Why is there a need to identify and define your customers? What makes it so important? Customers are your lifeblood. Without them, you won't have any business. With throngs of people passing by your cart everyday, you need to pinpoint and separate potential customers among them. And among your potential customers, who are most likely to be your regulars? Let us try to categorize hot dog cart customers and find out their needs and wants.
1) The Regular. Practically everyone likes hot dogs. But you must admit, not everyone makes a regular thing out of eating them. However, there are those who, more or less, have taken it on as a routine of sorts. They pass by your cart on their way to work. They grab one for breakfast since they are usually in a hurry. They do this because, of course, they like hot dogs, but most likely because of convenience.
2) The Friend. It is highly recommended that you make friends with your customers. You do not need to be really chummy with them, just call them by name from time to time and they'd be pleased and flattered that you remember them. There are those that go beyond that though. These people actually hang out with you while you are doing business. You practically get to be best buds with them. And it can actually be helpful, having them around. Their friendliness tends to attract more customers, allowing you to make more profit.
3) The Fan. Are your hot dogs really that good? Do you have a specialty that is wholly unique to your cart and your cart alone? If so, having fans would be inevitable. These people are the type who would brave rain and traffic just to get to your cart. They are the hot dog junkies who just have to have their fix. These cravings may only occur occasionally though, so you won't really see them around at all that often.
4) The Visitor. This type of customer doesn't pass by your cart on a regular basis. They are usually people who only happen to be there for an appointment; they can be tourists as well. In order to draw the Visitor to your hot dogs, you need to have a cart that is bright and attractive enough to stand out from its surroundings. The more unique and quirky your cart is, the better. It won't hurt to advertise your specialty either, so that these people would feel that their trip won't be complete without getting any of your hot dogs.
These are but a few of the sort of customers you are getting. Try to find out which one makes you the most profit, and which one gives you the least. The bottomline is, they are all customers. Whether they are regulars or not, you need to give them satisfaction since they more or less contribute to your income.
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You need to check out Hot Dog Business Course for the most valuable business information you can find anywhere on starting a hot dog cart business. This blog is filled with news, information, best practices and sound advice for starting and maintaining your vending business.
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