifts.
What are quick and easy snacks to sell?
Some of the best snacks to sell for profit include cotton candy, pretzels, ice cream, roasted nuts and popcorn. If you’re looking for easy food to sell to make money, these concession-style snacks are a good choice.
What type of food sells the most?
- Potato Chips.
- Doughnuts.
- Ice Cream.
- Chicken Tenders.
- Soft Drinks/Soda.
- Pizza.
- Oreo Cookies.
- French Fries.
