Commissary Fees

A newbie here to the cart biz; what do some of you (that need to) pay for a Commissary Agreement/Fee? And do you actually use the Commissary Kitchen for cleanup/gray water disposal? Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the forum, JD.  Another newbie here, too.  I plan (hope) to working out a deal with one of the local churches to have them be my commissary in exchange for feeding their youth group(s) on a regular basis. 

I read about this arrangement somewhere.  Probably read it here, as there is a TON of information on these boards.   Others will recommend, so I will now, that you utilize the search function at the top of the forum pages. 

Entering COMMISSARY in the search box yields 124 posts in the RESTAURANT PROFESSIONAL FORUM.

Youth Groups? Churches?  Been listening to the package from HotDogCash.com?


There's also VFW, Elk's Lodges, etc.

JDofDE


A newbie here to the cart biz; what do some of you (that need to) pay for a Commissary Agreement/Fee? And do you actually use the Commissary Kitchen for cleanup/gray water disposal? Thanks in advance.

Hello, just some friendly advise. You are on a public forum where people have posted the names of the companies they operate be it HD carts or trailers, etc. Many people have posted pictures of trailers, carts, etc with a operating company name displayed and sometimes the people who run it in the picture. Most of our screen names say the state we are in so I dont think its a great idea to ask people to post for all to see that they do not actually use the agreed upon commissary. (if that is the case) That is just asking for someone with nothing better to do to snatch a license. "

In the forum world many state employee's troll these places looking for someone bragging about cheating or breaking THE LAW. It is very, easy for them to track down one of those people although I would guess most here do follow the letter of the law. Example, there is a populer car forum (wont say make or name) that people often get on and brag about AND POST racing on public streets vids. These people go as far to post pics of the car in question in signatures and often list the streets, time, etc where they race. If you only had an idea of how many police officers troll that forum seeking out these people AND find them. No different here, just another type of police.

Feel free to decide for yourself what you post but I am just giving you something to think about when you do. Member to member heads up that's all. FYI- I'm new to this forum but not to forums in general.
good luck to you..

ptireland


Youth Groups? Churches?  Been listening to the package from HotDogCash.com?


There's also VFW, Elk's Lodges, etc.

PT, I don't have that package... Either it's one of many ideas and not a trade secret, or someone who does have that package mentioned it.    Hadn't heard Elks lodges or VFW's mentioned.  Interesting possiblity.

Do you have the pkg you mentioned?  If so, maybe a review based on your opinion of it would be helpful.  It would be nice to see feedback from many on the (few) instructionals available.  Probably should be a different thread, though.

greedyface

JDofDE


A newbie here to the cart biz; what do some of you (that need to) pay for a Commissary Agreement/Fee? And do you actually use the Commissary Kitchen for cleanup/gray water disposal? Thanks in advance.

Hello, just some friendly advise. You are on a public forum where people have posted the names of the companies they operate be it HD carts or trailers, etc. Many people have posted pictures of trailers, carts, etc with a operating company name displayed and sometimes the people who run it in the picture. Most of our screen names say the state we are in so I dont think its a great idea to ask people to post for all to see that they do not actually use the agreed upon commissary. (if that is the case) That is just asking for someone with nothing better to do to snatch a license. "

In the forum world many state employee's troll these places looking for someone bragging about cheating or breaking THE LAW. It is very, easy for them to track down one of those people although I would guess most here do follow the letter of the law. Example, there is a populer car forum (wont say make or name) that people often get on and brag about AND POST racing on public streets vids. These people go as far to post pics of the car in question in signatures and often list the streets, time, etc where they race. If you only had an idea of how many police officers troll that forum seeking out these people AND find them. No different here, just another type of police.

Feel free to decide for yourself what you post but I am just giving you something to think about when you do. Member to member heads up that's all. FYI- I'm new to this forum but not to forums in general.
good luck to you..

I don't believe the OP was asking anything out of the way.  I do however think that the post above shows a bit of paranoia.  He was just asking a question.

If the fear posted above is true, I think it should be more directed toward the dummies who would incriminate themselves by posting something they do illegal than to a person who simply asks a question.

The Dog House


PT, I don't have that package... Either it's one of many ideas and not a trade secret, or someone who does have that package mentioned it.    Hadn't heard Elks lodges or VFW's mentioned.  Interesting possiblity.

Do you have the pkg you mentioned?  If so, maybe a review based on your opinion of it would be helpful.  It would be nice to see feedback from many on the (few) instructionals available.  Probably should be a different thread, though.

your opinion of it would be helpful. It would be nice t

I've got 2 very different packages and they are both very good for different reasons.  First I got the package at http://www.hotdogcash.com

I was slightly disappointed with the quality of the materials in the package, but the information is well worth the $100.  It amounts to 3 CD's in a 3-ring binder.  Two of the CD's are an audio recording of a phone conversation with "Perry the hot dog guy".  He has years of experience in the field and he talks about how he got started, how to find the best places, how to get commissary partners for free, how to get free rent on spaces, and some really good marketing strategies.  He is very excited and passionate about the subject and his energy is contagious and makes you excited and anxious to get started. 


The 2nd package I got was from http://www.hotdogprofits.com and it was a much more slick and professional package.  It is basically 2 well-organized and professionally published books in 1 and 4 Audio CDs that pretty much go through the books.  The first book goes into great detail about many of the same things discussed in the first package, and some things that are not.  It covers a lot of smaller "details" rather than the "big picture" like the previous package.  The second book (the second half of the book) covers business stuff.  How to do a simple P&L statement each month along with a YTD P&L, which kind of business structures are available and what the benefits of each are, what kinds of permits you shouuld get, how to ensure you'll get through your health inspection on the first try without any fears, etc.  This was also worth the $100. 


Both have wonderful information and I feel that between them both, I have everything I'll need to open a dog cart that makes a lot of money and crushes the competition. 

At first I was mad about the money I spent on the first package.  That was until I went through it 2 or 3 times.  Now I am happy I bought it.  This guy has a wonderful and positive attitude, and gives some wonderful tips.  For instance:  NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER charge a partner who is letting you rent space or allowing you to use their kitchen for food.  Not ever.  In fact make sure out of every dog you make, theirs is the best.  Also, don't screw up your commissary relationship.  Always be nice and never make yourself a bother or you're gone.  If you're using a church's kithen facilities or someone else's and the water isn't hot enough for health inspections.  Don't complain to them and demand that they fix the sink.  You're paying them little to nothing.  Tell them you noticed the water wasn't hot enough for the health inspector and offer to bring in a plumber to fix it.  It's a small price to pay to keep your commissary partner happy.


My uncle Manny has been running a cart for years, but he's been doing it as a semi-retired older guy who isn't really super motivated to go out there and make the most of his business.  I really feel like even though I haven't started my dog stand yet, I know a lot more about the business than he does...  I know that sounds arrogant, but I just don't see how you can lose money in the hot dog business unless you're doing something wrong.


Perry says "Nobody ever lost money in the hot dog business".  This even applies to my Uncle Manny despite the fact that lately he has had days where he only made $10 all day.


I hope that helps.

greedyface

JDofDE


A newbie here to the cart biz; what do some of you (that need to) pay for a Commissary Agreement/Fee? And do you actually use the Commissary Kitchen for cleanup/gray water disposal? Thanks in advance.

Hello, just some friendly advise. You are on a public forum where people have posted the names of the companies they operate be it HD carts or trailers, etc. Many people have posted pictures of trailers, carts, etc with a operating company name displayed and sometimes the people who run it in the picture. Most of our screen names say the state we are in so I dont think its a great idea to ask people to post for all to see that they do not actually use the agreed upon commissary. (if that is the case) That is just asking for someone with nothing better to do to snatch a license. "

In the forum world many state employee's troll these places looking for someone bragging about cheating or breaking THE LAW. It is very, easy for them to track down one of those people although I would guess most here do follow the letter of the law. Example, there is a populer car forum (wont say make or name) that people often get on and brag about AND POST racing on public streets vids. These people go as far to post pics of the car in question in signatures and often list the streets, time, etc where they race. If you only had an idea of how many police officers troll that forum seeking out these people AND find them. No different here, just another type of police.

Feel free to decide for yourself what you post but I am just giving you something to think about when you do. Member to member heads up that's all. FYI- I'm new to this forum but not to forums in general.
good luck to you..

Good Post and good advice.
Jack

I don't know how it is in other areas but our HD rep has plenty to do and does not have time to surf the net in hopes of catching someone doing something wrong.

 
PT - thank you very much for the very complete reviews of  the packages.   They were very helpful to me, and I'm sure to the other newbies on the boards.

JayL

greedyface

JDofDE


A newbie here to the cart biz; what do some of you (that need to) pay for a Commissary Agreement/Fee? And do you actually use the Commissary Kitchen for cleanup/gray water disposal? Thanks in advance.

Hello, just some friendly advise. You are on a public forum where people have posted the names of the companies they operate be it HD carts or trailers, etc. Many people have posted pictures of trailers, carts, etc with a operating company name displayed and sometimes the people who run it in the picture. Most of our screen names say the state we are in so I dont think its a great idea to ask people to post for all to see that they do not actually use the agreed upon commissary. (if that is the case) That is just asking for someone with nothing better to do to snatch a license. "

In the forum world many state employee's troll these places looking for someone bragging about cheating or breaking THE LAW. It is very, easy for them to track down one of those people although I would guess most here do follow the letter of the law. Example, there is a populer car forum (wont say make or name) that people often get on and brag about AND POST racing on public streets vids. These people go as far to post pics of the car in question in signatures and often list the streets, time, etc where they race. If you only had an idea of how many police officers troll that forum seeking out these people AND find them. No different here, just another type of police.

Feel free to decide for yourself what you post but I am just giving you something to think about when you do. Member to member heads up that's all. FYI- I'm new to this forum but not to forums in general.
good luck to you..

I don't believe the OP was asking anything out of the way.  I do however think that the post above shows a bit of paranoia.  He was just asking a question.

If the fear posted above is true, I think it should be more directed toward the dummies who would incriminate themselves by posting something they do illegal than to a person who simply asks a question.

Fare enough. It is just a note to be careful, nothing more.

 The HD reading a post wasn't my thought, they are busy, but your competition, reading a post and turning you into the HD should be a concern. Many many times the complaints to local health departments come from  the restaurant down the street because they can't take the competition. When any local HD gets a complaint they have to follow up on it. Especially if the person complaining can give them a link to a confession posted on the internet.

Jack

Even if your not breaking the rules complaints can be anonymous and for that matter come from anywhere in the country with email.`

UNCLE!!!!!! I get it ..... I should not have ask the second part of that question!!!!!!!!! To all who addressed my sincere question I thank you. Goodbye.

I didn't think about the competition doing that. Guess I have alot to learn. My damned morals get in the way so I never think about stuff like that.

georgiadogs


I didn't think about the competition doing that. Guess I have alot to learn. My damned morals get in the way so I never think about stuff like that.

 
Georgedogs Have been on the receiving end of this. Set up at a Flea Mkt across the highway from the only sit down rest. in the area. Took alot of there business, you cannot charge $4.00 for bologna sandwich, and after the second week-end the HD showed up at my place with complaint order they informed me who, county code showed up as the same they also informed me who. Everybody, tenants at both places informed me of who did the complaining. They have to follow up. So in hind site know who complained.
And I still set up there every once in awhile just to aggravated them. My accountant owns both areas. Charges me $5.00/weekend.


 

ptireland

The Dog House


PT, I don't have that package... Either it's one of many ideas and not a trade secret, or someone who does have that package mentioned it.    Hadn't heard Elks lodges or VFW's mentioned.  Interesting possiblity.

Do you have the pkg you mentioned?  If so, maybe a review based on your opinion of it would be helpful.  It would be nice to see feedback from many on the (few) instructionals available.  Probably should be a different thread, though.

your opinion of it would be helpful. It would be nice t

I've got 2 very different packages and they are both very good for different reasons.  First I got the package at http://www.hotdogcash.com

I was slightly disappointed with the quality of the materials in the package, but the information is well worth the $100.  It amounts to 3 CD's in a 3-ring binder.  Two of the CD's are an audio recording of a phone conversation with "Perry the hot dog guy".  He has years of experience in the field and he talks about how he got started, how to find the best places, how to get commissary partners for free, how to get free rent on spaces, and some really good marketing strategies.  He is very excited and passionate about the subject and his energy is contagious and makes you excited and anxious to get started. 


The 2nd package I got was from http://www.hotdogprofits.com and it was a much more slick and professional package.  It is basically 2 well-organized and professionally published books in 1 and 4 Audio CDs that pretty much go through the books.  The first book goes into great detail about many of the same things discussed in the first package, and some things that are not.  It covers a lot of smaller "details" rather than the "big picture" like the previous package.  The second book (the second half of the book) covers business stuff.  How to do a simple P&L statement each month along with a YTD P&L, which kind of business structures are available and what the benefits of each are, what kinds of permits you shouuld get, how to ensure you'll get through your health inspection on the first try without any fears, etc.  This was also worth the $100. 


Both have wonderful information and I feel that between them both, I have everything I'll need to open a dog cart that makes a lot of money and crushes the competition. 

At first I was mad about the money I spent on the first package.  That was until I went through it 2 or 3 times.  Now I am happy I bought it.  This guy has a wonderful and positive attitude, and gives some wonderful tips.  For instance:  NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER charge a partner who is letting you rent space or allowing you to use their kitchen for food.  Not ever.  In fact make sure out of every dog you make, theirs is the best.  Also, don't screw up your commissary relationship.  Always be nice and never make yourself a bother or you're gone.  If you're using a church's kithen facilities or someone else's and the water isn't hot enough for health inspections.  Don't complain to them and demand that they fix the sink.  You're paying them little to nothing.  Tell them you noticed the water wasn't hot enough for the health inspector and offer to bring in a plumber to fix it.  It's a small price to pay to keep your commissary partner happy.


My uncle Manny has been running a cart for years, but he's been doing it as a semi-retired older guy who isn't really super motivated to go out there and make the most of his business.  I really feel like even though I haven't started my dog stand yet, I know a lot more about the business than he does...  I know that sounds arrogant, but I just don't see how you can lose money in the hot dog business unless you're doing something wrong.


Perry says "Nobody ever lost money in the hot dog business".  This even applies to my Uncle Manny despite the fact that lately he has had days where he only made $10 all day.


I hope that helps.

PT - thanks again for the very complete review.  

I'm someone that doesn't like to pay "regular price".  Ever.  I buy a lot through ebay, craigslist, etc.  I also am a BIG fan of 1/2 Price Books (don't know if they're national, but they buy and sell all forms of media) and Amazon (many used books/cd's/etc.).   

I mention this because I've been looking for a used copy of either of the packages that ptireland reviewed above.  And with no luck.  None.  Nada.  Zippo.  

So, hating to violate my own principles, I'm wondering if a) anyone can direct me to a below-regular-cost source for these packages, or b) anyone has either package that  they'd like to sell.

Again, I'm not against either of the authors making an honest living.  I'm just frugal (cheap)...

Thanks. 

LOL, that's the first thing I did when I wanted to find the books.  I went to bestbookbuys.com and amazon and ebay and other sites, also with no luck.  Now that I've coughed up the money, I'm hanging on to mine.  I think I'll need to go through them a few more times before I open up and even afterward.

The books are self-published so there is no ISBN to search for.

Have a question. Why come here and advertise books, courses and such. this is a free site to pick gray matter and experiences. Most do not hype products- we help each other. Private message these products. Me, I think they are over-blown pieces of crap that without knowing this business can research and put together.  Most of what they sell is public knowledge. Have a course that you do no even know about. Don't advertise, but sells.
I have never abused this site in that form.
My thoughts. Go to this course, go to that course,
If you want to understand vending do a weekend at
the best investment  HDU. insite from this is 10 fold.
Most posters lately are putting the cart before the horse.
And trying to sell for other people.
Sometimes I,believe it or not, get out of line but never push a website for info sales. Give info to look at as far as equipment, but there is only one for info. If you haven't found it sorry. 

    
 

And to keep on tread on track- commissary pays me, at the end of year.
Love it.
 Won't find that in those courses.

Curbside Grill


Have a question. Why come here and advertise books, courses and such. this is a free site to pick gray matter and experiences. Most do not hype products- we help each other. Private message these products. Me, I think they are over-blown pieces of crap that without knowing this business can research and put together.  Most of what they sell is public knowledge. Have a course that you do no even know about. Don't advertise, but sells.
I have never abused this site in that form.
My thoughts. Go to this course, go to that course,
If you want to understand vending do a weekend at
the best investment  HDU. insite from this is 10 fold.
Most posters lately are putting the cart before the horse.
And trying to sell for other people.
Sometimes I,believe it or not, get out of line but never push a website for info sales. Give info to look at as far as equipment, but there is only one for info. If you haven't found it sorry.
 

I don't really think I was advertising any particular product.  I was giving reviews of a couple of courses I've taken.  I don't really see anything wrong with taking these courses.  I mean should a mechanic start working on cars first, or read up on it a little before goes through a trial and error process?

It doesn't really matter what kind of business or occupation you are going to do.  It really makes sense to try to learn about it before you start.  And who better to learn from than people who have done the business for a very long time?

I try to get the full picture by learning from several sources.  I went through a couple of courses, I'm considering taking the Hot Dog University class, I come here to talk to people already in the business, and I will work with my uncle Manny on his cart....all before opening my own.  I'm also doing all of the paperwork, background stuff, etc. to prepare for my own business to open smoothly and professionally when I am ready.

I think taking this methodical approach will help me avoid a lot of painful mistakes and help me make the most profits because I'll know how to negotiate for commissary partners, locations, etc., and how what to expect. 

I know nothing replaces hand-on experience, but if I can benefit from someone else's experience, it may make my experience easier.

When I was a kid, I had to learn everything the hard way.  Now I'm doing all I can to ask those who know what I want to know and who can help me avoid pitfalls and mistakes so I don't have to learn the hard way anymore.

Curbside Grill


And to keep on tread on track- commissary pays me, at the end of year.
Love it.
 Won't find that in those courses.

That's a neat trick.  I'd love to hear how you pull that one off.

ptireland

Curbside Grill


And to keep on tread on track- commissary pays me, at the end of year.
Love it.
Won't find that in those courses.

That's a neat trick.  I'd love to hear how you pull that one off.

I own my commissary.

I think that makes sense if you have 2 or 3 carts, but for one cart, I'm not sure it's worth the expense.

What do you think of buying my own ice machine rather than paying for ice everyday?  Is it worth the $1800?

ptireland


I think that makes sense if you have 2 or 3 carts, but for one cart, I'm not sure it's worth the expense.

What do you think of buying my own ice machine rather than paying for ice everyday?  Is it worth the $1800?

Well where you are talking about moving you have to have a commissary. Ice might be provided at this commissary.
Most vending/lunch wagons use these places and ice is part of the deal.
I cannot say if the purchase price for ice machine is worth the cost at this point.
To many variables now. I purchase ice and is a part of doing business. Just as I purchase product to sell.

I figured I'd get a commissary partner like a church, VFW, Elk's Lodge, etc.  They may or may not have an ice machine and may or may not be willing to allow me to use it.

I'll clean up at the commissary partner's place and maybe do my prep work there if I can't get away with doing it at home, but I'll store my cart at my house and load up my cooler's with ice and soda at the house in the morning.

I’m curious as to why you would start out with a plan to cheat and then announce it here on RoadFood?

In most areas the groups you mentioned will have some shared members, and when you get one of the groups in hot water with the HD they will tell the others.

You’d be surprised how quickly the word will spread and of course the HD will help spread it.

I made no plan or announcement to cheat.  In many states this is allowed.  It's called a commissary partner system. 

If in any state you have a commissary, you have to do your prep work at the commissary. Not at your home.

That's why you have to have a commissary. A commissary is an aproved, and inspected kitchen. You can't do prep work at your home in an unapproved kitchen.

If you get caught you'll get in a jam and the commissary will be in a jam. The HD will ask the commissary if your doing your prep work and clean up at the commissary.

If you can do prep work or have an ice machine in your home or garage, you would not need a commissary.

You are moving in the following weeks to a unknown area. You do not know the rules or codes for that area. Believe when you get there you might find both tougher than you think. Might find them more lack. But work within the law as others do. Always work within the law.someone always leaks info, and when this gets out problems start. If in the long run you plan to buy, check codes on commercial equipment in residential area, not just where you want to set up.  Most Condo and apartment complexs don't allow commercial vehicle of any type.

Hello fellow roadfooders,
   I needed a commissary close to home,and used a pizza joint   and present them an offer of some  fliers every month as a trade out. It worked, for me, maybe you can trade your skills for commissary fees. Just a thought
good luck
neilcody