Sales % of Total Event Attendance

Hi,

What numbers do you typically use to figure out how much product to bring/sell at an event?

One answer I rec'd was on the average, it's about 2-5% of the total number of people in attendance, per day.

For example, you sell hotdogs at an event where there are 10,000 people for two days. Based on these calculations, you should have 200-500 hotdogs available to sell each day.

How accurate is this info, based on your experiences?

I appreciate your input .. and thanks!

OK, I'll reply to my own question with one answer I rec'd off-board.
Hoping to hear from others!

"25% to 30% of total attendance will purchase something from a food vendor .. then divide this number by the # of food vendors."

Jmac300.. Been watching for responses to your question here.. I'm not really sure if there is a true formula out there.. Probably something more of a gut feeling knowing the event, and having the right food item at the right time (season, event, age group, demographics, etc)... Hopefully more experienced folk jump in on this one..

I remember asking this question earlier on. There is no real formula, just experience. I do remember thinking how many brats I would sell each minute, then hour, then # of hours working the event. Of course come slow and fast times. I totally guesstimated on dogs, brats, and spicy polish. I came really close to running out, but not by much-perfect. If it's a gig that goes until late, keep open if you can, a lot of vendors close early. We stayed open and made a killing on the beer drinking music dancing drunkard-style crowd. Remember lights. I am getting the festival fever just thinkin about it.

As stated "25% to 30% of total attendance will purchase something from a food vendor .. then divide this number by the # of food vendors." is a good place to start.

You've got food events where 100% eat and you've got events with food where 20-50%.

First time out, be conservative. If possible don't buy food for day 2 until you see how day 1 is going.

Expect 1/4 of what the promoters tell you you'll sell. Talk to past vendors if possible.

Your location can make or break you. Need to be near the action.

You just never know. After awhile you can gauge it pretty well, but it's still a crapshoot. That's what makes doing events so much fun!

Depending on when your next event is, having enough product on hand may not be a problem. Better to have too much than to run out- except if that means loss due to spoilage.

I tried figuring out a formula for selling Curley Fries at High School football games. I did my calculations and had it down to a science. I placed my initial order. All I can tell you is that after 6 home games, I donated quite a few cases of Spuds to the local Food Bank. As was mentioned it's a crapshoot when you have no history from the Event. Keep in mind that Weather plays a big role in sales results as well.