Food Cart-The Recipe for Success

The recipe for the success of the foodcart business is summarized in the four P's of marketing. Product The choice of the product should match the chosen location. If it is school, then the products to be sold should cater to the students' taste and budget. Should the school allow the cart inside the premises, it could be required to observe strict rules in handling,packing and cooking the food for the students' protection. Pricing The pricing should be competitive with other products sold in the same location. The targeted customers' affordability should also be a factor in pricing. High price may lead to slow moving inventory which could result into a loss especially if the shelf life is short or is highly perishable. Place The choice of location determines not only the pricing but the product and packing as well. If the foodcart is to be stationed near trasport depots, the products should be ready to go and reasonably priced. The mall is a good place for foodcart if the cart assembled is for the class of people that consist the foot traffic in the shopping centers. It requires more sophisticated and more expensive equipment. Supplies for packing and keeping the food fresh are also pricey. Rent can go as high as 25,000 a month depending on the location. Schools are very strict in choosing what foodcart to allow inside their compound. Only one or two are given the contract after bidding. Market is captive especially if the school does not allow students to go out of the gate during short breaks. Promotion The promotion should be an on-going activity of the business. The signage should be attractive and brand name allows instant recall. Flyers are effective in promoting the product to the area where it is going to do business. A special offer of discount may do the trick. Those who are interested in this business may contact: Foodcart Association of the Philippines Telephones: (02) 789-8937, (02) 729-4449