The right attitude when managing a food cart

How to Start a Successful Food Cart Franchise Business in the Philippines

Because of low capitalization and strong earning potential, food carts have become the preferred type of start-up business for Filipinos.

Richard Sanz of the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI), said that there are two options in putting up a food cart business: one is create your own, and the other is to get a franchise.

“If you create your own, one good thing is you own it. But then you will have to do everything from the logo, systems, and suppliers. Unlike if you franchise, the advantage is you will not go through all that, and you also eliminated the trial and error phase," he points out. However, the downside is the franchise fee is a bit high so you need bigger investment and you need to follow the rules and policies of the franchiser

1. You should have a good concept.
Sanz says the concept should always match the product you are selling. So, if the product is Italian, everything should be consistently Italian themed. If the product is Filipino, the concept should match.

2. Focus on the product first.
"Even if the concept is good, but the product is bad, people will just avail at the start to try it out but they will not be coming back," Sanz said. Making sure that you have a consistently good product will ensure the long term viability of the business.

3. Get a good starting location.
This is one of the single most important factors of a food cart business. Make sure that the site is very visible with very high foot traffic. "Do your research, try to gauge the amount of people passing through a particular location, and also make sure that these people suit your target market for your product," Sanz advises.

4. Come up with a good stall design to attract customers. As a marketing tool, having a good storefront is critical for any startup. "Ask yourself, how will I differentiate myself from competitors? To do this, you will probably need to hire a good designer and architect or visit other countries to get a good idea. Trade books and magazines could also help you decide what design will work for your line of business," Sanz said.

5. Have an efficient operating system. Sanz said it is very important to install a good operating system in your business, especially if you're a startup with limited resources. "Here is where the stall operation will revolve. This is important because in cart business, there is limited space. You should be able to store your product and prepare them with that limited space," he said.

6. Don't bank on credit to bankroll your business.
Obtaining the needed capital for your business is a necessary step, but Sanz counsels it would be wise to use your own money, so in case the business doesn’t do well, no creditor will go after you. "The rule is “you only invest what you are prepared to lose,” he said.

7. Be a stickler for service.
A food business is very dependent on a good reputation for success, maintaining a good service level, efficient systems, and clean products and workstations will go a long way in helping your longevity and increase help you build credibility.

8. Pay your suppliers, employees, and lessor (rent) on time to ensure continuity of operations.
There's nothing more annoying than having to stop operations for lack of supplies, place of business, or both. To avoid this, Sanz says entrepreneurs should set up an active payment system that is both efficient and timely. "Suppliers are the lifeblood of your company, and if they stop because of non payment, you will lose a lot money. Also, make sure to pay the right wages and give mandatory benefits to your employees, because a happy worker is a productive worker," he said.

9. Secure all necessary permits before starting operations. Before the first day of operations, make sure to register your business with DTI, IPO, BIR, and get the necessary business permits in the barangay and municipal/city hall (mayor's permit). Doing so will save you the hassle of processing it while your business is already under way.

10. Choose the right franchise.
If you opt to get a franchise instead of starting your own business, make sure that the franchisor is a member of good standing with any (or both) of the two franchise associations in the Philippines, Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc (AFFI) and Philippine Franchise Association (PFA). Do background checks, talk with franchisees, and consult a lawyer before signing the franchise agreement.

11. "People should be very careful before getting a franchise for food carts because there are already fly-by-night franchisers that are taking advantage of this to enrich themselves illegally. This is why the membership with the AFFI and PFA is important because these two groups screen their members properly," Sanz said.

12. LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!.
Location, plays a big part in the success of your food cart or in any business for that matter. You have to think of a good location where people frequents and can see what you are selling. But not all places cramming with people is a good venue

13 Low Pricing is a Key to increase Customers You have to match your good location with the RIGHT PRODUCT at a GOOD PRICE.
People will keep coming back on you food cart business, if you sell good quality products at a very reasonable price. When you are just starting your business don’t be too greedy with the profit and be prepare for setbacks. Be creative and update your products every two months so that your customers will not get tired of what you sell. Always think that there are a lot of competition in the market.

14. Advertisement and Promotions:
Be Aggressive. Customers will not come to you unless they're familiar with your store. Use Tarpaulins and Flyers, Use your Network. Let them know you're there.

15. Choose the Right Employee:
He should pass to your standards, must have a Good Hygiene, has a positive personality, well-groomed, and industrious.

source: http://www.wikihow.com/

Subject: The right attitude when managing a food cart January 3rd 2015, 8:19 am

Why is a franchised food cart the most recommended business opportunity for startup entrepreneurs? What is the right attitude when managing one?

There are logical reasons why many inexperienced and newbie entrepreneurs are choosing a food cart for their new venture. First, this type of business usually requires lower capital. Second, food is always a popular commodity among consumers. Third, it is comparatively easier to manage than any other business. And lastly, it can be a training ground where a new entrepreneur can learn basic management skills and accumulate experience.

For a food cart entrepreneur to be successful, he has to first set the right attitude when operating and managing such a business. Entrepinoy Food Cart franchise manager Dabby Medina agrees. “In this type of business, attitude counts. A franchisee has to observe the right level of discipline to make it work,” she said.

As many entrepreneurial experts assert, no business should be considered as small or big. An entrepreneur has to give his full attention and effort when operating and managing a business, whether it is big or small. “There should be focus to do the best and to excel,” Medina added.

Hands-on management

It would certainly help if the business owner would be hands-on in his enterprise. That is why Entrepinoy usually requires its food cart franchisees to personally manage the franchised business. “We want our franchisees to actually and truly understand how the business works. Besides, it is their money that they are intending to grow,” Medina asserted.

“This way, entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to learn basic entrepreneurship based on experience. They will have to undergo first-hand experience in dealing with the basic and usual rudiments and challenges of operating a food cart. Eventually, they would learn for their selves how to effectively resolve issues,” she added.

It is never costly to buy and own any of Entrepinoy’s food cart franchise brands. According to Medina, for as low as P35,000, an entrepreneur can buy an outdoor food cart, which could be strategically located in transportation terminal areas, school zones, and municipal or city halls.

Less risky

The entire franchising process can possibly be completed in as fast as two to three weeks. Plus, the company is providing P1,500 worth of initial supplies in the franchise package. That would be sufficient to cover the inventory for the first day of operations.

“You can tell that our franchise package is least risky. Franchisees would not bear much pressure. But they could instead focus on making the food cart immensely successful for it to generate much more profits,” Medina reiterated.

Moreover, Entrepinoy also provides consultancy services to make sure its franchisees would finally see the path to success. It provides its franchisees the necessary guidance for them to really make it big in this business.

source: Entrepinoy

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