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Recently I conducted a mini survey of a number of companies that
lease out vending carts and mobile catering vehicles/coffee trucks.
I was curious to know if there was a pronounced difference in the
operational characteristics of men and women food concession
operators. I found the results quite interesting, but not
surprising. I thought that others might be interested in the
results.
Vending Carts
The survey represents 118 vending carts, in four states, primarily
operated in urban centers where the population exceeded 500,000
inhabitants.
Of the 118 vending carts, 18% (21) were leased out to women. The
female operators brought in 24% of the gross revenue.
Mobile Catering Vehicles/Coffee Trucks
The survey represented 67 catering vehicles or coffee trucks in 6
states, primarily operated in urban centers where the population
exceeded 1 million inhabitants. The routes were a mixture of
predefined routes in industrial areas and construction sites.
Of the 62 catering vehicles/coffee trucks, 12% (8) were leased out
to women. The female operators brought in an unbelievable 23% of
the gross revenue.
Loosely gathered statistics by the companies I spoke to, both in the
vending cart and mobile catering/coffee truck businesses, had
determined that their clientele was estimated at between 75% and 80%
male (I found a statement by one company to be of interest and that
was that in the industrial areas serviced by mobile catering
vehicles/coffee trucks that many of the factories had predominantly
female workers, but it appeared that the female workers were more
likely to bring snacks and a lunch rather than purchase it from one
of their vehicles).
In general, the companies seem to believe that the female operators
were more aggressive, and maintained cleaner carts or vehicles, as
the case may be. Female operators generally took less time off and
were much more punctual.
Other points that I found interesting were that the female coffee
truck drivers received far more tickets for traffic infringements
and more complaints about their driving than did their male
counterparts (this probably relates to the statement that female
operators appear to be more aggressive).
Here is to the female entrepreneurs – may their coffee be hot and
their ice cream cold!
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