Markets or Industrial Estate

by Lee
(Hertford)

Hi David,

Me and my wife are just about to start out with our catering van and want some advice on pitches.

We have a pitch on a small industrial estate just of the major road what runs through our town and we are having signs made up all the usual griddles and other catering equipment to do breakfast, burgers and sandwiches.

But I have also had a double crepe machine installed to aim for events and possibly trading on markets. Do you have any information/experience regarding trading on markets with a catering vehicles pros and cons?

Cheers

Lee

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Apr 11, 2013
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by: David

Lee

Hi Lee good to hear from you and congrats on starting your catering business. I don’t have any experience with markets, but I suspect that you would apply the same due diligence. If you have all your LPG/Electric/PAT certificates up to date, food and hygiene certificate, insurance etc you will be good to go. Also make sure that they will allow a catering van as market pitches do not.

In advance, I would visit the market pitch to see what other food traders are present and how busy the market is in general. Speaking to other traders will also give you a good and valuable insight.

Also where is the market located? In the midst of other food retailers, such as cafes, restaurants, coffee houses etc, or somewhere a little of the beaten track, location is ever important.

Location placement within the market is also important so you may want to consider where you will be positioned.

In general busy markets can provide a good location to sell food, but just make sure you’ve done some market research before you commit yourself. If you intend to offer just crepes this may be unique enough for you to stand out from the crowd.

I’ve visited a few crepes sellers and they seem to be doing well, but it might be wise to only crepes and coffee, teas etc. Maybe get a magnetic sign made up for the markets to promote the crepe business only and then remove it when at your regular pitch.

I did something similar with hot doughnuts, and kept the menu separate and focused on selling one product really well.

Hope this help Lee,

Best of luck and let us know how it goes.

David


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