1st week out there in HD cart....ouch

Hi all,

Well, it's been an emotional roller coaster first week out there.
Leased our first spot in Lake Worth, Fl next to a swap shop. There are a large number of Mexican and other people of Latin descent, so in order to compete with all the mexican vendors, we came up with a tex mex dog.

Our ice costs each day was a factor we did not forsee. I'm looking for an ice distributor to keep from running to the local grocery store each morning for ice.

Also, we offer both a grilled and boiled dog and I'm amazed at the amount of customers that don't want to wait the extra 4-5 minutes for a juicy grilled kobe/nathan/sabrett dog! we are trying to balance the amount of product we want ready to serve i.e, how many hot dogs to start boiling while anticipating a small rush each day.

The location is not all we hoped it would be and although we have a verbal agreement with the shop owner for 2 more weeks, we must find another location as we are losing money on the venture thus far. We have spent over $8K in the past 2 1/2 months on the cart, product, commissary and other state, county and federal fees and are selling an average of 8-10 hot dogs and 10 sodas or water per day.

Our customers love us, but it's very discouraging trying to pay bills while gathering a following. Any suggestions?

your tellin me ohh boy we must be on the same boat. I was super excited for a day of 50 buscks then the next day. 9 bucks.

ahhhhhhhh dang.

just keep on keepin on is what im told and it will work out so lets stick it out and either go broke or make money.

fat tony

Based on the education I have received from this website: LOCATION and don't sign agreements especially starting out.

From what I can tell you say you have a large amount of Mexican and Latinos, time to pack up the hot dog cart and start selling tacos.

Just an observation and educated through this site.

quote:

Our customers love us, but it's very discouraging trying to pay bills while gathering a following. Any suggestions?

Give us an idea of some things you have done to market your cart. In general, it can take a while before you make enough money to pay bills, which is why a good reserve of funds is important. I would also say that you don't want to keep moving around. Either shut down completely, or stick with where you are at right now until you are sure you have found a spot that overcomes the weaknesses that you have identified with your current location.

Other than ice, what are your largest expenditures? Are you throwing product away because of no sales? Describe the primary customers in that area? Are you paying staff?

Hey I know what you are saying. Right now I sit in front of an auto part store and it really seemed like it would be a good location but it proved to be different. I sit out there 3 days a week and the same days and If I sell $25 worth of product im happy. I've been there for a while now and when I first started there I kept saying to myself it's just a matter of time but nothing really changed. I have been working on a few other locations cause I really want to get up and going.

dlcampan.
I feel your pain. I too have been there (not exactly where you are. ) but i do understand. I started had both boiled (dirty water dawgs and grilled.) well, i no longer serve grilled dawgs. people can do that at home they cannot however recreate what you can do in the cart with the dirty water dawg. And although i don't think i had UNrealistic expectations, i think it is much more of a challenge than say back in the day. I mean my mom had a truck 30 some odd yrs ago and i remember it was quite a good living. I think maybe profit margins are lower and maybe it is an over statuarated biz. ?? Not sure but i have to tell ya, i am working my butt off and if i had to pay the bills on my cart, i couldn't. My realistic goal is to expect it by next season and if not...... blow the damn thing up!!!! Only kidding but definetly rethink it. Good luck. For now keep reinventing your idea and keep the dream alive. Oh yeah, and everyweek i have AT LEAST ONE if not more person asking how to get a cart how to start a cart and i tell them what i know (which is not much) but i do say if you think you will get a cart, hook it to your car an make a ton of money, YOUR WRONG. But good luck and let me know how you make out.

I think you should definately move!! If you have a great product,a nice professional cart,and a friendly attitude towards your customers you will be successful in a good spot.I have been around the food service business in one form since I was a teenager.I have seen so many people dump a ton of money into restaurants that were in horrible locations and the wrong concept for the area,and go under big time!! The beauty of the concession business is you can move if your not contractually tied to a spot.Read this forum and see where people have been successful.I for one have seen vendors be very succesful in or outside parks ,especialy on weekends.Flea markets are another great spot.I have a friend at a very busy flea market that does an honest $1200 to $1500 a day on nice sunny days.He's done $5800 on Memorial day weekend.He has a nice concession trailer now ,but started with a little converted bread truck. I know of a hot dog vendor in CT.that starts at 10:30 AM and is done at 3pm and averages $300 to $400 a day.He is near the ocean in a nice spot with plenty of parking .This guy used to be an executive for K-mart,and he's way happier as a hot dog vendor!When you find a busy spot you won't even think about your ice cost it will be trivial to the money you will be making,and you might find it more convenient to install a commercial ice machine in your home or commisary.I am working on a killer spot right for one of my concession trailers now that is going to cost me $750 a month and should be worth every dime.I say all this to motivate you not throw amounts around that may or not be true.These figures are pretty accurate ,because I have watched their operations and seen the volume they did.Another important thing is most people do not want to wait,me included so have enough product ready in advance,and one thing that will bring people in like a magnet is fry up some onions and peppers on your grill,especially onions that sweet smell of fried onions will bring people in from far and near!! I wish you the best of luck,and let us know how you are making out.

Thanks to all who replied. Well, got a new spot and start tomorrow. It is along a major intersection in town where potential customers can see my cart from a good hundred yards and three places to pull in. I also will start doing coffee, muffins, juice, etc. next week as there are a lot of blue collars in the area. Also, maybe a delivery service in the area since there are two of us????

Been doing my shopping at Costco but found a resturant warehouse today...really kewl place. Also, MacDonalds solved my ice problem for now, as they have ten pound bags for a buck!!!

I can't figure out how to attach pics here, so can use some help.

quote:

Originally posted by dlcampan

Thanks to all who replied. Well, got a new spot and start tomorrow. It is along a major intersection in town where potential customers can see my cart from a good hundred yards and three places to pull in. I also will start doing coffee, muffins, juice, etc. next week as there are a lot of blue collars in the area. Also, maybe a delivery service in the area since there are two of us????

Been doing my shopping at Costco but found a resturant warehouse today...really kewl place. Also, MacDonalds solved my ice problem for now, as they have ten pound bags for a buck!!!

Sounds real promising. Best of luck in the new spot

quote:

I can't figure out how to attach pics here, so can use some help.

Also keep events and festivals in mind. Even hand out flyers for catering parties. get yourself out there in everyway you can. A good event can make up for alot of bad days in a location. It balances it out some times.

Also Anyone that is having problems attaching pics let me know. I can walk you through it or you can email them to me and I will post them for you. I have been messing around with photoshop as well so if anyone needs me to put their product on a document for display on your cart let me know. It's the least I can do for all the knowledge shared from y'all.
Shelly I know you have had trouble with the pics as well so let me know if you need help.

example

My polish



My Regular dog

I also worry, because of the comments of not doing well. I am about to spend 4 grand or more on expenses to only sell $25.00. Hopefully close to the courthouse or police station. It's based on first come, so whoever gets there first gets the spot.

There are 47,000 people that work downtown Nashville and I just read that in a 2003 survey they are spending less going out for lunch and more on dinner and drinks afterwards. (downtown, thriving nightlife)

So does a wise prudent person, not even consider parking a cart in downtown Nashville? Who knows. I am going to scout one day and see how many actually visit one of the stands already existing.

That's some nice looking food. What's the brand u use?

quote:

Originally posted by quickdog

quote:

I can't figure out how to attach pics here, so can use some help.

Also keep events and festivals in mind. Even hand out flyers for catering parties. get yourself out there in everyway you can. A good event can make up for alot of bad days in a location. It balances it out some times.

Also Anyone that is having problems attaching pics let me know. I can walk you through it or you can email them to me and I will post them for you. I have been messing around with photoshop as well so if anyone needs me to put their product on a document for display on your cart let me know. It's the least I can do for all the knowledge shared from y'all.
Shelly I know you have had trouble with the pics as well so let me know if you need help.

example

My polish



My Regular dog

I use a local meat company. Natural casing all beef hot dog,polish, and all beef hot link.

Just a note for spaces. I was bored as heck just working 5 days a week uptown Charlotte (I have major adult ADD) so I made a quick phone call to one of the local property management company's (in this case Childress Kline). They about tinkled themselves to be able to have a vendor outside one of their buildings. I work there two days a week and pay NO RENT for the spot. Talk to your regularly employed friends about where they work. Sometimes office buildings or office parks do not have sufficient access to food and a dog vendor has a great opportunity to make really good money. And in Charlotte there is MANY office parks. Note that you may have to work your insurance to their level to meet their needs, but when your alternative is selling $25 a day it's well worth a couple extra bucks a month.

Hey agoskillym, where are yo located? I'm uptown, at the University area and at the Charlotte school of law. I'mm the guy who was in the paper recently in the 25 Charlotte Food Musts. I'll try and swing by and check out your stuff. I am fairly sure that Childress Kline is looking to get someone at a building off of Old Statesville Rd.

quote:

Originally posted by Nightshift

Hopefully close to the courthouse or police station. It's based on first come, so whoever gets there first gets the spot.

You may think it works that way but try and get the spot next to the courthouse. That guy has been there for many years. He's had many try and get that spot to no avail

there is simply no way you will "get it right" your first week out or first month for that matter. Keep working at it and suddenly one day it will all work and be easy and fun and profitable.

Takes time to know what you are doing (no matter how ready you are) time to get your food right (no matter how good you think it is) time to get known around town or whereever you might go .

doesnt happen quick, doesnt happen first time out. took me almost a year to feel I was "making it". After that its been all good.

KEEP THE FAITH AND KEEP ON TRYIN

quote:

Originally posted by spud

there is simply no way you will "get it right" your first week out or first month for that matter. Keep working at it and suddenly one day it will all work and be easy and fun and profitable.

Takes time to know what you are doing (no matter how ready you are) time to get your food right (no matter how good you think it is) time to get known around town or whereever you might go .

doesnt happen quick, doesnt happen first time out. took me almost a year to feel I was "making it". After that its been all good.

KEEP THE FAITH AND KEEP ON TRYIN

well said and dead on

Hi,
I ran into the same problem with ice at first. It was reallt killing me. My Father-in-law rose to the occasion. He suggested that I take empty plastic milk jugs and wash them out real well. fill them with water and place them in my deep freeze. The next day I pull the jugs out which are now nothing but solid hard Ice. I place them in my cooler. They will keep your cooler cold all day. I place three in my meat/condiment cooler, and two in my beverage cooler. My drinks I place in the cooler the night before with the ice jugs. Works like a charm, real good and cold! At the end of the day just replace any water that you have to and freeze them again. I usually rotate my ice jugs too. I always have a couple freezing in the cooler all the time. No mess, no fuss, Cost of Ice over the summer?....zero. Do not be discouraged, all will get better. Hope this helps. Hats off to my Father -in-law for the idea.

quote:

Originally posted by quickdog

quote:

I can't figure out how to attach pics here, so can use some help.

Also keep events and festivals in mind. Even hand out flyers for catering parties. get yourself out there in everyway you can. A good event can make up for alot of bad days in a location. It balances it out some times.

Also Anyone that is having problems attaching pics let me know. I can walk you through it or you can email them to me and I will post them for you. I have been messing around with photoshop as well so if anyone needs me to put their product on a document for display on your cart let me know. It's the least I can do for all the knowledge shared from y'all.
Shelly I know you have had trouble with the pics as well so let me know if you need help.

example

My polish



My Regular dog

quote:

Originally posted by quickdog

quote:

I can't figure out how to attach pics here, so can use some help.

Also keep events and festivals in mind. Even hand out flyers for catering parties. get yourself out there in everyway you can. A good event can make up for alot of bad days in a location. It balances it out some times.

Also Anyone that is having problems attaching pics let me know. I can walk you through it or you can email them to me and I will post them for you. I have been messing around with photoshop as well so if anyone needs me to put their product on a document for display on your cart let me know. It's the least I can do for all the knowledge shared from y'all.
Shelly I know you have had trouble with the pics as well so let me know if you need help.

example

My polish



My Regular dog

Quickdog, Those look great!, are you grilling? Making me hungry.

My thoughts for what they're worth, and the price is right. I don't think you can evaluate a site after 1 week. There are people that don't come every week, maybe once a month. You have to accumulate a clientele over a period of time. You also have to wait for some word of mouth to get around.

As far as Hispanics and hot dogs, there is a Mexican grocery chain here called Compare Foods. The stores are huge and have great fresh produce. I don't know what 2/3 of it is, but the stuff I do know is good quality and fairly priced.

I recently walked past their packaged foods cooler and couldn't believe my eyes. If memory serves, there were close to 30 different varieties of hot dogs in the case. I also work one day a week as a nurse taking care of a 4 year old Hispanic boy in his home, and there are always hot dogs in the refrigerator. Something makes me think that Hispanics eat a lot of hot dogs and a week run is insufficient to judge a spot.

OMG! AWESOME PICS!!!! i would eat like a dozen each of those...

as for the topic...... i agree, you have to give a space some time, folks are finickie like that. monkey see monkey do. if they see tons of poeple walking around eating your dogs, they will ask where they come from. if they see taco then thats what they will buy.
you gotta get your stuff out there. i thought about this recently... maybe try walking around the whole place, with tons of samples, and start coaxing the people over...

Thanks



MyWay... I actually boiled those but I usually steam on my cart.

Still waiting on directions how to attach a photo to the forum. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I upload my photos to photobucket.com. After you upload it you will see a box that says img under the picture. Click on that box and it will copy the needed code. Come here and paste that code into your message and the picture will show up.

Hope this helps.

Okay gang...here's the update.
Week 2: We moved to another location, just up the road from the swap shop. Positives are:

1. It's on a six lane highway, on an auto repair shop lot with plenty of roadway for car traffic. I dress up in jean shorts, a white tank top, a red apron and wear a chef's hat, that says "kiss the cook. I hold a grand opening sign up and wave to traffic. I also had 2 professional signs made up by signarama, (they're beautiful, I'll attach them if I can figure out how to do it, smile)

2. There are lots of blue collar workers within a quarter of a mile and today I passed out flyers to 20-30 businesses in a mile radius, as there are no fast food resturants on my corner with the exception of a KFC and a Mexican concession trailer.

3. Next week, I'm going out early to start serving coffee and bagels.

I think I'm doing everything I can at this point, but the ole' man is a bastard to work with. He has no patience and wants instant gratification. He was a mechanic for 32 years and used to a steady paycheck. This venture was "his dream"..but honestly, I don't know if he can handle the sales game. The bills are piling up and again, we had a $50 day. I have told him about this site on numerous occassions! As a matter of fact, I'm trying the frozen water in the milk carton idea tonight.

I purchased and returned a book written by a hot dog guru (Hot Dog Cash) and he states that if you're not making $200 per day, you're doing something wrong.

Just venting gang. Have a great weekend everybody. I'll be out tomorrow and then shopping at Costco for breakfast product to put out on Monday morning.

Thanks for listening....

D

Came across your post, was wondering how things are fairing for you now? Any improvements?