Do's + Don'ts for new GFTS

I came across a new food truck who didn't have many followers.  I wanted to help promote this food truck, but the twitter account contained no information to help me.. except their twitter name.  It didn't have basic information such as web site or contact information.  It didn't even have an updated tweet where to find them. Frustrated, I tweeted:

@DinDin_A_GoGo GFTS need to tweet in the AM, mid AM, Lunch, Mid day and b4 dinner. When foodies are thinking "Where shall i spend my $?"
— Michelle Reynoso (@callmemochelle) July 11, 2012

That tweet led to a discussion with GFT foodies and GFT owners about lack of communication that new GFTs have. Real quickly, here's some "do's" and "don'ts" for new GFTS. They sound like common sense, but you'd be surprised at how many GFTS are complete idiots when it comes to these tasks.

• DO invest in Twitter.  Make the username easy to remember, and reflect on what your specialty is.  Tweet your location before you leave your commissary (exact address appreciated). Tweet your estimated arrival time (ETA). And Tweet again mid day, especially before lunch.  Tweet again before dinner, and tweet again during dinner.  Tweet, and tweet often!

• DO have your web site updated and running before posting your URL information to the public.  Web sites without correct information (or still under construction!) is 100% useless! Hey, its part of your bread-and-butter, so get it fixed! If you can't get the web site running, use Facebook as a backup.  Its always good to have both Twitter and Facebook available to the fans.  DO have active links and contact information accessible on your twitter | facebook | website accounts. 

• Do NOT rely on others to get your GFT going.  The other GFTS (especially the older ones who started from the beginning) paved the way for you by creating the GFT gatherings, figured out the do's and don'ts for the city, and made sure everything was legit.  Do NOT expect a free hand out, or to be added into their rotation because you asked.  DO think outside the box. If the old timers aren't helping you... roll up your sleeve, scout your own lot, and be in charge of your own rotating GFTS!

• DO follow other GFTS, but do NOT rely on other GFTS or bloggers to tweet for you or promote you.  DO respond back to tweets in a timely manner. Like in any business, no response means your competition gets a chance to steal your business! Solution?  Check your phone constantly, and (here's that word again) TWEET when you have down time.

• Do post a menu so we know what you sell, but Do NOT assume your menu is set in stone.  On your web page, keep us updated on what you're serving.  Keep a few staple items (particularly your best sellers) on the menu, but rotate or change items out as the season changes. It'll bring customers back for the new stuff.. and (here's that word again) TWEET an announcement of your new food items with pictures.

• DO keep your commitment if you're booking a venue. Also if you double book yourself, DO give ample notice to back out... and be respectful by finding a replacement for the venue. Lastly DO fill up your gas tank.  It sounds trivial, but if you can't make it to your destination, or you're deemed unreliable, other GFTs won't want you in the group.  

• Do NOT crash other GFT lots unless you were invited. Many cities require a permit and are allowed only a certain number of vehicles per site.  Crashing a site may mean disqualifying a permit, and no one likes a party crasher.

There's probably more Do's and Don'ts for new trucks, but those are the most common issues. I may not be a GFT operator, but I have been involved long enough to know which GFTS are reliable.. and which ones to avoid! As someone who eats at GFTS 4-5 times a week, I don't have time to guess where to find a truck. I have money, and any of the GFTS will be glad to take it.


Update:  Since posting this list, I received DM's with these other "suggestions". 

DO post on your web or twitter profile if you are cash only.  One foodie went to try a new GFT and realized she didn't have enough cash because she assumed the GFT accepted credit / debit cards. 

If your menu can add up, DO check into a portable credit card reader.  Most of the GFTS are using a credit card swiper you can attach to the iPhone / Smartphone.  I saw one at Best Buy in the mobile phone section, but I am sure you can find it online like on Amazon, Apple, or via Google.

Also, here's one that most new GFTS seem to experience very quickly (and not in a good way): DO create a password that makes it harder to hack.  Use UPPER,  lowercase, $ymbo!s, and Num3ers or a combination of such to make it harder for your account to be compromised.