Be Your Boss: Start Your Street Food Business for Low Costs & High Rewards
Self-employment is a dream that many people aspire to reach. This dream has become more prevalent in recent years, along with the impressive growth of starting a mobile food business. Creating a mobile food cart business is perfect for anyone seeking a business opportunity with low startup costs and high earning potential.
How to Start Your Own Food Business
Starting a successful mobile food business requires lots of research and planning. Skipping crucial steps or taking shortcuts can undermine the company’s potential success. Here are nine tips for how to start your own food business.
Choose a Concept
A business concept is what sets a company apart from its competition. When choosing street food business ideas, think about creative food-selling ideas that would be unique and appealing to customers while staying logistical and cost-effective.
Research The Target Market
After selecting a concept, it’s time to research the target market by identifying specific customer behaviors, demographics, and preferences. Understanding the wants and needs that resonate with future customers sets a business up for long-term success. Market research for a target audience is conducted through online research, focus groups, surveys, and similar methods.
Write A Business Plan
Before starting a business, it’s vital to outline a successful strategy that sets clear objectives and identifies possible challenges. A good business plan includes a detailed explanation of the business concept, target market, area competition, financial or sales projections, operations plan, marketing plan, and how the owner proposes to manage and grow the business.
Estimate Startup Costs
When estimating the startup costs for a mobile food business, including all the expenses necessary to get the entity up and running is crucial. This incorporates the price of licenses and permits, starting inventory, marketing cost, equipment, supplies, and the food cart or vending bike itself.
Secure Business Funding
After creating a solid business plan and calculating startup costs, the next step is securing funding. Funding can be acquired from various sources like a small business loan, crowdfunding campaign, personal loans, savings, or credit cards.
Obtain Permits & Licenses
Portable food cart businesses require permits and licenses to avoid legal issues and comply with state and local regulations. Requirements vary depending on location but usually include documents like a vendor license, health department inspections, establishment permits, and location permits.
Create The Perfect Menu
A menu is the star of any street food business and requires careful consideration. Menu items should appeal to target audiences while remaining affordable for customers and profitable for the company. Keeping the food cart logistics in mind is also important.
Purchase Equipment
When purchasing all the equipment needed to get a mobile food business up and running, owners should invest in high-quality gear like a Ferla food cart. Other standard purchases may include storage containers, a POS system, refrigeration units, kitchen appliances, and utensils.
Market Your Business
How a business uses marketing to target audiences can make or break it. Positive customer reviews and word of mouth are powerful marketing tools, but a company shouldn’t rely on those alone. Take marketing to the next level by building a solid brand identity with a consistent message, quality food-selling ideas, social media campaigns, participating in local events, and offering loyalty programs and promotions.
The Pros and Cons of Starting a Mobile Food Business
Opening a food cart business is an appealing undertaking with many advantages and opportunities. However, like any professional service, there are potential challenges to consider before starting. Here are some pros and cons to consider when exploring this exciting and dynamic industry:
Pros:
Location Flexibility
Unlike brick-and-mortar restaurants, once a food cart business knows how to sell food on the street, they can travel anywhere if a permit and space are available.
Higher Tax Deductions
Mobile food carts are considered transportation by the IRS, so all related expenses will be deducted as business expenses. Owners can write off related cart costs like the food cart, insurance, maintenance, and upkeep. Fees associated with purchasing food and supplies can also be deducted as business expenses.
Be Your Boss
Owners control daily business operations like the menu, staff uniforms, and customer interactions. Making decisions based on personal vision and goals without answering others provides a sense of freedom.
Low Startup Cost
Initial investments for mobile food carts are significantly lower than opening a traditional restaurant, making it an accessible option for entrepreneurs with limited funds. They also have lower ongoing expenses, such as staffing, utilities, and rent, which help keep the operating cost down.
Cons:
Long Work Hours
Running a business takes hard work and dedication. Mobile food carts require a lot of preparation and setup time, so the hours can be extensive.
Location Restrictions for Selling
Some locations, like local parks or public spaces, may be off-limits for mobile food carts or require a special permit or license.
Starting a mobile food business is a fulfilling adventure for anyone with a passion for food and the spirit of an entrepreneur. By conducting thorough research, writing a comprehensive business plan, and investing in high-quality equipment such as Ferla’s carts, any entrepreneur can set themself up for success. While there are potential challenges to consider, the mobile food industry’s flexibility, creativity, and community-building opportunities make it an appealing option for those seeking to be their boss and offer something unique to their community. So why not leap and start your own Ferla food cart business today?
Being a business owner has always been one of the most sought-after dreams, but for many, it has remained elusive. Whether due to a lack of opportunity or the belief that starting a business is simply too costly, people across the world settle for working a job they don’t enjoy instead of realizing their dreams. The good news is that starting your own business is easier (and more affordable) than you think with a vending bike!
In fact, the vending cart industry is expected to skyrocket, growing by multimillions of dollars by 2027. More people than ever are ditching their boring nine-to-five jobs for the exciting prospect of opening their own bicycle businesses thanks to its practicality and limitless earning potential. While, in many cases, starting a business on wheels doesn’t require much overhead cost, it’s essential to draw up a business plan beforehand to help ensure success.
Let’s take a look at some of the top vending cart business idea options, so you can decide which one is right for you, so you can start living the life you’ve always dreamed of with the freedom you never imagined possible!
Perform Bicycle Repairs
Over 51 million people ride bicycles daily, which opens the door to a much-needed repair service business. Operating a business on a bike puts you in a unique position to provide specialized bike repair services without the overhead of a traditional brick-and-mortar store.
Advertisement Marketing
One way to earn extra income by simply using your vending bike is by using your bike for local business advertisements. Many companies will pay you to place an ad on the side of your bike, generating passive income as you go about your day!
Courier
Opening a courier service with your bicycle is an easy and profitable business idea, allowing you to operate in virtually any location across the nation. Following this proven business model, you can deliver documents, parcels, and goods to customers, setting your own schedule.
Teaching Cycling
Those who establish a profitable business on bikes know the wisdom of using the tools you have to turn a profit. Teaching others how to ride their bikes is the perfect business idea utilizing the equipment you have to help others and secure financial stability.
Ice Cream Business
Selling delicious ice cream is an excellent vending cart business idea since it is easy to start and provides you with unmatched flexibility. One of the most profitable vending cart ideas, it allows you to meet your customers where they are, so you never have to wait for them to find you, which can increase your earnings and ensure many satisfied (and repeat) customers.
Coffee Cart
There’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee, which is why coffee carts are some of the most sought-after in the business. Using your vending bike, you can brew delicious coffee that will attract customers from all over.
Food Delivery
More people than ever are turning to food delivery services to bring their meals to their doors. Using business bicycles to deliver for some of the most popular companies like Door Dash and Grub Hub is a great way to earn as much as $300 per day or more!
Taxi
Electric cargo bicycles work perfectly for starting your own taxi service. Their high-powered engines make pulling up to four people effortless, and since you own your vehicle, you don’t have to worry about high overhead costs.
Tour Guide
Another excellent idea for your bicycle business is as a tour guide. Those living in popular tourist cities or metropolitan areas can take sightseers around town, pointing out famous landmarks and telling interesting historical tidbits about the region.
Tips To Help Ensure Your Business On Wheels Succeeds
The following tips will help get you started on the right foot and ensure your business on wheels succeeds!
Make A Plan
Before starting any new business venture, creating a solid business idea is essential. Deciding what you would like to sell or what services you will provide, which bicycle best fits your needs, any equipment you will need, etc., will keep unwanted surprises at bay and help you plan financially, so you stay within a comfortable budget.
Start Slow
When starting out, it may be tempting to go all in, quitting your job and becoming a full-time self-employed business person. While some find success this way, you may want to start slow, testing your business idea on the weekend to get to know your target customers and make any tweaks to your plan that may not benefit your business goals.
Invest In A Quality Bike
Since your business will rely on your bike, it is crucial to invest in a high-quality model that fits your specific needs. There are many different electric and vending bike models, so choosing the one that is within your budget and has all the features your business needs will set you up for success.
Don’t Give Up
Opening your own business takes a lot of work, but the benefits far outweigh any sacrifices you make along the way. Chances are you will encounter roadblocks, but by viewing them as learning opportunities and not giving up, you will learn how to thrive in your bicycle business and become the successful business owner you always imagined you could be.
If you’re ready to discover why thousands of people are leaving their dull and boring jobs to open their own bicycle businesses, it’s time to open your own business on a bike! Using one of the stunning, high-quality electric and vending bike models offered by Ferla, the most trusted name in cargo bikes, you can live your dream and find the success you’ve always dreamed of. So, what are you waiting for? Make this year the time you start your own successful bicycle business!
Why Delivery Cargo Bikes Are Faster And Cleaner Than Vans
In today’s competitive world, speed and productivity are vital for a thriving business, which is why it’s essential to offer expedited delivery services. While the traditional van has been the go-to transportation method for decades, it’s quickly becoming obsolete as more people discover the many benefits of switching to a delivery bike. As the industry evolves and customers demand faster service, companies are searching for ways to increase efficiency and lower overhead costs, all while prioritizing sustainability. As a result, cargo delivery bikes have skyrocketed in popularity thanks to their low emissions, agility, ease of use, and of course, speed. In fact, studies show that ditching the van for a delivery bike can result in 60% faster delivery times while creating a smaller carbon footprint, making them the ideal option for businesses of all sizes. If you’re ready to scale your business by offering faster deliveries than you ever thought possible, keep reading to see why so many people are switching to a cargo delivery bike and leaving their gas-guzzling vans behind for good!
Why A Cargo Delivery Bike Is Better Thank A Van
Cargo Bikes Are Faster
One of the first questions people ask when contemplating switching to a cargo delivery bike is, “are bikes faster than cars?” As stated above, cargo bikes are the best bike for delivery since they allow you to lessen delivery time by up to 60%. Especially within cities, many people choose cargo bikes since they let you forgo the traffic and use paths inaccessible to traditional vans. When you’re able to reduce the time it takes to deliver each order, you can increase your daily productivity, making it easier to scale your business!
Cargo Bikes Don’t Require A Driver’s License
While every state has its own rules regarding the use of e-bikes, they don’t require a driver’s license to operate, which provides greater flexibility for your business. While a license isn’t required, it’s important to check your state and local regulations regarding delivery bike usage since they will vary by region.
Cargo Bikes Are Great For The Environment
Since they don’t require the use of fossil fuels, cargo bikes are one of the most sustainable transportation options available. These powerful e-bikes are powered by a rechargeable, long-lasting battery, so they produce zero emissions during use. When you choose a cargo delivery bike, you are actively participating in the reduction of harmful pollutants expelled into the atmosphere, which is proven to cause both environmental and physical harm.
Cargo Bikes Are Extremely Customizable
One of the best benefits cargo delivery bikes offer is their customizable features that allow you to create the perfect delivery transport for your business. There are many different accessories and designs to choose from, giving you ample options to create the ideal design to meet your needs.
Cargo Bikes Are Easy To Use
Thanks to their three-wheeled design, cargo delivery bikes are easy to operate, no matter how large your load. Although they feature ample storage, they are compact enough to fit perfectly into the bike lane and nimble enough to maneuver through even the busiest traffic.
Cargo Bikes Offer Electric Pedal Assist
When you’re carrying a full load of deliveries, you don’t want to struggle to pedal to your destination. Fortunately, when you choose a cargo delivery bike, you have an electric pedal assist, which powers the bike so you can sit back and enjoy the ride. Thanks to a powerful battery, these impressive transports can tackle hills with ease, so you never have to worry about getting to your daily destinations. It’s no wonder thousands of people nationwide believe their cargo bike is the best bike for delivery!
Cargo Bikes Offer Multi-Purpose Flexibility
When you choose a cargo delivery bike for your business, you not only get an excellent form of transportation for your professional life but for your personal life as well. Thanks to their flexible design, you can quickly transform your bike from work to leisure mode, allowing you to enjoy spending time with your family, exploring, and creating memories. The front box can fit up to four children plus all your gear for all-day fun. Since they are seated in front of you, it’s easy to hold a conversation and keep an eye on them, giving you unmatched peace of mind.
Cargo Bikes Are More Affordable Than Vans
Cargo delivery bikes are extremely affordable thanks to their battery power which doesn’t require the use of gasoline. With inflation causing prices to skyrocket, filling the tank on a traditional van can easily set you back $100 to $200 each time, and with multiple fill-ups per week, it’s easy to see how quickly costs can rise, cutting into your bottom line. With a cargo delivery bike, you simply plug it in at the end of the day, and you’re good to go, saving you thousands of dollars every year.
Ferla Has The Perfect Cargo Delivery Bike For Your Business
At Ferla, we believe in crafting powerful, sustainable cargo delivery bikes that are fun to ride and great for the environment. Each of our cargo delivery tricycles is made with your needs in mind, featuring everything you need for your business to thrive. Our premium features include the following:
Samsung Batteries – Our Samsung batteries provide powerful pedal assistance so you can haul the largest loads with ease.
350-lb Weight Capacity – Carry everything you need without worry, thanks to our large weight capacity.
Active Frame Steering – Steer with ease thanks to our balanced frame.
Hydraulic Brakes – Our brakes hold strong no matter where you park and are reliable for all emergency stops.
Fixed Delivery Basket – Store all your deliveries in our large fixed delivery basket.
Ferla also offers delivery bike accessories so you can be ready for every season and weather condition. There’s no doubt that when it comes to quality, no one beats a Ferla cargo delivery bike!
If you’re ready to ditch your high-emission, gas-guzzling van for an environmentally-friendly, affordable cargo delivery bike, turn to Ferla. As the number one name in cargo bikes, Ferla is trusted by thousands of successful businesses nationwide. Switch now and see how a Ferla cargo delivery bike can transform your business, improving productivity and reducing your carbon footprint, one delivery at a time!
Everyone loves ice cream, so it’s no surprise that ice cream carts do such big business. But if you want to step things up, selling gelato is the way. It’s creamier, lower in calories, and much easier to store. And it comes in a wide variety of fantastic flavors that your customers can pair together. Today, inflation is threatening the ice cream and gelato cart industry all across the country. But thanks to all the different ice cream e-bikes available now, you still have the chance to start your own lucrative business. As long as you have a market, a good product, and a great business plan to go with it, you’d be amazed at how far your simple cart can take you.
Keep reading to learn how to start your very own gelato cart business.
Why Should I Start a Gelato Cart?
Aside from being an excellent alternative to standard ice cream, this popular Italian dessert also has many benefits for you — a.k.a. the vendor. For one, gelato is lower in calories and better suited for those who watch what they eat. It also requires a lower temperature for a smoother texture, making it easier to scoop and serve when a line forms in front of your cart. And, as we said before, your customers will have the opportunity to try different flavors in one cup. Plus, it’s easier for them to carry around and a lot less messy than a standard cone or bar.
Below are some of the most important steps to take in order to get your mobile gelato cart off the ground. As long as you follow them in this order, you’ll have a solid foundation for your new business venture.
Consider the Climate in Your Area
While we all love ice cream and gelato, seasonal products can be hard to sell. Still, you can get away with being a frozen treats vendor all year round if you live in the right area. Suppose you’re in the South or the West Coast, specifically in Southern California. In that case, selling year-round is a no-brainer. And if your city or town is a tourist hotspot, then you’re even more in luck when it comes to making a solid living.
But if you live up north, you’ll have to make some adjustments as the seasons change. Ideally, April to September or October will be your best time to sell frozen treats. At all other times, you’ll have to make some adjustments. Reduce your hours, close down temporarily during the off-season, or offer seasonal flavors to drum up continued interest. If you can modify your cart to include hot drinks, start offering coffee, tea, or hot chocolate along with these sweet frozen treats.
Calculate Your Expected Earnings
After determining your market, develop a solid business plan and calculate your monthly goals. Whether you make this your year-round job, want a part-time gig, or find a way to live off whatever you earn during peak season, this step is essential. Determine how much you’ll need to spend on legal fees, supplies, marketing, and other living expenses. Then set up a daily sales goal to keep yourself in check as you run your mobile gelato cart.
Research All Legal Requirements
As with any food or beverage business, there’s a set process that you’ll often have to follow. Check your state laws and requirements to see if you must pass a health inspection or obtain a business license. And most importantly, don’t forget to purchase an insurance plan. In addition, we suggest you research local commissaries where you can make and store your products. Many states require them to prevent possible cross-contamination. If nothing else, it serves as extra security for you, your products, and your livelihood.
Research Potential Vending Locations
Once you’ve met all the basic requirements, thoroughly check your area to see where you can run your mobile gelato cart. It’s also an excellent chance to see if there are any restrictions in your area. Keep your eye out for any place that attracts many people — especially families or busy young professionals. Some of the best places to start are:
Shopping Malls
Movie Theaters
Local Parks
Beaches/Lakes
College Campuses
Register your gelato cart for different local fairs, festivals, and events, or set up outside sports and concert venues. After all, gelato is the perfect treat for when you’re taking a rest break or waiting in a long line. It’s also a great way to push your product on social media, letting even more people know about your products.
Purchase Your Cart and Supplies
You can get a decent ice cream bike in more places than you’d expect. While finding a used one on sale works when you’re on a tight budget, plenty of reputable brands can work out a payment plan for a high-quality product.
Despite its name, the Ferla Ice Cream Bike works just as well for gelato vendors. The temperature-controlled freezer/fridge compartment lets you store a wide range of products. A cash-lock drawer ensures extra security, while the removable canopy makes things stylish. And with a battery-operated motor and optional solar panel, you’ll never have to worry about gasoline expenses.
The gelato itself is easy enough for you to make by hand at any local commissary. And you can purchase all the supplies you need at your local supermarket or big box store. We suggest starting with classic flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. You can add on more experimental offerings as you build your business. And your cups, mini spoons, and napkins can all be purchased in bulk at any restaurant supplier.
Learn how to Market and Advertise Yourself
There are several ways to market your business and draw in new customers weekly. One of the best things you can do at first is to host a public outdoor party and invite as many people as possible. Or create a website and promote it on social media, where you can also run campaigns showcasing your flavors and customer favorites. If you have extra money to budget for advertising, make some banners and hang them up next to your cart. And, while you’re at it, connect with different food cart apps to keep your most loyal customers fully up-to-date.
Now is the Best Time to Start Selling Gelato
Gelato is the perfect sweet treat for this health-conscious, on-the-go world we live in. Thankfully, the introduction of food bikes makes it easier than ever to start your own business. As long as you have the right plan and cart, you can run your portable gelato cart almost anywhere in the country.
Food Carts for Weddings: Everything You Need to Know
The wedding industry has been evolving non-stop these past two decades. Ever since the 1920s, high society and new technologies have created a brand new culture that many want to either replicate or be a part of. Nowadays, millions of couples everywhere want to bring something new to the table and make their own special day stand out from all the rest. And one of the best ways they can do that is through the food they serve.
From freshly-made pizza and tacos to various sweets and beverages, there’s a good reason why wedding food carts are becoming so popular now. They offer everyone extra options, help support small businesses, and in some cases can be cheaper than a standard catering company. So if you have a food cart of your own, why not switch things up by making yourself available for local weddings?
Take a closer look at what to expect and how we at Ferla can help make this happen.
Why Should I Start a Food Cart Business for Weddings?
Having a food cart for weddings is a lot different from selling on the street or at a local faire. While there are definitely some challenges, they could end up being some of your best gigs ever. Here are some of the pros and cons when it comes to working at weddings.
Pro: It’s Easy, and Regular, Income
There’s a reason why the wedding industry is so huge now. While some seasons are busier than others, people get married all throughout the year and want to make theirs as memorable as possible. That’s why even very small weddings can benefit from having a great food truck around. In fact, you may even find that these kinds of crowds are some of your best customers ever.
Con: There May Be Long Lines
It’s always a huge honor when a couple contacts you about work at their upcoming wedding. But before you say yes, always ask them two important questions first:
How many guests will they have?
Are they hiring any other food carts?
Because if there are more than 150 people and no other carts, then you’ll be stuck dealing with a long line the entire time. This means a lot of annoyed guests, no breathing room, no time to fix whatever goes wrong. For those events, offer up something smaller that you can just hand to them quickly.
Pro: You’ll Find Lots of New Customers
When you work these events, and impress both the couple and their guests, it opens up the possibility for even more work in the future. You may have an engaged couple at the wedding who now wants to hire you for theirs. And even if no one else is getting married soon, they could still bring you on for other events like birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries. And working different events can be extremely fun and a great way to keep finding new business.
Con: The Weather Might Change Things
No matter how much you plan ahead, there are some things you can’t control. And as all food cart owners know, the weather is near the top of that list. So if you’re working an outdoor wedding, make sure you have a back-up plan in case things suddenly change. Check ahead of time if you can move your cart to an indoor space so you can keep on serving the guests.
Pro: You Can Switch Up Your Work Routine
Going into town and selling your food to passersby is a great way to make money, but it can become boring after a while. That’s why we always recommend working at different events. You’ll find new customers, and it provides you with a great change of pace. They may even ask you to make a custom item for this event, giving you a chance to explore your creativity.
These are just some of what you can expect while catering a wedding. Like anywhere else you work, you’ll have to contend with possible long lines and weather changes. With that said, the guaranteed pay and change-of-setting are more than worth it.
And Now For the Newlyweds
Of course, business owners aren’t the only ones who benefit from these types of gigs. In fact, hiring a wedding food cart also does wonders for the upcoming newlyweds, especially if they’re on a tight budget.
Stand Out and Save Money
With a standard venue caterer, you often have a limited amount of items to choose from. So adding in a food cart or two is a great way to switch things up and give the guests more variety. And in some cases, going with just food carts instead can actually save them thousands of dollars.
On average, wedding caterers will charge around $75 per person. Which means if there are 100 people attending, that’s already $7,500 on food alone. Whereas a food cart will most often charge anywhere between $10 and $35, allowing the couple to book two or even three at way less.
Something Just For Them
When they order from a small business, the couple has way more creative freedom to serve what they want. They can even have you make a custom item just for them to make their wedding 100 percent their own. And, as an added bonus, guests have the ability to further customize their own serving.
For example, you could offer different flavored cupcakes with a wide variety of frosting and toppings. You could also serve up pretzels, crostini, or even do a hot chocolate bar in the winter. As long as you can easily transport everything you’ll need to the venue, there’s a lot you can play with to make things memorable.
Ferla Bikes Fit In Perfectly at Weddings
Ferla makes lots of high-quality food carts and bikes that are perfect for fairies, weddings, and other fun events. Not only are they all super stylish on their own, but they’re also completely customizable from their inner mechanics to the decals you put on. Whether you want to sell coffee, ice cream, hot dogs, or something else, we’re all set to make that happen.
While some food carts for sale cost as much as $20,000, we sell ours for a fraction of that price. We even offer payment plans to help you take things slowly while you’re just starting out. And because most of them run on an e-bike, you won’t have to worry about gas expenses. Just charge the battery ahead of time, and you’ll be on your way to any event without even breaking a sweat.
From lots of new income to all those potential clients, there’s no reason not to try wedding catering. And Ferla’s food carts and bikes can help make that happen.
With everyone on the go these days, and everything getting pricier, people need an easier way to get their morning coffee. So it’s no wonder that mobile coffee shops are becoming more and more popular all across the country. It’s inexpensive, easy to set up, and a terrific way to make lots of money quickly.
Like with any business, there are plenty of pros and cons when it comes to owning your own coffee cart. While it’s an easy and rewarding venture, you still need to know where to sell, how to stay safe, and, of course, how to find the right cart for you. Yet as long as you know where to go and keep track of the competition, all those profits will be well worth any potential challenges.
Let’s take a look at all the biggest pros and cons to running your own mobile coffee business.
Pros:
It’s Completely Flexible
One of the best perks about running a coffee shop on wheels, or any mobile food business, is that you can work at any time when permits allow. Whether you’re out there once or twice a week or decide to make it your full-time career, how much you work is totally up to you. So if you’re seeking a job with an excellent work/life balance, this is definitely one of your best options.
Easy Business Model
Compared to other businesses, and even other food carts, running a mobile coffee business is super simple. You need less staffing and resources, can buy less products and supplies, and can sell it all year round. And thanks to all the information that’s readily available online, you’ll already know ahead of time how to plan and market yourself.
Great Year-Round Sales
It may come in seasonal flavors, but coffee itself isn’t a seasonal product. Unlike ice cream during the summer, you won’t have to scramble to make enough money before the temperatures change. As long as people are out and need their fuel, you’ll have great sales all throughout the year. Plus, if you purchase the right kind of cart, you can easily serve hot or iced coffee throughout the year.
Super Affordable
If you’ve always wanted to open your own coffee shop but don’t have the funds, a mobile coffee cart business is the perfect alternative. While it’s not exactly cheap, owning a cart costs you hundreds of thousands of dollars less than renting or buying out an actual store. Plus, most states don’t require a food license to sell coffee, saving you even more in the beginning.
No Two Days Are the Same
One day, you could be set up outside a big box store or office building attracting people coming in for work. The next day, you might be selling at a local festival or farmers market. And the day after that — outside a concert venue helping everyone stay alert. If you’re in the right area, there are so many locations to choose from that you’ll never get bored.
Cons:
Weather Concerns
When your business is based outside, you’ll always have to keep tabs on the weather forecast. Depending on where you live, you could be dealing with rain, heavy wind, snow, and extreme temperatures on any given day. That’s not to say you can’t make it work when things start to change, but it will definitely be more challenging. And sometimes, the best thing for you to do is to just pack up for the day and try again tomorrow.
A Saturated Market
Owning a mobile food business is easy and effective. Of course, the problem is that so many people want to own their own cart that there’s now more competition than ever. And you need to strike the right balance between somewhere with lots of people and somewhere with too many food carts. Pay close attention to where your competition is located each day, and choose an area that you think is missing a good coffee cart.
Having Enough in Stock
There’s only so much product you can take with you when running a mobile coffee business. It’s not like having a brick-and-mortar store where you can keep your entire stock close at hand. Instead, you’re constantly having to check how much product and supplies are on hand throughout your shift. Keep track of your busiest days and best locations, and always adjust your inventory accordingly. This way you’re less likely to bring too much or too little.
Building Relationships
When you’re just starting out, you may find yourself struggling to market your business and build community relationships. No matter how many people you know, it takes some time to be fully established. Yet there are some things you can do at first, such as social media campaigns, neighborhood events, or even trying your local park. And remember — while many people are dedicated to their regular coffee place, they’re always willing to try someone else if they’re in a rush.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it difficult to start a mobile coffee business?
It’s one of the easier businesses you can start. With some basic equipment, a little research, and a good marketing campaign, you can be very successful in a short amount of time. If you’re not sure where to start, you can always check here for a full rundown.
How much does a coffee cart cost on average?
You can find a basic coffee cart for sale at around $5,000 or less, while a more sophisticated and full-equipped one can range anywhere between $13,000 and $20,000. Although some companies, like Ferla, give you the option of a payment plan to make things easier.
Is a mobile coffee cart business profitable?
It may take lots of hard work at first, but coffee carts are extremely profitable. In fact, coffee sales have a gross profit margin of up to 90 percent, so there are plenty of chances for you to make easy money.
Choose a Ferla Coffee Cart for Your Business
Ferla has helped many mobile businesses take off ever since we started. That’s why we now have five coffee bikes and two coffee carts for you to choose from, letting you find the right one even faster. You’ll get restaurant-quality features, plenty of counter space, temperature controls, and solar panel system so you can stay completely green. And if you choose a bike, then there’s no need to worry about transporting it — just hop on and pedal to wherever you want to go. No matter where you live, Ferla is here to help you start off on your new business venture.
How to Choose the Right Street Food Cart for Your Business
When many food establishments got hit during the pandemic, the street food cart market soared, with flocks of people continuing to enter the market today. With gelato stands and mobile cold brew stands popping up on street corners, It’s safe to say that people are finally starting to see the potential of starting their own business on wheels.
Benefits of starting a Street Food Cart Business
These are some of the most alluring benefits of food carts:
Relatively low start-up costs – In comparison to a brick-and-mortar shop, the initial investment of a street vendor food cart is very affordable!
Easy to manage – No need to manage lots of employees or have huge prep days; the idea behind street food carts is simplicity, which makes your job as an owner so much easier.
Great way to promote your existing food business – If you already have a business, this is a great way to spend your marketing budget. Why not make a profit while building your client base?
You set your hours – Decide when you want to work and for how long.
Work outdoors – Office life isn’t for everyone. If you find yourself gazing out the window at work, wishing you were outside, this might be your calling!
No rent – Soaring rent prices are making food carts an attractive option for restaurants and foodies.
Sounds pretty amazing, doesn’t it? Before rushing off to write your business plan, consider these important factors for your street food stand.
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Street Vendor Food Carts
Get clear on the product you want to sell
There are countless street food business ideas to choose from, so do your research and pick a market that isn’t already saturated in your area. If there are already lots of ice cream stands, perhaps consider waffles or coffee.
Once you decide exactly what you are going to sell, you can start prepping your cart with the right equipment. Here are some examples:
Cold brew coffee or kombucha carts need a special tap and nitrous tank installed for on-tap service.
Hot dog stands need a special steamer/heating installment.
It’s important to figure this out before making your investment to ensure that your total start-up costs are within your budget
Street food stands location and distance you’ll be traveling daily
This is an important factor to consider because it will give you an idea of the battery life that you need. Do you plan to sell close to home, or is there a busy area 30 minutes away that you’ll have to commute to each day?
Consider where your target market tends to hang out. Is there a place close to your house that gets decent traffic, or is it worth making that 30-minute trip to the park/beach where people are more likely to buy?
Most batteries for street food carts today provide an average of 25-70 miles of daily travel—a big difference for travel distance.
How much you’re going to sell each day
Next, you need to figure out how much product you are going to sell, as this will determine the size of the cart you need.
This generally depends on three factors:
Location – Do you live in a rural or urban area?
Foot traffic – Where do you plan on setting up your street food stand? A downtown street corner is going to result in a lot more potential sales than a suburban community center or park.
Intended hours of operation – Is this meant to be a part-time gig or do you plan on doing full 8-hour shifts? This also determines how much product you need in your street food cart to fit.
Depending on the size and intended use of your food cart, you may need a car trailer or truck to drop off your stand, which is another cost to consider.
County or state laws apply to street vendor food carts in your area
Some important factors to consider with local food permits are:
Zoning regulations that specify allowable areas for food truck operation
Taxes may apply when vending on public property, such as parks
May require food to be prepared (cooked) at a brick-and-mortar kitchen
It may require running water
Contact your local Health Department to get accurate information.
Local street food cart manufacturers
It’s always a good idea to do some research on any food cart manufacturers in your area. The advantage is that you can get a chance to see their models in person to gauge what style and size are best suited for your purposes.
For California residents, we recommend checking out Ferla food carts, an innovative and modern option with models for a wide range of popular street food business ideas.
If you’re feeling bogged down by 9-to-5 or you’re a foodie that had has always dreamt of starting your passion food project, a street food stand might be the perfect start-up for you. After all, being your boss and working outside is a pretty sweet deal for a relatively low investment.
While we laid out some basics here, it’s always a good idea to do your research and talk to others in the business before taking the leap. Happy vending!
If you’re looking for a simple yet cost-effective business venture, setting up a hot dog cart business is a terrific option. It’s less expensive to start than many other industries, lets you work almost anywhere, and can be done on your own time. In fact, depending on where they’re located, hot dog vendors can earn as much as $5,000 to $16,000 a month.
With that said, there’s a lot to do before you jump headfirst into hot dog vending. Fortunately, we’ve created a complete guide to help you understand everything from start to finish. From permits and licenses to buying the right equipment, following the right steps can make all the difference when it comes to starting a new enterprise.
Let’s take a closer look at all the things you’ll need to do in order to start and run a hot dog cart business of your own.
Steps Towards Owning a Hot Dog Cart
Do Plenty of Research
First and foremost, check if you’re located in the right environment for a hot dog stand. If you live in a college or tourist town, or an area with lots of families, then you’re already on the right track. Learn more about all designated vendor areas in your city for a better list of options.
From there, research all licenses and permits that you’ll need before starting your business. Learn about health department requirements and local laws regarding vendors and signage. The more you know ahead of time, the more likely you can avoid the potential hassle of fines and additional fees.Most states will also require you to pre-cook your food in a commissary; a rented commercial kitchen space used by food cart and truck vendors. This not only provides you with more space and resources but also prevents the risk of cross-contamination as opposed to preparing the food at home. Learn where they’re located in your area, and find resources that can help you gain entry for a reduced price.
Address all the Legal Aspects
As with any food service business, you need to meet several legal and health-related requirements before you start selling hot dogs. One of the first and most important steps is to apply for a permit at your local health department. During your visit, be sure to ask them for a full rundown of:
Equipment requirements
Cleaning and storage requirements
The food you’re allowed to sell
Local commissary recommendations
Your next step is to reach out to your county clerk and start the process of filing your business. Double check with them to see whether or not you need an employer identification number. If not, then your social security number will work just fine. You should also ask about getting a sales tax number if you intend to charge taxes.
Finally, remember to purchase an insurance plan to keep you covered in case of any accidents or legal disputes. You can get a six or seven figure plan for only a few hundred dollars from most insurance companies. Determine what monthly payouts you can afford and look for an agent to help you go over your options.
Create a Formal Business Plan
No matter what size your hot dog business is, it’s still a good idea to create a business plan to help you stay organized. In fact, you might even want to do this before you apply for all your permits. This way your county clerk can see that everything is planned out and that you’re able to make the right decisions.
Your hot dog cart business plan has to include the following three aspects:
A full breakdown of your budget
A sales forecast for all products
Strategies for sales and marketing
Research the cost of everything you’ll need to run your business and set a budget based on your total expenses. This will give you an idea of how much money you should make in order to recoup expenses and gain a profit. Some things to include in your budget outline are:
Food
Supplies
Labor
Marketing
Maintenance
Transportation
Monthly insurance
Legal expenses
Other operational costs
Set your sales target at twice your budget and calculate how much you’ll have to make during each month. This also means researching the busiest months for hot dog vendors, which is typically between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and plan your schedule around this time period. And don’t forget to account for unexpected weather events, such as thunderstorms or extreme temperatures, that would keep you from vending that day.
Finally, come up with your own marketing strategy and figure out how you’re going to attract attention in the beginning. This can include throwing a neighborhood party or contacting community organizers to ask them about upcoming local events. We also recommend creating social media accounts and campaigns to get the word out and let everyone know where you’ll be.
Pinpoint Your Locations and Target Markets
Once you know for sure that you have a target market, you need to learn where you can find them. As we said earlier, your most likely customers will be families, students, tourists, and anyone else looking for a quick and cheap meal. Therefore, you should make a list of all places in your area that regularly attracts these groups of people.
Below are the best possible outdoor locations for setting up your hot dog cart:
Parks
Big Box Stores
Mini Malls
Local Fairs
Large Venues
Tourist Attractions
Outdoor Concerts or Festivals
Flea and Farmers Markets
Schools and Colleges
Reach out to local administrators or venue owners to ask about permit and vendor requirements for these areas. Learn when these locations are at their busiest and set your schedule based around those times. Remember, the bigger the crowd, the more products you’ll be able to sell.
Purchase Your Supplies
Once you’ve taken care of all the legal aspects, it’s finally time to buy your supplies and food. There are plenty of second-hand sellers that offer slightly older carts at reduced prices. You can also purchase a less expensive and customizable option from a reputable business such as Ferla.
Buy all food and paper products at either a distributor, a supermarket, or at super stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, or Walmart. Aside from hot dogs and buns, make sure you also have plenty of condiments on hand as well as canned or bottled drinks. And because most customers want something extra, purchase snacks such as potato chips, popcorn, and different types of candies to offer up as well.
To sum it up, your regular shopping list for your hot dog cart should consist of:
Hot dogs and buns
Mustard packets
Relish packets
Sauerkraut
Additional toppings
Soda and bottled water
Chips and candy
Trays and napkins
Always keep track of your inventory and remember to purchase or order online well before your products run out. Make note of what items sell the most and adjust your regular shopping list as needed. And hold onto the receipts for when tax season approaches to make it easier to calculate your expenses and write anything off if possible.
What Can You Use Instead of a Hot Dog Cart?
It can be hard to find an affordable hot dog cart after dealing with all of the legal fees. Between the cart itself and your cooking equipment, expenses can range anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000. Thankfully, there’s lots of other options available that will work just as well in the beginning.
When you first start off, a good temporary hot dog stand can just be a foldable table and slow cooker or electric grill, along with a cooler full of sodas and water. Be sure to set up some containers full of condiment packets and napkins to let your customers pick whatever they need. As long as you have your permits on hand, you can easily do this at your local flea or farmers markets.
But even when you can finally afford a cart, you’ll still need an easy way to transport it. Fortunately, there are plenty of vending bikes on the market, and at very reasonable prices. You won’t have to attach them to your car or spend money on gas, and everything can be stored in one place while you’re traveling.
Start Your Hot Dog Business with Help from Ferla Bikes
Our Ferla Mini vending bike is the perfect option for new food vendors and can be easily transformed into a hot dog cart. It’s lightweight, reasonably affordable, and has plenty of features such as an extra large storage space and extendable counters. Furthermore, you can add on pedal assist in order to make it easier to maneuver.
A hot dog cart business is the perfect opportunity for you to earn extra income on the side, and Ferla can help make that happen. Contact us today to learn more about our incredible products and start your new business venture today.
Efficient Planning: How To Start A Business During COVID & Other Challenging Times
Whether you’ve been planning to start a business for years, or find yourself in need of a new line of income — times are tight for everybody, and so it’s essential to be efficient. The majority of us who have dreams aren’t sitting on a large pile of seed money. In contrast, the United States is home to a crippling level of student debt, and it’s no secret that COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the economy.
We are proud leaders in the world of experiential marketing, and we regularly collaborate with brands on events and interactive campaigns. Including our customers in our product experience is vital to the success of Ferla Bikes.
To introduce our relationship to this world of innovation and fun, and explore the topic as a whole — we put together this guide on experiential marketing with Ferla Bikes.
Experiential Marketing Definition
The definition of experiential marketing is that it’s an advertising strategy, which uses events, and immersive branded experiences to build a customer base.
This proven marketing method, when applied well, creates meaningful connections between brands and potential customers. A strong experiential campaign creates memorable, immersive experiences that forge relationships between consumers and providers.
Across the vast array of experiential campaigns, strategies, and formats — the most effective build excitement and positive perceptions of a given brand. Our most proud campaigns have brought elements of our core values to life, and directly engaged future riders of Ferla Bikes.
To dig in a bit deeper, these are some of the most valuable benefits to building an experiential marketing campaign:
Expanding Brand Awareness
Among the numerous benefits of experiential marketing, brand awareness is the most important. Encompassing more than name recognition, it’s increasingly important for brands to let their customers learn their background, story, mission, and values. Experiential marketing encourages telling these stories in face-to-face environments to develop lasting connections.
Generating Authentic Interactions
When a consumer can experience a product or brand in person, the impact is far deeper. Pictures, videos, and links can only take a brand so far. By hosting events, setting up information booths, and offering demos — brands can gain one-on-one customer service benefits that exist nowhere else. Advertising live, in person provides an entirely unique emotional experience.
Making A Strong First Impression
More so than any other form of marketing or advertising, an experiential approach creates a genuine platform to make a strong, influential first impression. Our Ferla Bikes, for example, turn heads fast when businesses use them as mobile advertising bikes, and when we offer them to ride or view at an experiential event.
In such an environment, we can let the Ferla Bike shine with its obvious convenience, eco-friendly build, and unmatched mobility. Also, when a customer rides off in one, they themselves become invaluable mobile advertisers.
If you’re working with an innovative, stylish product like the Ferla Cargo Bikes, then do yourself a favor and take it to your audience. Connect with potential customers in their neighborhoods, all the while showing how your product and brand are essential to a better user experience.
How Experiential Marketing Beats More Traditional Methods
Aggressive ad campaigns through paid social media services, commercials, and billboards both annoy and limit consumers. In the age of the internet, such tactics are so overdone and outdated that they’ve crippled many thriving businesses.
According to these statistics from Influencer Marketing Hub, social media advertising increased by 25% in 2019, and internet advertising revenues increased by 16%. The average person is shown 1,700 banner ads per month, only sees half of them, and may interact with only one or two.
So, with all that in mind, it’s safe to say that marketing has become quite impersonal.
To learn how to bridge that gap, any brand can take a calculated approach towards getting familiar with their consumers.
The Four Core Approaches To Experiential Marketing
Experiential marketing can stand apart from other approaches to customer-client relations, because it can feature an atmosphere your everyday consumer will want to interact with. By using resources to cover the four core approaches to this practice, a brand can give itself the best chance possible at creating an attractive campaign.
Here, we will introduce each of these foundational approaches, which include: Events, Guerrilla Marketing, Brand Activation, & Retail Installations.
Experiential Event Marketing
The best way to make a company event effective in attracting customers, is to implement key experiential marketing strategies. To be clear, experiential marketing is not synonymous with event marketing, though an event can be experiential. Confusing? Let us clear it up.
Event Marketing vs Experiential Marketing
Event marketing campaigns deliver information in one direction — at the consumer. Just passing out fliers, and shouting out slogans makes for a static experience, and it overlooks the value of consumer interaction and participation.
An experiential marketing event separates itself by focusing on two-way communication. By gearing a marketing event towards interactive approaches like conversations, offering samples of a product, and curating games — a brand can directly interact with their consumers, while promoting their products and services.
This type of experiential event can serve to launch a new product, and sell merchandise. Its main purpose, however, is to create positive brand associations, foster new relationships with customers, and provide a memorable, in-person memory associated with a brand.
Examples of Effective Experiential Marketing Campaigns
One of our favorite examples of a noteworthy brand using an immersive experience to build customer relationships — Refinery29’s Annual Interactive Funhouse always impresses its attendees with hands-on experiences unique to each attendee.
The house features 29 different rooms, each branded to showcase the company’s latest technology, culture, and style. Each room invites guests to create something original, and then share it on social media, and every year features a new theme.
Another favorite of ours, is this experiential event hosted by Puma for a new release of a line of products named Puma Defy. Using our Ferla Promo and Ferla Vendor bikes, fully-loaded with Puma branding, graphics, and more, they set out to showcase their new shoes all over the city.
Collaborating with superstar Selena Gomez, with her own mini billboard, and using our amazing Ferla bikes to get their product out across Los Angeles — the minds behind this Puma campaign invited new customers along for a fun and influential ride. They handed out samples, hosted photo ops, and flaunted the Puma Defy sneakers.
Experiential events are key, real-world ways to attract new followers to a brand’s social media, which is key to any successful venture surviving the modern digital landscape. With an experiential event, brands can encourage guests to take pictures while trying their samples, and then they can get a post and a share in addition to a sale.
Guerrilla Marketing With An Experiential Mindset
Many of us associate guerrilla anything with warfare, but the word also refers to actions performed in an impromptu way, often without authorization. Essentially, the heart of this non-war-based guerilla is the element of surprise, which is a proven area of the experiential marketing philosophy.
Guerrilla marketing involves unconventional marketing campaigns, which capture the attention of unsuspecting people going about their everyday lives. Some benefits of this approach include that it’s often a grassroots leg of a campaign that can be far more affordable than typical forms of advertisement.
Guerrilla marketers who are successful invest their time more than their money, and by carefully planning performances, installations, and activities, they can generate attention. To help readers visualize an effective guerrilla campaign, we broke down some examples of common features of one:
An action that adds something eye-catching to a public space. Good examples include prominent statues or buildings, which you can decorate with your brand’s messaging.
Erecting attention-grabbing artwork on sidewalks, in highly-frequented indoor spaces, and on city walls.
Assembling a large group to draw attention with uniforms, performances, and presentations in public spaces.
One Of Our Favorite Guerrilla Marketing Examples
We are majore fans of this example of Volkswagen installing a piano staircase to capture the imagination of prospective customers in Stockholm, Sweden. The activators of the campaign painted an ordinary subway terminal staircase to look like piano keys, adding a message that read, Fun Goes Further.
This is an ideal example of guerrilla marketing, because it was implemented when nobody was looking, and then it caught the attention of off-guard, everyday commuters who on that morning were only expecting their same boring ride to work. The fun surprise brought joy to everyone who saw it, generated media attention, and created this beautiful story around the brand who put it on.
Activate Your Brand With Experiential Marketing
Brand Activation consists of the introduction, promotion, and roll out of a new product or company. This is a time when media attention is crucial. To put it simply, people need to know when a new product hits the market for it to have a shot at developing demand and getting off the ground. The most important goal in brand activation, should be to create a connection between consumers and a brand’s new product. By activating the existence of a product across the minds of a large group of consumers, a company shapes its brand identity.
The Best Experiential Method For Launching A New Product
Those on the hunt for effective experiential marketing methods for promoting new products should begin with simple product sampling. An exceptional strategy for getting your goods out there, is to mobilize your retail. Take for example how brands like TK UNDERWEAR BRAND have purchased our Ferla Vendor Bikes to bring their stylish undergarments to the people.
Creating an opportunity for customers to sample something is the most direct way to create positive impressions of a brand’s identity and values. Such impressions are how genuine relationships between consumers and companies form, and that inspires sales and customer loyalty.
A Couple Of Our Favorite Experiential Marketing Activations
Getting a new concept or business off the ground is no small feat, which is why making the occasion special is all the more important. One of our favorite examples of an experiential brand activation was a collaboration we did with the iconic TIffany & Co., when they had a pop-up promoting a new Beverly Hills Restaurant.
We custom-made Tiffany’s a vendor bike in their iconic blue, which matched all of the decor on the day of the pop-up. Carts served up tasty treats and drinks, and people permeated the space feeling happy and having fun, which created a positive association with this new restaurant and all the brands involved.
Another company that approaches brand activation with imagination as Starbucks. One of our favorite examples came from Starbucks Canada, and the Sparkle Shop promotion for Teavana Sparkling Tea Juices. Guests of the stores with installations met with “glitter specialists,” who bedazzled customers’ hair, nails, beards, and tumblers. Social media influencer LaurDIY among others was in attendance, and the event was a major success.
Ferla’s Brand Activation Vendor Bike Models
Check Out Ferla Bike’s Products to discover the perfect bike for your experiential event. We offer an extensive variety of high-end coffee bikes, ice cream bikes, carts, and vending bikes. Depending on the product and space — each could offer the ideal flare for introducing your business to the world.
The Ferla X is our newest model of coffee bike, and this piece of experiential marketing technology is optimized for food and cafe brand-activations. Designed as an all-in-one mobile restaurant concept, each bike is equipped with a sink, cash register, and freezer. Every component is hidden from plane sight, keeping a simple aesthetic so consumers can only see one thing — the branding.
The mobile nature and popularity of the Ferla X makes it perfect for pop-up events on busy street corners, college campuses, and other high traffic locations.
When we worked with Tiffany & Co, the timeless fashion brand ordered another Coffee Bike in the form of a custom Ferla Mini Cart for a pop-up in Beverly Hills to promote a restaurant of theirs named The Blue Box Cafe. We painted the bike Tiffany’s signature blue, and branded the front with the company’s name and logo.
Another brilliant piece of equipment for event marketing needs, the Ferla X – Glacier Edition. This premium, all-in-one vendor bike features cold brew and ice cream capabilities, a temperature controlled freezer, self-contained water system, solar panel system, and all-terrain wheels.
Among Ferla’s other highly sought after coffee bikes there’s the understated, yet classy barista’s Ferla Mini, the sleek, wood-lined Ferla 2, and the inviting, versatile Ferla Grande. Check out the rest of our coffee bikes, carts, and vending bikes, and start planning your next experiential marketing event today.
Benefits of Experiential Marketing
There are a number of attractive benefits of brand activations, including boosts in sales, building long-term customer relationships and brand support, and attracting new customers by evoking emotional responses in potential customers. Taking an experiential approach to launching your brand will get the word out on your product, and help build a fun, positive association with it. This is an organic way to build demand.
Shine For Shoppers With Retail Installation Marketing
Experiential marketing should expand beyond the street, and meet shoppers both in their digital and physical shopping locations. Retail Installations serve as one of the core approaches to an effective experiential campaign, as one that is well executed can turn an ordinary trip to the store into an immersive experience filled with entertainment.
Setting up a marketing installation in a shop captures the attention of not only avid shoppers, but also bored family and friends who don’t even enjoy shopping. A colorful display, free samples, an artful installation — each of these experiential modes can draw people into the store, capture their attention, increase their time in the store and the likelihood of them making a purchase.
This personal approach is especially influential nowadays, because the shopping experience in large part has become less personal. Digital orders, vast marketplaces like Amazon, two day shipping — these are all convenient elements of modern shopping, but also sterile ones. It’s important to offset convenience with personality and interaction.
In the hardest time to get people to the store, that physical space offers an experience shoppers miss. Face time with a brand, its representatives, and its products offers an influential approach that websites and email campaigns simply cannot.
In addition to serving a personal need in the shopping space, experiential retail also creates brand awareness by creating shareable experiences. Placing a customer’s engagement with a brand and its products over the sale resonates.
Summing up the value of retail installations in an admirable and succinct fashion, in 2020, Macy’s Chief Brand Experience Officer Rachel Shectman said,
The purpose of the format is three things: discover, community, and convenience.
Taking advantage of the appeal of physical creation, a brand can accomplish those three things in unique ways. It can provide something a consumer can’t get from sitting on the couch and shopping online.
Understanding Experiential Benefits With The Marketing Funnel
Looking back at the four main approaches to experiential marketing advertising, it’s easy to track how these strategies effectively build customer relationships.
If you look at the overall experiential strategy as one large marketing funnel, then you can follow the concept from its initial broad casting of media and experiences all the way to a sale. Building from spreading awareness, to building interest, to creating intent, and finally securing a purchase — the marketing funnel is a model every experiential marketing campaign should reference.
Here’s how we categorize the progression of the marketing funnel:
Create Awareness
In its most initial and broadest stage, the marketing funnel generates leads through spreading awareness. Thoughtful installations, guerilla campaigns, and other examples we went over when discussing the core approaches to experiential marketing are all effective methods towards building awareness.
Spark Interest
Once a brand has gotten in front of a potential consumer’s eye, it has to hold that attention with a worthwhile offering. Whether it’s the sample, the artwork, or the experience — sparking interest is an essential step towards turning customers.
Conjure Intent
By placing your product in an attractive experiential setting, you can inspire a desire in your visitors to maintain the special nature of the day. By showcasing your product as a way to maintain that feeling of wonder and uniqueness, you can turn newcomers into buyers.
The Buy
Whether it’s at your event, or down the road, the funnel ends at a point of purchase. When leads are turning into customers, you’re doing it right.
Pushing a brand to realize each step of the marketing funnel will help it ensure more purchases, as well as more loyal customers who will repeat buy, and spread more awareness. This is simple progression is the best way to understand the incomparable value an experiential marketing campaign can have for a small business looking to increase its base.
Grassroots efforts like those that constitute these marketing strategies represent the same spirit as
The Ferla Vendor Bike is an effective adbike, which is built for small businesses looking to promote products, interact with customers, and grow their brands. It’s an ideal starter for any professional looking to realize the marketing funnel, and take a comprehensive approach to an experiential campaign.
Let’s Talk About Experiential Branding
Looking beyond the campaigns and installations — what is the broad goal of it all, and how do you maintain positive growth? Experiential branding is the process of curating how your product lives in the world.
Modern consumers face a barrage of products and brands, and an overwhelming, never ending scroll of advertisements online and in town. Looking beyond traditional advertising and traditional marketing, brands are also now looking beyond traditional branding.
How To Break Through The Noise
To communicate effectively to potential customers, and deliver a message that keeps them coming back, an experiential branding campaign must be felt more than seen. How does the product best work, and how can stories of consumers enjoying a product the most get out to the world? The more powerful response someone has to a product, the stronger the brand’s impression.
If a brand can echo any positive response through a combination of marketing experiences, and content campaigns, then those positive reactions will replicate. The more people who get in touch with a brand’s values and beliefs, the more will have sensory reactions when interacting with their products.
Inspiring Loyal Customers
In conjunction with experiential marketing activations and its many facets, experiential branding is all about actively shaping a customer’s perception of a product to be positive. The first goal is then to secure a purchase, and the final goal is to inspire returning customers.
Focusing an experiential branding effort on building emotional relationships is how you prevent a buyer from looking for a cheaper option the next time around. Fostering familiarity and attraction and security all build up in the mind of the consumer, often moving them to prefer a repeat buy. Evoke an emotional response, translate an understanding of your company’s core beliefs, and you’ll keep the customer.
Experiential Branding On A Ferla
At Ferla Bikes, we provide a foundation for companies looking to increase their experiential branding efforts. Centering a service or an event around one of our bikes opens up a world of possible experiences that your customers won’t forget. A spontaneous food stand, an interactive product sampling event, and experiential installations are all possible with a Ferla Bike. Just reach out, and we can discuss which bikes are best for gaining an edge on competitors.
Is Experiential Marketing Effective?
We can talk endlessly about the philosophies and strategies that drive experiential marketing, but at the end of the day, the most important thing is whether or not it works. Looking at the numbers, it appears that it absolutely does.
Here are some of the more convincing experiential marketing statistics we’ve found that point to the efficacy of experiential marketing.
85 percent of consumers are more likely to purchase a product or service after attending a live marketing event. (EventTrack 2018)
91 percent of consumers say they have more positive feelings about brands after attending events and experiences. (EventTrack 2018)
75 percent of B2B marketers agree that experiential marketing has proven to be the most successful marketing tactic. (Agency EA)
41 percent of marketers believe that events are the single-most effective marketing channel over digital advertising, email marketing, and content marketing. That number marks a 32 percent increase since 2017. (Bizzabo 2018)
64 percent of Gen Z consumers, and 72 percent of Millennial consumers believe that brands should provide personalized experiences. (Adobe)
88 percent of companies use their event marketing data to inform wider marketing strategies, and make other important tactical decisions. (Freeman)
The most successful businesses are spending 1.7x the average marketing budget on live events. (Bizzabo)
The numbers don’t lie. Traditional marketing is old news. Magazine advertisements, billboards, and even commercials fail to carry the same weight they used to. Considering ad-free streaming services, ad-blocking VPNs, and fast-forward buttons, you can’t count on a customer sitting through an entire spot.
Experiential marketing is the future, because it’s personal and shareable. Traditional marketing promotes practices that result in a consumer passively receiving a company’s message. With an experiential approach, however, a brand can engage with consumers directly and create memorable experiences in the process. The strength of the feelings of connection that result from these engagements is apparent in the convincing statistics we’re sharing here.
The Ferla Family is proud to have collaborated with a number of household name brands over the years to create unforgettable experiential marketing campaigns. Among these notable corporations, some of the most well known include LuluLemon, Tiffany & Co., Sugarfina, and Jameson.
When we captured their interest, each of these rands had a different story to tell. So, we worked with each to build a custom Ferla Vendor Advertising Bike, outfitting them with each brand’s trademarked colors, and logos. Practical designs and upscale parts guide our output of vendor bikes that please the eye, and perform well at experiential marketing events.
Looking back on such events, these are some of our favorites:
The LuluLemon Ghost Races
Ferla’s campaign with LuluLemon featured the outpouring of a fleet of fully-branded vending bikes decked out with promotions for the Ghost Race in Chicago and New York City. Brand ambassadors used our Ferla Vendor advertising bicycle to hand out free merchandise to runners as they crossed the finish line of the storied 8K race. There were also reps handing out promotional gear, and water.
Helping runners replenish while promoting their brand, they captured an ideal experiential balance. Everyone involved had a positive experience with our convenient and stylish carts, and LuluLemon was able to elevate that for their own brand.
Sugarfina’s Mobile Pop-Up Shop
Sugarfina’sorder of Ferla Bikes were some of the most fun our builders ever put together. The gourmet candy shop purchased a Ferla Grande, which is our largest coffee vending bike. To elevate and customize the purchase, we installed a philodendron leaf canopy to the display, offering shade and accent for the colorful candy to pop.
Sugarfina was so happy with the pop-up they had with the Ferla Grande, they followed up with a purchase of a Ferla Vendor to use as a billboard bike and show off even more sugary confections at more events. The bikes and displays captured pedestrians attention, and built sales for both us and Sugarfina, and helped each company develop new loyal customers.
The Ferla Ice Cream Bike
Le Café de la Plage is a decadent ice cream shop based in Malibu, and when we met, they were looking for new ways to drive customers in. We worked together to create the Ferla Ice Cream Bike, which brings upscale ice cream to eaters in style.
The design featured delightful French accents to complement the brand, and a classy black-and-white color scheme. We included La Plage’s logos and decals on a custom canopy to capture peoples’ eyes, and it’s worked. Even when the bike isn’t out riding, it draws looks sitting parked outside the shop.
Working With Ferla
Looking to kickstart your experiential marketing campaign in style?
We offer customization and personalization on different levels, and some of our featured services include adding logos to canopies, wrapping entire bikes in a brand’s colors, and creating our most nique designs and experiences for your brand.
The best way to generate effective an experiential marketing campaign is to look to those that have been successful. Read up on the campaigns we did with Tiffany & Co., and LuluLemon — use their strategies of event building, and spreading awareness took shape.
The internet is your friend when expanding your research. Examine experiential marketing trends. Check out comprehensive articles, like this one from PYMNTS named How Experiential Retail Is Giving Physical Stores An Edge, which we referenced earlier in the article.
Use all of your research to inform how your product should introduce itself to the public. Choose a format like an installation, or pop-up, and begin molding its needs to your brand and product.
The most valuable experiential strategies utilize key insights garnered from research and data collection to make informed decisions, and create more impactful experiences. Essentially, in today’s day and age, company’s need to use everything at their disposal. While addressing the core approaches to experiential marketing, a company also needs to consider analytics when curating a campaign meant to actually secure customers.
Experiential marketing has the power to create unforgettable experiences and build lasting impressions. There’s nothing more valuable to a brand or product than a piece of branding that sticks to the minds of consumers. The more positive the experience, the greater a brand’s chances are of turning new friends into customers, loyal customers, and even brand ambassadors.
There are a lot of advantages and inspirations for brands to utilize experiential marketing. In the largest sense, these campaigns can offer a company a competitive edge, and opportunity to differentiate themselves from their industry.
These ideas aren’t new, but they take some energy, action, and imagination, which is why only some brands utilize them. When done well, an experiential marketing effort can evoke emotional reactions in consumers, create positive associations with the product, and funnel in more customers, increasing sales. Remember the stats above? It’s proven!
