Your Robo JetBoss Success Guide

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On the one hand, all you really need is a Robo JetFloss machine, a power outlet and sugar... it's really that simple.  But, like with most things in life, the devil is often in the details, and having the right accessories and sources will not only save you time and money, but it will make you appear more professional while increasing profits at the same time.

We've also found through trial and error that having just the right setup makes the whole business run smoother and is then much more enjoyable too! So, while none of the following is required, we suggest for one-time purchases:
 

• Being a commercial grade machine the Robo JetFloss comes with a 20 amp straight blade plug.  Unless you're going to use it exclusively in a commercial location equipped with such an outlet, you'll need one of these adapters:  1-Foot Nema 5-15P to 6-20R or this T-Blade Adapter.  Alternatively, you can order an 10 ft long replacement NEMA 5-15P to C19 power cord for just about the same price. Note... this doesn't require any wiring on your part. the power cord plugs in the back of the machine just like a typical computer.  Occasionally, (it's not always in stock) this Conntek 15' cord is available. It's twice the price but I've ordered two for my machines because it usually eliminates the need for an extension cord which is one less thing to worry about.
• If you're ordering the Standard or XL models, they now come with smaller 20" pans. Unfortunately, we don't yet offer "Half Bubbles" in this size.  However, you can buy either this 20" full Bubble or this 20.5" Bubble on line and simply cut the top off to create your own.  A Dremel (or similar craft tool) or any angle grinder will do the trick in a couple of minutes. 
• For mobile power generation, the best fit I've found is the Wen Super Quiet model generator is ideal.  This unit conserves gas with adaptive power regulation and is quiet enough to use without disturbing customer conversations! 
• A Heavy-Duty 25' Extension Cord is going to be needed sooner or later as you won't always be close to an outlet and you're going to want a 12 gauge indoor/outdoor rated model.
• If you're going to mix your own floss sugar mix, then these 5 gallon food service grade buckets from Lowe's can't be beat for large batches of 25 lbs at a time. And, while you can use standard lids, we guarantee you'll want to make your life so much easier with these spin-lock Gamma Seal lids instead!  On the other hand, for mixing 5 lbs or less, Rubbermaid MixerMate Pitchers are the best trick of the trade!
• For storing your sugar floss mix in convenient and moisture proof containers, we've found the RubberMaid MixerMate Bottles in the 2 Quart size to be Perfect for the task. When full, they'll hold about 4 lbs of sugar floss, are easy to handle and the opening is ideal for spill-free filling of the floss bowl without needing a funnel or scoop.  The only drawback is they are not entirely moisture proof, but we've found that 60mm x 3mm o-rings fit the bottles perfectly and really do the job of keeping your sugar floss dry.  The bottles cost only around $2.50 a piece at most retailers (Target, Walmart, etc) and the o-rings are less than .50 cents each when buying a 10-pack online. Well worth the money.
• There are countless storage tubs for sale everywhere, but the most practical and economical we've found are the Sterilite® 60 Qt (15 gallon) Industrial Utility Storage Totes Buy 2 of them, they're the perfect size for this particular job.  If you need something a bit more durable and watertight, then the Plano Sportsman Totes/Trunks are about 50% more, but arguably worth every penny. The small and medium are more than large enough (don't let the names fool you, they are 56 and 68 quart respectively).
• We tried a lot of scoops, ladles and cups until we stumbled across the OXO Good Grips Flexible Scoop.  Save yourself untold amounts of spilled sugar and countless frustrating "close but not quite" other options and just buy one of these now. 

Recommendations For Regular Supplies:

• Paper Cones for making smaller portions. Box of 1000 from Sam's Club. 
• Long Bamboo skewers from 20" to 36" lengths are typically used for making the larger and more impressive servings.  We suggest 21" semi-point as the length is just right and the point is not sharp!
• We stock 21" plastic straws in a variety of colors (we never know what will ship) that are 8mm diameter and are ideal for making small to medium cotton clouds. Not only are they larger in diameter, but they are obviously not affected by humidity and will not twist and warp during storage or transit. Check this page for current pricing.  Shorter 14 inch mini-straws are also available.
• Ready to use Flavored SugarFloss or Concentrated Flossine that you can mix yourself with regular granulated sugar from Webstaurantstore.

Miscellaneous Items:

• For cleaning the Robo JetFloss you'll need a flat tipped screwdriver and a 7mm nut driver in order to remove the floss head lid and the nuts that attach the heater coil.  Since the machine is metric, the Irwin 6 in 1 Nut Driver might as well be made to order for the Robo JetFloss!    
• The one cleaning tool I always have on hand to remove accumulated floss off the pan and stator during operation is a "Tile and Gout" brush.  I've tried just about every one you can find, but ironically, the least expensive one out there is the one that actually works best (at least for this purpose) and that's the Carlisle Grout Brushes. They get the job done quickly and efficiently, but without having to worry about damaging any surfaces.
• I've found that a very light coating of standard non-stick cooking spray on the inside of the bowl makes an absolutely unbelievable difference in the ease of cleaning off excess sugar floss. I usually reapply every 60 to 90 minutes depending on temperature and humidity.
• If you have to remove carbonized sugar (blackened and very hard to remove) from your floss head, then you'll find Carbon-Off to be a very useful product!
• If you're going to mix your own sugar floss then you'll need measuring spoons for accurately using Flossine. Remember, the general ratio is one tablespoon of flossine to 5 lbs of sugar. When using the MixerMate bottles (above) they hold roughly 4 lbs of sugar and this works out to be about 2 "rounded" teaspoons of flossine per bottle.
• A stable and durable business card stand for self-promotion at all of your events. One for handout fliers is a good idea too. Make it easy for customers to know what services you offer and how to contact you in the future and you'll be amazed at how many events you'll book without even trying!  Of course this applies to any business venture, but the effect is much more dramatic when it comes to Floating Cotton Candy.
• A "Tip Jar" of some sort... preferably hand decorated with a prominent "Thank You" written on top.  People are so used to tipping retail servers nowadays, and also enthralled by the Floating Cotton Candy process, that you'll be amazed at how much extra cash this can produce!

In reality, just showing up and operating the Robo JetFloss will generate impressive sales, and certainly enough to put traditional cotton candy operators to shame.

Floating Cotton Candy is so new to the market, and so entertaining that it really does generates sales all on its own.  That said, experience has taught us just over half a dozen simple techniques to maximize sales at any event.

1. Set up in a high-visibility location - It's the sight and smell that attract the masses so make sure that you're positioned to be seen from all sides as much as possible given the venue.  Definitely avoid being placed in a kitchen, commissary or tent if at all possible. If you have to be pushed back under some structure, make sure that you're as close to the front edge as you can, and ideally sticking out as much as possible.
   
   
2. Start making cones right away - Until you actually begin making Floating Cotton Candy the Robo JetFloss looks an awful lot like any other cotton candy machine, and that's not particularly exciting. The key to attracting attention and making sales is to have cotton candy floating up in the air for all to see!  Plus, the aroma of warm cotton candy is rather intoxicating and will attract additional attention as well.
   
   
3. Make a scene. - If you have help or assistants, make a really large cone and have them walk a couple of laps around the entire event holding it. Floating Cotton Candy cones really stand out and demand attention! Those who have never seen them before will make a point to come looking, and those who have purchased from you before will immediately recognize that you're back.
   
   
4. Offer a few at a discount just to prime the pump. -  If you don't have anyone who can take a sample cone for a site tour, then offer a deal to the first few people who stare at the Floating Cotton Candy and catch your eye. Give them a significant discount (or even a free cone) if they promise to walk at least one lap around the event while holding the cone up high before eating it!  You have to learn to pick out the trustworthy types, but generally if you offer this bargain to a few, at least one cone will survive the rounds and then new customers will come looking for your stand.
   
   
5. Put some out for display on either a table top or upright stand. -  There may be times where you cannot be actively making cones because you're either on a break, refilling supplies or talking to an important prospect.  Regardless, that's no reason that anyone should ever walk by and think for even one moment that you're running an ordinary cotton candy operation!  In addition, customers tend to come in waves, and there will be times when not everyone can wait, so having half a dozen cones made in advance can make for quick sales.
   
   
6. Engage with your customers - It should probably go without saying, but we're going to say it anyway: the entire experience should be FUN for your customers!  That means watching the Floating Cotton Candy being made should be fun, eating it should be fun, and interacting with YOU should be fun too!  The Robo JetFloss pretty much takes care of the first two by itself, so that just leaves you.
   Simply put, if you go out of your way to have fun, then they'll probably have fun too.  Since we all have our own unique personalities, there's no one way to engage and entertain. That said, if you just treat the customers (mostly children) like your own kids and grand-kids, then things tend to work out pretty well.
   Feel free to wear a silly hat, shirt or other accessories. Also, verbal bantering and teasing tends to keep them very amused, especially when there are giant fluffy mounds of sugar on the line. Examples that will almost always keep them entertained while the cone is being made include:
   
   - Repetitively asking them "Is it big enough yet?" long before you're done and then protesting slightly when they insist that it is not.
   
   - Insisting there's no way they are really going to eat the whole thing by themselves and allowing them to debate you on the subject.
   
   - Asking them if they want to know about the special contest where they can win a free cone? After they excitedly answer YES! tell them all they have to do is eat the first one in a single bite!
   
   You get the idea and will no doubt develop your own style. But, since it can take a minute or two to craft each cone (depending on size and conditions) it's good to keep them entertained and engaged throughout the process.
   Note:  While there are some exceptions, adult customers find this type of banter substantially less amusing than children do, especially if the event also serves alcohol. As such, we recommend you use your best discretion and avoid teasing or taunting the adults.
   
   
7. Prominently display Business Cards & Handouts - Flying Cotton Candy is so unique that people will often inquire about your availability for other events. Make it easy for them to grab one of your cards... don't make them have to ask!  Realize that for every prospect who will take the time to ask, there will be several who will feel uncomfortable doing so, or who don't want to wait in order to catch your attention.  If you're really ambitious, print flyers making it clear that you can be hired for Birthday Parties, Corporate Events, Store Openings, Wedding Receptions and similar functions. That is if you don't mind the extra business. 

Floating Cotton Candy is so unique that the product and service honestly sells itself, but it never hurts to do the extra "little things" in order speed things along!

Keep reading and viewing on the second page of the Robo JetBoss Success Guide as we're adding more content on a regular basis.