How to Run a Beverage Cart

Last Updated: August 31, 2019

Being a cart driver is not a complicated job, but it does require a lot of energy. Most of the beverage cart driver’s success is due to her friendly manner and upbeat attitude. A simple smile and pleasant small talk with the customers can greatly increase sales and tips for the day. Every driver has her own habits and style when doing this job, so there is no set way of doing it, as long as the basic rules are obeyed. There are three main parts to a cart shift: stocking, driving, and unloading.

Steps

1
Make sure that the cart is clean and presentable.Especially food and beverage compartments. Hose off/wipe down if needed.

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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Stocking

This usually takes about half an hour and is the least fun part of the job.

1
Determine if you need to go to the storage room or area for items that are used up in the usual refrigerators. Always restock the fridge with beer.
2
Fill the cart’s insulated compartments with a layer of ice.
3
Load the sodas, waters, sports drinks, and juices into one cooler, lining them up in an attractive way so they look appealing.
4
Count and record the number of each item as you load them to save time and keep track of the inventory.
5
Load the beers: domestic (about 25), premium (6), and imported (about 20) into the beer cooler.
6
Place chips, crackers, cookies, candies, and other snacks into a small cooler. Also count these. (it helps if you just take the exact same number of each item, like 15 of each, to save recording time and confusion)
7
Pour a layer of ice on top of the drinks.
8
Count and record the amount of money in your bank, and take it with you on the cart.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Driving

A golf cart has two pedals like any car, but goes only 15 mph (24 km/h), so the accelerator should be floored at all times, except around bends or bumpy areas.

1
Start at the end of the course, at the 18th hole, so that you go against the flow of the golfers.
2
Make eye contact with everyone that you pass to make sure that they saw you and acknowledged you. Some will wave, and others will try to say something that you obviously can’t hear over the sound of the cart, so just smile. Its best to always try to stop and talk to everyone and make small talk. This will make the customer feel good and for them know that even if they don't want a drink they you are there and that you still care about them and not the just the sale. Next time they just may get a drink because of this.
3
Stop for anyone that flags you down, and sell them what they want. # Leave your phone on and keep where you can hear it in case the clubhouse needs to call and direct you to THIRSTY GOLFERS.
4
Encourage the consumption of alcohol, as this helps your tips as you make more rounds. You must charge for EVERYTHING! Giving away free drinks/undercharging will lead to immediate termination.
5
Stop and pull the cart off the path and hide behind a tree if you see anyone shooting off the tee in your direction. This is a frequent occurrence and you can sit behind a tree for up to 5 minutes as the golfers take turns. .
6
Stop immediately if you see anyone putting at a hole. Be completely silent as not to break their concentration. Stay out of the fescue grass. DO NOT DRIVE ON THE TEES OR GREENS! Do not cross a fairway in front of golfers you may get hit and its not proper golf etiquette. Then congratulate them on their shot by offering them a cold beer.
7
Know the regulars. They appreciate being recognized and will reward you.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Unloading

This part takes about 30 minutes.

1
Remove all of the unsold items from the cart, counting and recording them carefully as you go.
2
Return everything to the fridge. And stock the fridge for the next day or next shift.
3
Ring up the items you sold on the register and deposit the correct amount of money into the cash drawer.
4
Refill the cart’s bank for the next shift with the same amount that you received for your shift, and the remaining money goes in your pocket. Good work!
5
Put the cart away and return the key.

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Warnings

Make sure you are complying with local and state laws regarding the sale of alcohol.

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Be aware of animals and bugs that live on the course.

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Make sure you have a cell phone on you in case of emergency. On a golf course, you can be far away from any help.

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Do not tip the cart over. This is extremely rare but can happen when you go too fast around a bend, over a high bump, or load the side compartments unevenly. It is most likely to tip when you go off the cart path into the woods to protect yourself from golf balls.

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