Vending Push Carts and Grass Spots at Events

Silly beginner question folks...
 
How do you handle your push carts on grass at events that only offer grass spots?  Do you just avoid these events altogether?  My cart is rather heavy and being that it is a push cart, I can't just drive it onto the grass.  Actually, the major concern is getting the cart off and back on the trailer from the grass.  Any pointers or experiences or ideas?  I'd hate to miss out on events because they're held on the grass.
 
Stephanie

If there is money to be made there it is worth the hassle.  Why loose the chance of making money over a extra 5 minutes of work. Hell, I would roll my cart bare footed and blindfolded over broken glass and rusted razor blades for a good day of hot dogging.

Hmmm, perhaps I was a little unclear in my question - my problem is I'm not strong enough to roll the cart in the grass.  The cart has smaller caster wheels that don't roll well in the grass.  I'm a 120 lb person trying to 'roll' a 600 lb cart on the grass and it just doesn't work.  Do you put down a piece of plywood or something else to make it easier?  Are there other wheels I should be looking into?

Thanks,
Stephanie

Oh that could be a problem! Maybe you could grab yourself a few un-suspecting helping hands there at the park in trade for some food? A 120 pound women with a big ole cart like that would certainly catch my attention.
So what are you selling?....Are you married? LOL!!

Stephanie,
I think you'll find other vendors will jump in and give you a hand. I’ve yet to do a show that I didn't help someone else or had help. Getting your cart as close to your spot as you can while on the trailer will be a big help and if you get in a jam don't be bashful about asking the biggest guys you can find to give you some help.

Hell all women know how to do the ole "Hey big Guy" thing right?

Putting your cart back on your trailer can be a hassle, but I'd get a small winch and mount it in the front of my trailer so you can just hit the remote and it'll pull your cart up a ramp and into position. You can find them online or even at a Sams Club. But remember you are only moving 600 lbs so you don’t need a big expensive unit.
Jack

ice queen


Silly beginner question folks...
 
How do you handle your push carts on grass at events that only offer grass spots?  Do you just avoid these events altogether?  My cart is rather heavy and being that it is a push cart, I can't just drive it onto the grass.  Actually, the major concern is getting the cart off and back on the trailer from the grass.  Any pointers or experiences or ideas?  I'd hate to miss out on events because they're held on the grass.
 
Stephanie

ice queen-

Hello and welcome to the world of how do I do that lol. I visit this world on the regular to get answers and to give them. First, I totally understand how you feel and what you are going through, even though I have a tow cart at times I must push it to my serving location. While this is very easy for me on street or sidewalk, etc it is a much different story when on grass. My cart is the same weight as yours give or take.

Let me qualify this by painting you a picture of myself. I am 5'11, 185lbs, I have perfect blood pressure and my last checkup (2 weeks) the doc said I was in better shape than many of the 20 somethings he cares for. That is so you don't think I'm an unhealthy weakling ha ha. Having said that when I have to push my unit across a grass field I do not find it easy at all. This is multiplied if the grass is longer from not being cut recently or there are many humps, bumps and dips and the grass. I do it because I do what I got to do to make a living but when I get it to its spot 90% of the time I have worked up a sweat and am breathing pretty good. So don't feel bad at all for having trouble pushing your push cart on grass!

I would agree with the others that you should ask for help, a smile and "could I get you guys to help me out for a minute" will go a long way. I have to read again but I don't remember you saying how far you had to push your cart? I may have an idea but it will depend on how far you say you must get it. also asking a relative to help you out is an option too. Many cousins, nephews, etc are always looking to find something to do and maybe they could help you in other ways as well and make a few bucks.

I will try to think of something else over the weekend.

Hang in there, you have guys/gals trying to help you figure this one out...

Can you find wider, air pressurized tires? Think about how they make moving a wheelbarrow easier. You won't be sinking into the dirt/mud as you push it. The air inside gives it a cushion.

mark

The comment about a winch may be your best advice, There are always going to be times at the end of the day or if it comes a storm when volunteers are scarce.  You might go a tool and equipment store qand ask them to demonstrate a "Come Along" which will give a big help in getting the cart up a ramp on to a trailer.

Hot_dog

So what are you selling?....Are you married? LOL!!

Please send picture of cart! 

Haha, thanks folks, this is helpful!  I always forget about the kindness of strangers and have to remind myself that all vendors were newbies at some point.  I actually have an italian ice cart and there are a few events I would like to do at the end of the summer but they are held in grass fields.  My mom is helping me out as I don't have any big, strong men in my life.  I think I will look into that wench, though!

Stephanie

PS The cart is an 800M model from Custom Sales - I'm hoping to get a picture at my first flea market in a couple of weeks.

Hey Stephanie who are you getting your Italian Ice from?  And on your cart you got from Custom  have you gotten your logo/ italian ice business name put on your cart?  I started researching over a year ago and at first was going to go with Little Jimmy's. Still love their brand look but the startup is a little pricey. Trying to keep costs down in the beginning and looking for quality used carts and either use an Italian Ice distributor here in Florida  or Via Venetto. Good luck with your venture.....hope you do great......Neil

Stephanie,
I just got a Harbor Freight Tools Company catalogue in the mail, and they have a 3000 LB Radio Controlled Winch on sale for $64.99, regular price $99.99. If you don’t have a store near you they have a web site and they will ship it. The winch is 12 volt so it will run off of a car battery,could be wired into your tail light plug from your trailer or even a car battery charger that is plugged into 110 volt outlet.
Item number  # 95912

According to their website, Harbor Freight Tools has a store in Richmond (VA) at 6500 Hull Street Road (US 360 just NE of Chippenham Parkway) in the Haynes Plaza Shopping Center, which should be about 35 miles south of where you live.
http://www.harborfreight.com/
 

Heck 6Star your almost as good as my GARMIN StreetPilot 7200 GPS.

Jack, I am probably a lot cheaper, also. 

6star


Jack, I am probably a lot cheaper, also. 

Your right on that, $$$ and you live close so next Monday on my way to Chicago I'll drop by your house about 4:30 AM
pick you up so I don't get lost in the windy city. LOL

Dr of BBQ

6star


Jack, I am probably a lot cheaper, also. 

Your right on that, $$$ and you live close so next Monday on my way to Chicago I'll drop by your house about 4:30 AM
pick you up so I don't get lost in the windy city. LOL

4:30 is a little early for me.  Can't you make it a little later?  My brain cells don't get in gear quite that early any more.  It takes them a little longer to get to the point that they mesh.

6star


According to their website, Harbor Freight Tools has a store in Richmond (VA) at 6500 Hull Street Road (US 360 just NE of Chippenham Parkway) in the Haynes Plaza Shopping Center, which should be about 35 miles south of where you live.
http://www.harborfreight.com/
 

Wowzers, 6star, that's some service!  Thanks so much for the info - I'll have to make a trip to Richmond!  And thanks to Dr. of BBQ for having his eyes open on the great deal.
 
Stephanie

This repo company has had these two carts for sale for a long time:
http://www.nasset.com/index.cfm?ctgr_id=18