Operating a stand part time?

Hey guys,
This is my first post but I have been reading through the forums and it is a great source of information. However, most of the discussion is from people operating stands 5 days a week. I am currently a college student, working part-time to fund my school. I have saved up a good bit of money so I have the capital available to purchase a stand and initial supplies, but I am wondering if you guys' can give me some idea of how much money you make on a typical weekend. I had a friend in high school who used to work saturdays manning his uncle's stand at a local soccer field and he would regularly bring in $300 selling just hot dogs, candy, and soda. I think it's probably unrealistic to expect income like that - he obviously had picked a good location - but I'm wondering what is realistic to expect? I have not yet been able to check with the local health department or chamber of commerce regarding required permits, etc. because of the holidays but I will be doing this in the coming week.

However, can you guys' give me any idea how much you make on a typical saturday? I figure that I will probably have to put down about $2000 to purchase a used stand, permits, etc. so I'm trying to figure out how long it would take me to make my money back on the stand if I only worked one day a week. If I netted $300 profit a weekend the stand would pay for itself in 6-7 weeks, but I have a feeling that's unrealistic. Any help is appreciated.

Ben

A good location and product will return that kind of profit. We used to sell dogs to the kids and brats to the parents. Find out how much a beer permit will cost...high profits. Carmelize some onions and charge extra for them. German kraut (we just bought ten cases at Big Lots after trying a can) will also get a premium.

If your in a college zone with alot of bars, setting up a cart near them on Friday and Saturday nights could be a goldmine in itself! Sell them hot dogs or chili dogs before they go and raid the local Taco Bell or McD's...

Hi'
It's good to see someone taking initiative. I would suggest going to www.thehotdogcart.com for some great start up information. I cannot recommend they're carts as I do not own one of thiers. But the info is very helpful. Give it a try and good luck. Nice to see you in the forum.

I worked youth football games in a different city parks last fall and did pretty well. My best day was almost $500 gross, and that was running out of some items, but working by myself, fairly casually. By contrast, my worst day was $125 gross when it was cold, rainy and miserable outside. Since I am the only vendor there, I am able to run a 5:1 margin and peoople are happy and come back often.