Slow Sales at a 3-Day Event: Keep Staff or Cut Hours?
Quote from Ryan M. on Oct 15, 2024, 11:40 amI run a fish taco truck up here in Maine, usually hitting up events and festivals during the fall months. We’ve been doing this for a while, so we know how to prep for those big 2-3 day gigs that are usually packed. But this weekend, we’re at one of our usual events, and it’s a ghost town. Like, Friday and Saturday were painfully slow, and we’ve still got Sunday to go.
I’ve already got my staff scheduled for the whole weekend, but I’m debating... do I cut some people loose to save on costs, or do I just roll with it and keep everyone on, hoping Sunday picks up? How do you all handle staffing when the turnout is low for events?
I run a fish taco truck up here in Maine, usually hitting up events and festivals during the fall months. We’ve been doing this for a while, so we know how to prep for those big 2-3 day gigs that are usually packed. But this weekend, we’re at one of our usual events, and it’s a ghost town. Like, Friday and Saturday were painfully slow, and we’ve still got Sunday to go.
I’ve already got my staff scheduled for the whole weekend, but I’m debating... do I cut some people loose to save on costs, or do I just roll with it and keep everyone on, hoping Sunday picks up? How do you all handle staffing when the turnout is low for events?
Quote from natasha carroll on Oct 15, 2024, 11:46 amI’ve been in that exact same situation a couple of times with my lobster roll truck. It’s always a gamble, especially when you’re already invested in your staff for the weekend.
I try to keep the crew on if I can afford it, especially if they rely on those hours. But if things are really looking dead, I’ll have a talk with them and see if anyone wants to leave early voluntarily. Most of the time, they get it. Hopefully... Sunday could surprise you!
I’ve been in that exact same situation a couple of times with my lobster roll truck. It’s always a gamble, especially when you’re already invested in your staff for the weekend.
I try to keep the crew on if I can afford it, especially if they rely on those hours. But if things are really looking dead, I’ll have a talk with them and see if anyone wants to leave early voluntarily. Most of the time, they get it. Hopefully... Sunday could surprise you!
Quote from growing home on Oct 18, 2024, 7:49 amI try not to cut anyone once they’re on the schedule. My crew depends on those hours and it’s rough to send them home without pay. I’ve had slow events too but keeping your team around builds loyalty and if things turn around on Sunday you’ll be ready to handle the rush. Maybe have them do some extra cleaning on the truck?
I try not to cut anyone once they’re on the schedule. My crew depends on those hours and it’s rough to send them home without pay. I’ve had slow events too but keeping your team around builds loyalty and if things turn around on Sunday you’ll be ready to handle the rush. Maybe have them do some extra cleaning on the truck?