Been a chef my entire life.. Did all my homework.. research..then invested.. Followed your steps.. Went store to store ..until I got a yes..got a Costco's card..and now I have a spot In front of a 98 cent store in North Hollywood California...best choice I ever made.. It called D.A.B.S. Dogs and Burger stand $3 hamburger $2 hot dogs.. Do your homework don't be lazy.. budget.. budget.. Allways learn every day.. Im out 4pm to 2am 6 days a week...will buy my daughter a house soon...thank you for your page .u helpin alot of situations...
I seen a video of some person cheffing it up on a little grill on top of the car trunk .I'm thinking of doing the same with my infiniti Q45 but the only problem is finding a good electric griddle.
I agree with #3. I would be in-person with a copy of my business license, insurance, and picture of my unit to show I mean business. I thought pricing would have made the list. Some vendors don't do their homework on surrounding pricing, so they price to high for the area or not high enough to stay in business. I'm just starting my 2nd year with a food truck, so I'm still learning. This is why I still watch food vendors' content.
Can't afford a hot dog shop, but a cart sounds possible. I know what I'll be binge watching for the next few days. lol Thx Ben, you've revived a dream of mine.
Man, I'm 20 & am about to buy a cart very cheaply, but I am SO glad I saw this, so I'll be even more prepared now I know more of the expected challenges I can over come.
One key thing to remember also...when you speak to someone about serving the community at there location, make it sound like you've been doing this business for a couple years, smile , shake hands, look at them not rolling eyes, pay attention to what they say, look comfortable when speaking with someone, sure it's a new location, and new people to deal with BUT once they see you and how you keep the area CLEAN, then build up your repore with that client,,They will pass the word out to other business owners in the area...been there done that... Listen to Ben on his teachings, and watch videos on other vendors....I haven't met him yet, but that time will for sure come....Thanks Ben for this video
I'm pretty inspired to invest in this business. Youre the most informal content i've found on the topic. My main concern at this point is acquiring the cart / truck / trailer. I dont exactly have 13 grand laying around.
I am so excited to get this hotdog cart up and going. This is helping and inspiring me so much to make my own living. This Hotdog Cart has been sitting in my dads carport for years, and is brand new.
call information on a location is again depending on a location EXAMPLE= a strip mall or large shopping center!! the only call you would have to make is the property management company, have them fax the release of the OK or what conditions they have for you as a vendor, to be on there property.Usually those companies who take care or manage the property for the actual owners are out of state companies..My Sister is a Dist boss for many strip malls and other business locations, and this is what she mentioned to me....BUT again you let all the businesses know with a clean presentation that you will be at that location with the property management companies approval, show the letter. this way not only will the business employees come to eat, all there customers and other folks will come off the streets, and possibly build the other businesses traffic more open, which you can also mention, because you'll have banners, signs and grab some attention from passer by folks.......
This is the video that I always come back to for motivation whenever I feel lazy. Doesn't matter if it's been 2 months, 6 months or even a year since I watched it last.
You are number one for helping people make some money. You are honest and really care . Thank you! Your advice is good no matter if you vend or not. I hope I achieve a dream of selling products and making good money. I have a better chance because of your help. thanks. It's up to me . No excuses! You have lined me out as well as can be done.
Love this video. Thanks. I was a telemarketer for years. I made seven sales a day. Eight plus hours a day. It was home equity lines of credit. Very hard sales. But if I could have met these people face to face I would have made 10 times that amount.
Wow thank you. I have been worried that I'm just rushing into this food truck stuff. You have reassured me that I'm taking proper precautions to handle this. I'm planning on opening a seafood truck in January, and as a seafood wholesaler and a lifelong commercial fisherman, I eliminate many of these problems
This is very inspiring. I think you could repeat this formula on different business ideas and have several courses to sell. Very down to earth, simple, and you make your points effectively! :-)
#1 reason Any Business fails is : LACK OF SALES. There are many reasons, but usually, this boils down to marketing, advertising or location Whether it is net working, signage, internet, print, mailers, Etc etc., all these cost time money and tracking. Secondly OUT SIDE FORCES:. Regulations, zoneing, permits, unions, licensing, and insurance all the added costs and headaches that drive costs up. Buying equipment and supplies is child's play.
Awesome video man,you make me have a laugh sometimes listening to you with some of the things you say , great explanations though , thanks for sharing and keep the videos rolling.
All of my older cousins (60s) call me squirrel because at a family fish fry I couldn't eat any fish because I'm allergic so they deep fried a squirrel I was the only one eating it but it was good Haha your funny man I watch your videos like every other night I love all the knowledge I gain from yours thanks man
This is interesting. I have confidence that I could sell a quality product and enjoy doing it so my main concern is finding a location. I managed restaurants in the past and was certified by the health department which did require training and teasing to get that certificate. I'm now brainstorming about locations. I'll also research additional food items that might be worth adding that are simple and would increase the net check average as well as bring customers back.
I don't like the word "No" either. But I'm certainly not afraid of it ! Just remember the word No doesn't always have to be final ! I'm an old man, and my philosophy has always been, "never except the answer No, from someone that doesn't have the authority to say Yes" !
Hi Ben THANK YOU for all your videos they are very inspiring for many...I was just diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer last month and was hoping to get into this Business as well but now its on hold unfortunately...So if I can beat this horrible illness I plan on doing The Dogs maybe Burgers as well down the road...Do u know where I can get a deal on a cart lol ? Just joking...I hope to be in touch with u down the road...Thanks again for what u do pal...Cheers from Niagara, Canada!
Howdy Barry! I'm so sorry to hear about the cancer. We have a vendor, I've interviewed and is in our VU group who vends in front of his Chemo unit. He has stage 4 colon cancer too.
Here’s my thing I’m thinking about doing homemade sausage & boudin in one of those hot dog stands. All the meat will be precooked, vacuumed sealed and frozen. How many could I fit in one stand?
I'm in the process of doing my research on venting business. One of my ideas is making my own hot dogs and making chili at home. I like the idea because I want to do quality not quantity. I'm a hot lover since I was child. Rarely have i gone in a hot dog place that makes a good quality dog. The process is not hard and you can use quality beef. Also I though about baking my own hot dog buns. I feel this is not hard, it will be a little more work. As you keep on doing it you will master & speed the process and at end you will make a gourmet hot. I think people will appreciate the quality & will pay for a great tasting hot dog. I would greatly appreciated your opinion on the subject or do you think is it to much work.
It's a great idea and some vendors do that. You'll not be allowed to do it from home though. It requires FDA and State approval from a commercial kitchen. I'd test the best brands and I'll bet you'll find the good ones.
Customers can't find you because you changed your location, hours, and days and didn't let them know. You changed hot dog brands to save money, people don't like change or crappy quality dogs. Yes, you have to care about and be excited about your product. Clean product, clean hands, clean cart. A positive attitude always. Listen to the health inspector.
Exactly! Couple people told me I should sell $1 hotdog packages (Bar S) you get 8 dogs for a buck. Lol. I'm good with that shit. I know I wouldn't pay 2 buck for a dog that sucks. I'm just starting up, I'm going with Ballpark
“Crap, I’m gone actually have to get off the couch?” 🤣🤣🤣. “Church of The Piggly Wigglies”. “Nope!” CLICK. 😂. “Had we not had Continuing Education, we’d still be doin that stupid shit today”. 😂 “Obama took my hot dog cart.” 🤣 You speaka da trufe, Buddy. Haha. You’re amazin.
Hot Dog Cart Store I’m checking out buildacart.com right now. This is good stuff, man. Holy crap. I’m about to learn if I really can build a new cart from scratch for $900. I tell ya, I’m skeptical.
Oh god I know the lazy part. The pos in my store is rather common and older folk usually don't know how to work it. I usually try to show them stuff like taking cards without a chip card reader or swipe and show the process step by step, then I look at them and they just have a deer in the headlight look. They usually say "I don't get it" so I ask which part they didn't get or got lost in and they say "I just do not understand". That just tells me they do not have the respect for their customer to actually listen to someone who can show them tricks. They always reply with something along the lines that I am young and I would know but no one taught me squat. I just learned with the same public tools they have access to if they just decided to look at. Oh and of course many people I tried to show closed, I guess taking cash only or "custom amount" receipts are professional. (Got more stories).
@@BensCarts the thing is especially for electronic sellers I feel that itemized receipts are important. Despite being a "small store" we have gotten government workers come and buy stuff for their jobs. They always ask for receipts to justify company spending and ours are itemized so you know what you bought and what you paid for. I can't imagine receipts saying "custom amount" 250 dollars would help much. I paid my mother's hair dye job recently and looking at the receipt I paid 115 for "custom amount". What did I buy? No idea looking at it.
Had my first day today as a dare from old friend/manager and i posted up in her parking lot with like min stock got 167$ weird soft open in 2 &1/2hrs no signs nothing old crap swifer flag they fail cuz they quit smh I love ben
i have a question as im doing my due diligence.. where do ask about my water pump.. its not flowing properly the tanks are side by side in a small cart. what can i do?
I would take the pump off and make sure it's working and then check your lines for kinks and/or debris. If the pump is not working, I'd get a new pump. But first check for kinks and debris first and insure its getting power.
ok i used a emtpy milk gallon filled it with water placed it on the floor put the line in and the water came out fine. i herd u mention smthn about it when the lady had inspection that day thats why i asked about the tanks being side by side...i ordered a new pump and hot water heater yesterday to get ready to submit my app for my county. also where can i get a good price on pans for my steam table well?
Hi Ben, Great info always. My name is Tim and I live in the state of Maryland. I am looking to start a hotdog business. I don’t have a lot of money to start and I was wondering what you could suggest would be the best way. I know I need to contact my Town and find out what the rules are. Do you have any tips where I could get a decent cart for a good price and what would you suggest would be my steps to take?
Hey Tim. Here's an article I recently did that takes on starting with little to no money. learnhotdogs.com/cant-afford-a-hot-dog-cart/ Also, at the top of the page, you'll see I have a step by step (free training) link which will help with the steps you'll need to get started fast. :)
I think wild game has that taste because of improper harvesting, cleaning, and ageing. The animal has to calm down as it bleeds out so hormones don't taint the meat.. So you go track down the animal after a fee hours. Then whennyou clean it, you HAVE to get as much blood out as possible. After quartering it and removing bloodlines and blood meat from the wound, you leave the carcass in an icebox for a fee days, dumping a bag of ice on it while leaving the drain plug open. It washes away the harsh gamey flavors and ages the meat. Then you might hang the carcasses a fee days to age. Im a failure of a hunter but those are the tricks I've been taught. No idea if its true. Lol sorry about the rant on nasty game meat
I live in vegas and it’s pretty hot in the summer, if I leave a 5 gallon tank outside in the sun, will that count as hot water to pass the inspection? Lol
Tell him to email me. I'll make a deal. I'll show him tax returns. He puts up $10,000.00 in escrow, I'll do the same. If I can't prove $100,000.00 + annual income from vendors he gets $10,000. Alternatively, if I prove with tax returns, then he loses $10,000. Bank Of America is a legal Escrow Agent and will guarantee process. Let's do this!
It's opinions due to many different people's individual tastes. My wife hates natural casings. My customers in E. TN didn't like them. I had to serve the basic hot dogs to satisfy the majority in my area. Bottom line: serve what people want
You sir are good you have talked for 35 minutes and have not said a goddamn thing. You brought it right up to the edge many of times but you didn't say nothing the sale of a salesman
