Best Practices for Event Cart Operations
Managing cart operations at festivals and large events requires strategic planning and flexibility. Here are key best practices to ensure success during your event:
Cart Location Strategy
- Scout the Venue in Advance: Walk the event venue the day before to identify ideal cart locations. Look for intersections or high-traffic areas between stages, rather than clustering near food vendors.
- Leverage the Main Stage: Main stages are excellent spots, but plan to relocate later in the day to avoid being trapped by large crowds.
- Stay Nimble: If a location appears better during the event, be flexible and move the cart there for optimal sales opportunities.
Inventory Management
- Post-Event Storage Plan: Always have a backup plan for storing unsold popsicles after the event. Weather, event cancellations, or lower-than-expected sales can leave you with excess inventory. Prepare as though you will return with most of your products and arrange storage accordingly.
VIP Upselling
- Presence in VIP Areas: Offer to set up in VIP sections for limited hours. While these areas may not have high volume, emphasize your presence as an amenity to enhance the VIP experience and build valuable brand relationships.
- Catering Options: Collaborate with event hospitality management to offer full-service catering, billed via invoice. You can also provide discounted rates to encourage VIP purchases not subject to event revenue sharing.
Crowd Movement and Set Times
- Study Event Schedules: Large festivals design set times to distribute crowds and prevent overcrowding. Anticipate surges in specific areas at certain times and ensure your carts are fully stocked and staffed. Be prepared to maximize sales during peak crowd movements.
Engage with Food Coordinators
- Keep It Simple: Food coordinators are often overwhelmed with various responsibilities. Make a positive impression by being easy to work with, efficient, and low-maintenance. You want to be remembered as a hassle-free vendor who provides value.
Be findable / visible always:
Even in the middle of all of the lights, you can still spot a clearly illuminated Rainbow Umbrella.
Always have a plan B:
Sometimes the fun will need to pause to prioritize safety. Are you prepared for these moments?
Stay Mobile:
Put yourself in the middle of the action: Change course if needed.
