Festival

corndog · Posted: Apr 24 2007 Post subject: Festival

Well, we were asked by this guy who has an outdoor entertainment facility to vend at his 1st annual beach music festival. We would be the only ones providing bbq pork sammies, our honey buns, tea and water. We get to set the prices. There will be other vendors, but there will also be a varity of food. He is not sure of what yet, as this is in the begining stages. He says that he would like 1000 max people, but he is not sure of how many will show right now. His question to us involves pricing. Meaning, he is not sure if he wants to recieve "X"% of our food sales, or just charge us "X" amount just to vend and we keep our profits...We have not done a vending gig before, and I have read alot about them. Which would be the best method to go by? I don't think he is out to screw anyone, and like I said, he is new to this also, so this is a learning curve for both of us. We both would like an ongoing working relationship, as he has the facilties for weddings, reunions and such and he is interested in using us alot. Any and all input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
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Kevin "Corndog" Cameron

Dang it boy, that's some mighty fine eatin'!!!!

marvsbbq · BBQ All Star Joined: 15 May 2005 Posts: 6186

For a 'first time' gig like this, I would go with the % of sales. Just due to the fact you don't know what the turn out will be. You just MIGHT get stuck with a lot of product when it is all over..OR you just MIGHT sell out too, who know??? in BBQMAN's words...."It is a crap shoot".
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Often imitated but never duplicated

G's BBQ · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 13 Sep 2006 Posts: 1641 Location: NV

corndog · Posted: Apr 24 2007 Post subject:

I was thinking of the % of sales also...anyone know what % of sales is fair?
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Kevin "Corndog" Cameron

Dang it boy, that's some mighty fine eatin'!!!!

BBQMAN · Posted: Apr 24 2007 Post subject:

He's expecting 1000 in attendance, max? So if he has 10 food vendors, the weather is iffy, or not all 1000 show up this spells trouble Kevin. Either way, a percentage of sales is the way to go. Even if a crowd shows up, the profit potential is just not there for me.

I only participate at established events where I either know the promoter, know the events track record, or both. Generally, I will not participate at any 1st annual event, but that's just me.

How would you possibly know what to prepare for this event? I usually visit a new event as a spectator, and then consider it for next year if it looks promising...................
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BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

corndog · Posted: Apr 24 2007 Post subject:

I know what you are saying Mike....we were basicaly looking at running it like one of our Relay for Life events. But, we are not too sure on the total profit part. The coordinator did say that he will pre-sell as many tickets as possible prior to the event and that will give him a ball park idea of attendance..Decisions, decisions, decisions....
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Kevin "Corndog" Cameron

Dang it boy, that's some mighty fine eatin'!!!!

BBQMAN · Posted: Apr 24 2007 Post subject:

Just my two pennies worth buddy! Very Happy

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BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

sseige · Posted: Apr 24 2007 Post subject:

I think your all on the right track with a % but in my experience events are made by a combo of vendors and entertainment. A catch 22 in a way, big name entertainers bring big name vendors and people who pay for the big entertainers. So how do you get all this started.
I'll tell you how we are starting one, first five big name bbq vendors get in free and for the first five they will never have an entrance fee. For this to work for the promoter the show will have to grow and top off at 15 vendors in the future.
If your promoter is not planning to grow this event and 1000 people is it,walk away for any fee higher than $75-100 unless this will help your catering out then adjust buy what its worth to you but not much higher.
He is going to have a hard time not getting screwed if he charges a % of sales and if this is the case 20-25%max 10% for your benchmark if he has water,electric,tents and has your name in the advertisements, again walk away if higher than 25%.
Good luck to you corndog I have big worries on this one not to mention the health department. Consider if you need to be on the ground floor of a new event and what direction it could take you.
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