*This is a collaborative post
Usherette trays are a simple yet powerful tool for boosting sales and improving customer experience at events. Whether you’re running a cinema, concert, sporting event, or trade show, these trays allow staff to serve food, drinks, or promotional items directly to guests without them having to leave their seats. However, the success of this approach depends heavily on how well your staff are trained to use usherette trays.
In this guide, we’ll explore step-by-step strategies to help you train your team for maximum efficiency and professionalism.
1. Start with the Basics: Understanding the Tray
Before staff can confidently use usherette trays, they need to know what they are and how they function.
• Show them the parts of the tray (straps, compartments, base, branding areas).This foundation ensures your staff feel comfortable before they begin serving.
2. Teach Proper Carrying Techniques
Carrying a fully loaded usherette tray is very different from balancing a serving tray.
•Staff should keep the tray level and close to the body to prevent spills.
•Encourage them to maintain good posture to reduce fatigue.
•Practice walking through narrow aisles or crowded areas with a fully loaded tray to simulate real event conditions.
This type of training builds confidence and prevents accidents during service.
3. Focus on Customer Interaction
Usherette trays aren’t just about convenience—they’re about creating a positive guest experience. Train staff to:
•Approach guests with a smile and friendly body language.
•Use simple, clear sales pitches (e.g., “Would you like to try our fresh popcorn?”).
•Know when to step back and avoid interrupting conversations or event moments.
Customer interaction can often be the difference between a missed opportunity and a sale.
4. Practice Speed and Efficiency
Events can be fast-paced, and staff need to keep up. Encourage practice rounds where team members:
•Refill and restock trays quickly between rounds.
•Learn the best routes through seating areas or crowds.
•Develop strategies for managing high-demand moments (like intermissions).
Efficiency not only increases sales but also makes staff feel more in control.
5. Role-Playing and Real-World Scenarios
The best training comes from experience. Organize role-play sessions where one team member acts as a customer and the other practices serving.
•Simulate tricky situations such as impatient guests, spillages, or crowded areas.
•Provide constructive feedback and solutions.
•Rotate roles so every staff member gains confidence handling different challenges.
6. Emphasize Hygiene and Safety
Cleanliness is vital, especially if the trays are being used for food and drinks. Train staff to:
•Sanitize trays before and after use.
•Handle food with gloves or utensils when required.
•Avoid overloading trays, which can lead to spills and accidents.
Safety and hygiene not only protect guests but also reflect positively on your business.
7. Motivate with Sales Techniques
A well-trained team can also be a motivated sales force. Teach them how to:
•Upsell (e.g., “Would you like a drink with your snack?”).
•Highlight limited offers or best-sellers.
•Use persuasive but friendly language without being pushy.
These small efforts can significantly increase event revenue.
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Final Thoughts
Training your staff to use usherette trays effectively is about more than just carrying food or products—it’s about blending convenience, professionalism, and customer service. With the right preparation, your team will not only feel confident using usherette trays but also deliver a seamless and enjoyable experience that keeps guests happy and boosts sales.
Invest time in staff training, and you’ll quickly see how usherette trays can transform the way your business serves its audience.
