Newbie with an offer

I don't know if this is a reasonable offer but here goes. I don't have the start up capital to fly north to go to Hotdogu so....

I will give one days free labor, prep, set-up, work the cart, schlep coolers, brake down, clean up, what ever you need. What I will get is tired feet, sore back, big smile, and priceless experience. I live in St pete fl, so anyone in or near would be great. I'm thinking about Sunday, but it's not firm.

No, it's not a reasonable offer.

quote:

Originally posted by chewingthefat

No, it's not a reasonable offer.

How is this not a reasonable offer? the guy will work for free for a day for the experience. Pretty much like an intern right? Do you think he should pay to work on a hot dog cart all day?

I would let you in a heart beat but you live too far.

It was and is an offer with best intentions in mind. I do not mean to offend anyone! I'm only trying to get a better understanding about what it is I'm about to do.

Hi Capt. Great offer and I guess I have to say great because I did the same thing. The guy welcomed my help with open arms.

quote:

Originally posted by chewingthefat
No, it's not a reasonable offer.

B.S. It's a smart move and more than fair. If you were in Illinois I'd say show up Monday thru Friday becuase you can't learn it all in one day.
Jack

I think is a very reasonable offer. Bartering hard work for valuable knowledge, is the true spirit of apprenticeship. It may take more than a day.

quote:

Originally posted by CCinNJ

I think is a very reasonable offer. Bartering hard work for valuable knowledge, is the true spirit of apprenticeship. It may take more than a day.

I was under the impression he wanted someone to pay for his trip to Hot Dog U. in return for a days work, hence my opinion, sorry for the confusion!

Thanks for all the support. I'm getting closer to doing this thing. I just bought a cart last night, I have a location picked out, and will be starting all the paper work next week. With all that said, what I'm looking for is things like.
1. where on your cart do you keep the bun's
2. How many drinks per hot dog do you bring, and where do you keep them
3. And how the hell do you even run this thing!!!!

But like many of you I will figure it out on my own, if need be. Big hill's just take longer to climb.

Thanks again for the kind words. And just to be clear, I want only a days labor for a days info. I agree about the working a whole week. I'm sure there will still be ton of things I don't know at the end of one day, but it's a start.

Well 1st off who manufactured you new addition to the family. If had picture even more helpful. Electric or gas run. Figure 1 drink/dog to start. Some places I sell 5 waters to one dog. But that is at an event when temps. soar into the triple digits in the middle of the afternoon. I have two coolers one for meat(smaller) and one for drinks. The big 160 can size. That is just for everyday. Drain and fill everyday. Every one works their own system.

Well the question of buns, they should have storage space on cart for them. Have you seen other cart pictures that look close to yours. Or have an ID plate with info.

The cart's an "Island time" 3 steamer trays, plus 2 smaller one's. I have a good idea where to put things, but it's the little tricks that help. Like if you put them there you have to step around the cart to reach them or where to put the tip jar. I've seen advice on all of these things here, but seeing it in action always makes things sink in. All carts, all locations, and even the region in which we work all make each operation different. As well as the personality of the operator. As I'm just getting started this site has been incredibly helpful. I might not always take all the advice, but it does keep me thinking about how "I" want to do it. I do want my cart/business to be a reflection of me. I was in sales for many years and always believed people did business with the people they enjoyed doing business with.
I was thinking of bring more dogs than drinks, but with what Curbside said I think I will revers that. I don't know why I was thinking that way (hot dogs running through my mind all day)It's very hot here in Florida so more drinks would be a no brainier.
Thanks curbside, I'll bet you just made me MONEY. that's why I'm here.

Hey we just left that area 6yrs ago moved here to semi-retire. More and more people from FL coming here. There are all kinds of carts around your area. I would use the search for FL anything and find operators that way. email and see. Hey play stupid call island Time and ask for some people for references that have used their carts. Lot of little tricks here but each works for them. Takes a few days of operation to work out all the kinks. Know when I started had everything and then 3k more things packed and have narrowed my everyday stuff down to very managable storage bins. But can change bins for different situations. Since you have your cart and doing paper work would start looking at product, where to find, price and what you have to charge for profit.