28/10/2022
Looking for a challenging job?
Look no further - be a hawker!
My realization of the all-round skill sets needed after 2months starting my first (half day) shared rental stall.
Kudos and respect to all the uncle/aunties and everyone from hawkering.
Especially dedicated to those whom had been doing it for past 3/5/10/15 or even 30~40 years!!!
Respect!!!
Hawkering skills sets needed :
Logistic management
1) inventory, stock check & replenish (buy/order) - range from fresh food to washing detergents
2) ensure every necessary item is ordered, purchased, in-stock - something as simple as a rubber band can cause havoc if suddenly out of stock (cannot packed!)
3) getting to work/setting up/ what to bring/ what to keep
Process flow, Planning & Control
1) Constant simplified daily process flow without affected food quality and preparation
2) daily task, next day task, weekly task, monthly task
Quality control & Analysis
1) keeping food at best level
2) Constantly improving food quality
3) tasting, eating own food daily
Purchasing & Sourcing
1) Order from suppliers (or directly from wet market)
2) Source for better pricing (without compromising food quality)
3) Source for better quality food
Risk analyst
1) how much food to prepare for each day (customers visits are unpredictable)
2) which off day having the least sales impact
Sales & Marketing
1) How to attract customers to first try our food, and come back again before keeping them as regulars.
2) How to widen existing customers base to reach more potential
Customer services
1) keeping customers happy - even with demanding request
2) handle complains - regardless how trivial
3) be professional & always keep a smile - even if being treated rudely, frowned upon, or most commonly - being lookdown by self assuming "better-paying/educated" i-dont-need-to-be-doing-hawker-job kind of person
Human resource
1) staff well being management
2) employment interviews
Accounting
1) Daily sales revenue & expense
2) Balance sheets on profit & losses
3) Stock & orders - invoice payment
4) Claims & Salary preparation
On top of all the above skills set, your passion to cook, sell and see that all customers enjoyed your food.
And not forgetting the physical demand of standing/working/cooking for 8~10hrs in heat (inside the stall is at least 10~20°C higher than outside stall)
Please do help to like & share to anyone whom need a little encouragement and/or appreciated in this trade!!