Chocolate Fountain Business?

Question

I have just bought a chocolate fountain set up, it has cost me quite a lot as it is a large 5 tier one plus illuminated surround and smaller fountains, i just want to know how i go about getting into wedding fayres and advertising, i have just advertised in my local magazine and it goes in next month, is there anything else i should do? i'm also getting a website but should i be delivering leaflets to hotels and should i offer a deal whereas if they recommend me i will give them 5% or do you think thats a bad idea
thanks

Answer 1

If you can start working for your self while you've still got a job, build up a client base, and then launch into the big wide world.

Take advantage of free adverts in the yellow pages, yell.com and thompson local, you'll be able to find all the details you need online.

Build yourself a website, even a basic one, and run searches on yahoo and google regularly clicking on your link will move it up the list. Get your friends and family to run the search too.

Offer a loyalty discount for repeat business or introducing a friend or relative, this will boost your custom.

Be flexible if a customer wants the work doing on a Sunday, do it on a Sunday, they remember the flexability and small gestures like sending flowers/chocolates to your first customer as these small gestures will do your reputation a world of good.

Offer a free consultation, where you go out and advise the customer on the work, let them know you understand where they are coming from and that you are professional.

Follow up free consultations, with quotes and a phone call after the work is complete to check on satisfaction.

Be 100% customer focused, they are not always right, but they always belive they are right, with your experience, you'll be able to guide them and empower them to choose you as their electrician.

After more than fours years of working for myself I'm still working more than 60 hours a week.

Being self employed is the best thing I ever did, but it is hard work, constantly adapting my services to meet my customers needs, marketing the business and the different aspects of the business to the different sectors we service, and then the paper-work and travelling time.

I hope that in four years time my business is even stronger than it is now and that my services are the first choice of a much wider audience.

Answer 2

It's a very good idea to do the 5% thing. It's best to do vouchers though rather than cash because then the events co-ordinators will get the money directly. If you do cash, the hotel will find some way of taking the money off them. Believe me - I've been there!

The co-ordinators will recommend the person they like so it's important to build up a friendly relationship with them. DON'T call them every three months asking if they've got any weddings coming up. It will only annoy them and they are busy enough as it is without having to fend off begging phone calls! I remember having a man who ran a jazz band ringing me every three months for 5 years begging me to give him some business. After about a year I found it so annoying that I started recommending other people. They can't give you any business if no-one has asked for it!! If the co-ordinator gets a request for a chocolate fountain they will hand out your details - it's in their best interests to be helpful to their customers!!

The co-ordinators aren't really bothered who they recommend as long as they know the company will do a good job - so by offering the co-ordinator 5% you're giving them a reason to recommend you above everyone else.

The best thing to do would be to call all the banqueting hotels and arrange an appointment to go in and see them. You need to speak to the Events co-ordinators and NOT Sales because the events co-ordinators will be the ones giving customers your details. DO NOT arrive unannounced and expect to speak to someone. The co-ordinators are really busy and having to stop unexpectedly to talk to a 'walk-in' is irritating and sets you off on the wrong foot from the start.

Don't ***** about other venues to co-ordinators - everyone knows everybody else in the business!

Once a year or so (after Christmas would be the best time as this is when venues start re-evaluating prices and 'tidying up' their contact lists and brochures) send out a reminder letter of who you are and a pile of brochures and cards to all the venues.

Most of the large banqueting venues will have a wedding fayre once a year. Let them know you will be interested in attending/having a stand. The main time of year for this is after Christmas.

Hope this all helps - if you want to contact me my e-mail address is [e-mail]

Good luck!!

Answer 3

If I were you I would look at getting into the wedding magazines. They all have classifieds at the back. Also keep an eye on confetti and hitch websites. They have forums where people ask advice on these such things. You could always reply and drum up business that way.
Also they could be good at corparate events so get yourself known as a local supllier at hotels and function places as they can recommend you. Good luck!!
In general the best thing you could do is invest in some hand wipes or something that help people when trying, I've seen a lot of mess with them so the more you can assist people the more you would be recommended above others!!

Answer 4

If you want to do this seriously trust me you have to go into this with your eyes wide open & just grab the bull by the horns.
You should also be looking at going to local fairgrounds, weekly markets & Sunday markets just to make some money because it wont be easy. To get into these things & into the wedding fayres go to a few see what there like & come up with yout own ideas. To get a stall it will cost you a fair bit & most places will already have something like this so it will be tough but not impossible. Look out in the paper for local events ring the organisers & try & get a stall. My only advice is to keep your prices as low as possible whilst still making a profit because there are so many competitors believe me i am there myself.
Where are you from ?

Answer 5

Right first things first. Have you checked out with your local environmental health as to if your required to have the food hygiene certificate, also public liability insurance (someone could get hurt by the fountain and sue you). One answer was correct too, if there is a draft in the room they do not work properly, then you will be asked for money back and all sorts, I think you need to do a bit more research before you start BUT when you do GOOD LUCK

Answer 6

Have you researched this really well, tbh chocolate fountains dont really work that well, if there is any kind of draught in the room the chocolate gets too cold and wont go through the fountain. They are so cheap to buy at the moment too that people just buy their own. You can get one for £50 off ebay.

Answer 7

Ask D'js, executive car companies, flower shops anything associated to an occasion ask if you can leave your cards. Also advertise in local supermarkets, word and mouth is always the best.

Good luck I can't wait until my sister has her wedding in July 07 because they are having one...

Also last resort local papers and get a website.

Answer 8

Approach the conference managers at hotels,also ask if you can leave some of your business cards with them to give to other potential customers.Advertise in bride magazines and local function rooms.A discount for recommendation is good.

Answer 9

Don't reduce your margins by offering discounts so early on. Go to your local Business Link (in England) and take up their offer of free support to start and grow your business. They're really good and can access information to help you market yourself more effectively. Tel: [phone] or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk

Answer 10

I have seen lots of people advertise for chocolate fountain on ebay. Try that