Menu prices

[Sir Smoke A Lot]

Ok Guys...I have my first vending gig this weekend. It is at a winery in St. Croix Falls, WI. It is an art fair and there will be food vendors - I am the only BBQ guy. As this is my first time selling my product, I am wondering if I could level set with some of you more experienced guys. I am keeping my menu pretty simple to start with. Here is what I am thinking for prices - I would just like to know if it is "in line" with what you might be charging.

Pulled pork sandwich = $4.00
Ribs - 2 bones for $4.00; 4 bones for $7.00; 8 bones for $11.00
Chicken breast sandwich = $4.00

Add a bag of chips and a can of pop for $1.00

I am open to any and all advice regarding this vending deal. Thanks as always for the input!!

[HeSmellsLikeSmoke]

Seems to me your prices are a bit low, but then what do I know?

I would seriously consider selling by weight. They will get exactly what they pay for and you won't be tempted to pile it on and lose money. (You will need a legal scale to do this.)

Anyone have experience vending like this?

[bbqjoe]

Wrong forum!!!

[Sir Smoke A Lot]

I'm sorry, bbqjoe. If I could delete the thread, I would. Would it be appropriate in the general discussion?

[biffleg]

I'm guessing he'd have to handle it to vend and he's trying to be aware of his pricing ... so Food Handling and Awareness works for me

<Edit: moved to Q-talk>

Sorry - can't help you with the pricing - never vended before.

<Edit: agree with Tim - $1 for chips and soda sounds low. $1 each - or $1.50 for both?>

[timzcardz]

I've never vended, unless you want to count the hundreds of hours that I have put in at the local youth soccer club concession, but I certainly have bought enough BBQ to give advice on pricing. (Just ask Willie B.)

At the prices you listed, why bother? You are shortchanging yourself.

Soda and chips for $1?
Minimum: soda $1 and chips $0.50

Pork or chicken sandwich, I would put in the $6-8 range.

Ribs, I would figure at $18-20/rack for baby backs, and up it a little for lesser quantities. Go a little less for spares.

Just my opinion. Take it FWIW.

I'm sure that others will chime in.

Good Luck!

[Papa Tom]

You're OK Sir for starters if you are spending very little for your spot. You can make money at these prices and it is a good starter for you. Of course a whole lot depends on the competition and what they are charging. Sodas should be at least $1 and chips .50.
Make yourself a checklist so you remember all the things you need.

[Scottyj13]

I would also suggest raising your prices a bit. Keep in mind, people go to these festivals and bring money, more specifically cash. They expect to spend on the food, arts & crafts, and whatever other goods are being sold. Also, consider the target market...it's at a winery, not your usual street-fest.

Good luck!!

[C Rocke]

Originally Posted by Sir Smoke A Lot

Ok Guys...I have my first vending gig this weekend. It is at a winery in St. Croix Falls, WI. It is an art fair and there will be food vendors - I am the only BBQ guy. As this is my first time selling my product, I am wondering if I could level set with some of you more experienced guys. I am keeping my menu pretty simple to start with. Here is what I am thinking for prices - I would just like to know if it is "in line" with what you might be charging.

Pulled pork sandwich = $4.00
Ribs - 2 bones for $4.00; 4 bones for $7.00; 8 bones for $11.00
Chicken breast sandwich = $4.00

Add a bag of chips and a can of pop for $1.00

I am open to any and all advice regarding this vending deal. Thanks as always for the input!!

What's the expected attendance? Expect 10-15% of that to eat.

If not much seating, items that can be consumed walking around the event will be important. Given is an art/winery gig, messy finger food (ribs) might not go as well as chix and pork sandwiches (maybe a teriyaki and a BBQ chicken choice). If no children planned to attend, I would ditch the chips and soda and go more towards bottled water and fruit salad (Or at least a more gourmet chip).

If the winery is a big part of the draw, display/merchandise your ribs with a wine choice or two from the winery to encourage sales. Good Luck!

[bbqjoe]

I will also get on board with those who say you're selling yourself short.
Unless of course your bbq sucks.

[we'll smoke u]

That mint be alittle outa line there Joe.

[SoEzzy]

$5.00 - $6.00 for a 3 servings to the lb (5.33 Oz) pulled pork sammie.

Ribs 2 bones = $4.75, 4 bones = $7.50, 8 bones = $13.00, 12 bones (1 rack) = $18.00.

Chicken breast sammie $5.00 - $6.00.

Bag of pops and a chip = $1.50.

[QansasjayhawQ]

Originally Posted by we'll smoke u

That mint be alittle outa line there Joe.

Yeah - but you know - it's not.

I've experienced people selling their BBQ and I think to myself 'BBQ from my back yard is way better that this'. (No, not you Todd.)

So, yeah, I'll agree with Joe - if your BBQ sucks then it might be a little high.

If it's decent then your prices are a little low and if it's awesome you're way low . . .

[Sir Smoke A Lot]

Thanks so much for all the input! And no...my BBQ does NOT suck!!! I think I will bump things up a bit for Saturday and see how it goes!!! It will certainly be a learning experience! I will post some pics and let you know how it went on Sunday!

[RIX]

We look forward to the pics, I'm sure you'll do good and at the very least you get so good some Q and learn some stuff about vending. Not that I know anything about it. :)