busy_vendor

Image Source: Busy Vendor by Terence Chang

Few days ago, I was walking on the street after meeting with fashion jewelry manufacture and fashion jewelry wholesaler. I saw a small Chinese carrot cake vendor at the corner of a small alley. I saw a long waiting line. Many people are waiting in line to get so-called “the best carrot cake in town”. I was unable to stay longer enough to get mine. The line was about half mile long. There are at least 400 people waiting in line. So I picked few people and asked them why they like it and how much they like it.

I was NOT surprised by the answers. My questions were “Why are you waiting in line? Are these cakes so good?”

These are the summary of the answers.

  • Oh. I don’t know. I just heard the TV news about it.
  • I saw the review on magazine.
  • My friend told me to come.
  • Oh. I just walk by and see the crowd. So I assume they are really good. So I want to give it a try.
  • The cake looks very good and tasty.

Regardless how the vendor got on TV or magazine, the word of mouth brings in the customers. They must have done some good to boost their business and build their reputation.

This inspired me to think how this small vendor got so much attention and become a success story on my blog.

These are the facts about them.

  • First of all, they only offer 4 different types of cakes. They don’t have a lot of items to sell. Just four different fried cakes.
  • They only offer few thousands a day and up to two cakes per person. First come and first get. They will close the booth when the cakes are sold out. You can buy more than two, but you have to wait in line again.
  • They are open from 7:30AM to 1:30PM. The timing seems critical. People will buy them for breakfast, for brunch or for lunch.
  • They use very good ingredients. The cake looks very fresh and smells good. People who bough them were giving thumbs up and compliment. “WOW, Taste so good, so full, the best cake I ever have, etc.”
  • They are very nice to every one. They say hi, thank you and come again to every customers with a soft tone. It’s like buying coffee at Starbucks. The staffs are so nice.
  • There is a senior hospital near by. I think older people who more likely are the one to spread the words and become return customer. The will tell their friends, families and neighbors to come.
  • Work efficiently and response quickly. There are only three people working as a team. They cover each others.

So what are the secrets that make this small vendor a success?

  • Right Niche. Do what they can do best. They definitely know what they can do best and focus on it.
  • Availability. They know quantity is an important tactic to boost sales. They don’t over sell. They make people wanting to come back later.
  • Timing. They understand when the cake is best for breakfast, brunch and lunch.
  • Quality products. Without the good quality products, people won’t come back. Reputation makes big sale. I think that’s one of the reason TV and magazine comes.
  • Best customer services. Smile is always the first impression of a successful business. A pretty smile and customer services will bring people back.
  • Location, location, location. They are on the right spot that have traffic.
  • Work together like a winning team. They set goals clearly. Everyone is on the same page.

I think the above 7 secrets will help me to boost my online stores business as well. I just need a little creative to transform the ideas and implement them into my business model. I am sure there are a lot of works to do to make my business a success, but I am willing to take on the challenge and make thing happen.

Do you have secrets to boost your online business? Share with my viewers!

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