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As the largest and most demanding multibillion dollar industry in the world, the food industry can provide jobs, opportunities and potential profits for millions of people worldwide. People who are dedicated, patient and hard-working may find that the food industry is the best place for them to start their own business as a food vendor. Choose from any number of foods, such as shaved ice, pastries, hot dogs, burgers, fries and so much more. Food vendors are also known as street vendors, as their usual customers are always on the go and in a hurry to eat and run. As a food vendor, your main priority is to satisfy your impatient customers’ demands quickly and efficiently while still maintaining a high quality standard in your food and service. Food vendors are also expected to be prepared for rush hours, just like any other business. You can prepare various products and keep them hot for instant delivery, but keep in mind that the longer food sits there, the lower the quality will become. A good food vendor knows how to time their food products just in time for the rush of customers. Once you have decided what type of food(s) you would like to sell, you will need to go in search of the right equipment to prepare and serve this food. For example, if you are going to sell shaved ice, you will need some sort of cart or stand that will attract attention to your business. You will also need a shaved ice machine, a variety of syrup flavors, cups, spoons or straws, and napkins. Here are a few basics to keep in mind as you start researching your equipment: 1. What kind of food(s) do you plan on serving?
Understanding the health codes in your area will better help to prepare you for the kind of food you can sell. There may be certain foods that will be harder to serve due to health restrictions. For example, it is a lot harder to get a license to sell food that contains dairy, eggs, and raw meat. Selling things like shaved ice that does not require any cooking is a lot easier to get a license for. 2. What is your estimated daily sales volume?
For food vendors just starting out and are simply trying to gain some extra income, or for those who are targeting a specific audience or geographic area, your estimated daily sales will most likely be smaller and will therefore warrant a smaller initial investment. That means your food stand or cart can be smaller, your equipment can be second-hand, and you can buy things like cups and napkins in smaller quantities. 3. Purchasing the Most Efficient Equipment
When selecting the equipment for your food vending business, keep it safe, legal and efficient. Your equipment should help you work fast so you can sell more during rush hours. Your equipment also needs to be approved the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). They will ensure that the quality of your equipment meets the highest standards of design, operation and materials of construction. They will make sure the design of your equipment is compatible with local health regulations. Your equipment may require some special features, such as a separate sink for washing hands and for washing dishes. Do not buy an expensive piece of equipment and risk not passing a health inspection. Starting your own food vending business requires getting a food permit. All food vendors need a license before they can legally start selling their product to anyone. Additionally, if you want to sell your product at a local fair or any other public event, the officials over these events will require you to have a permit from the state or country where you live. You can obtain your permit from the health department in your area by filling out an application and having your food cart, stand or vehicle inspected and approved.
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