Last updated on May 23rd, 2023 at 02:17 pm
Selling concessions at a swim meet can increase meet revenue. Think of it: You’ve got a captive audience who likely will be around for hours. With today’s busy lifestyles, many rush from one thing to the next without time to grab a bite to eat in between. Planning ahead can help to maximize income and decrease the stress on those managing the concessions stand.
Contents for Make Money with Swim Meet Concessions
Who Will Manage The Concessions Area?
Someone other than the meet director, will need to manage concessions. Depending on the size and length of the meet, either a person or a committee can head up this area.
What To Do?
The concessions manager and/or committee is responsible for menu planning (be aware of any restrictions of the facility), shopping, food preparation and staffing the concession stand during the meet. The facility meet host, place and season may dictate what to sell. It can be helpful to consult, and where possible dovetail, with meet hospitality. Check and comply with local ordinances about the preparation and sale of food. A concession stand needs a cash box stocked with change. Consult with the Meet Director to find out how to get one. Also, set up mutually agreed upon protocols to safeguard the money throughout the meet. Additionally, check with the Meet Director about leftover food items. Some teams regularly host meets and may save less-perishable food. After the meet, clean-up the area and distribute leftovers as directed.
Decreasing Food Costs
Shopping for advertised specials can save a great deal of money on food to resell at meets. Soliciting food donations, either directly from businesses or from team families can give free food for the meet host to sell.
Getting Food Items from Team Members
One mid-size team makes food assignments to team members based on last name. For example: A-H bring 2 dozen muffins or bagels, I-R bring 1 case water or Gatorade, S-V bring 1 box Airheads, ring pops or other individually wrapped candy, etc. One to two weeks before the meet the team sends an email giving the details. Included is the list of who brings what, as well as when and where to deliver the food. They include a couple of delivery options so those who cannot attend the meet can bring their donation to a specified practice.
Another, larger team which regularly hosts meets sends a link to an online sign-up before each meet. They invite all team members to sign-up for the food they would like to bring. Receiving team volunteer credit motivates team members to do it.
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Preparing for a swim meet? Check out The Ultimate Swim Meet To-Do List. Then, get a bird’s eye view of Who does What at Swim Meets. Both include easy-to-follow links to related information. Doing a smaller, simpler meet? Host a High School or Developmental Swim Meet will help.
Need more help? See 20+ Ways to Get Swim Meet Timers and Officials: 20+ Ways to Get them for Swim Meets.
Also, discover a few things you can do to Increase Safety at Swim Meets. Find ideas to implement before your meet as well as last-minute quick and easy tips!