First let me say a big “Thank You!” to all you veterans out there.
We owe you everything.
Sandi Wasteny of Bubbadogz writes:
Hey Steve:
Matt and Sandi again from “Bubbadogz”. First of all thank you for the wonderful post on our question last week as the response was a tremendous help. In addition to that we were able to make so many more contacts to network. So thanks for that!.
Secondly here’s another question. What is considered a “good” yield money or dog wise at a typical location? We have 2 great locations we’re really established at now a few days a week, but in my opinion one spot is “mediocre” at best as we doubled our daily earnings at the second location although we hadn’t been there in about a month.
************************
First of all, there is no “typical” location. Resist the urge to compare your sales with that of other doggers. It will make you crazy. Trust me, I’ve been there.
What matters is how you answer the following two questions,
1. “Am I generating enough money to make it worth it?”
2. “Am I having fun?”
“Enough money” is a relative term which depends on a multitude of factors. Only you will know how much is “enough”. The “having fun” question is a lot easier to answer 😉
Your job is to maximize the profit that you can generate in your area. If one location is outperforming the other, you have two choices.
1. Ditch the under-performing location.
2. Get (or build) another cart and work both locations concurrently.
BUT…
Don’t do anything based on one day of sales at a spot you haven’t been to in a while. It may be a fluke.
Spend equal time at both locations and compare the results after a month. Keep track of the weather in a log so you know which days were slow because of rain, cold, etc. Compare good weather sales at each location.
That should give you a statistically valid comparison that you can base a decision on.
In any case, it’s a good problem to have!
-Steve
Thumbs Up !!!
Hello Steve:
Please, tell me if I can use your plans to fabricate a “slide-in” for my Dodge Dakota pick-up truck instead of pulling a trailer?
Thanks,
george taylor
GO! BUBBADOGZ!
If you have 2 “great” locations, show up at both and things will probably even out.
Hey George,
Absolutely. The E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart Video and Plans Package will show you how to build everything. Once you watch the videos, you will be able to modify the E-Z Built to make a “slide-in” for a truck bed. Just eliminate the trailer frame and build the cart body the appropriate size. The rest is “by the book” easy. Send pics when you are done!!!
-Steve
Hey Bubba!
I thought I’d let you in on some of my observations. I have one location and I feel it’s a good one. Yet I’ve found that a daily take varies quite a bit. Some of the factors, And this was only my first year, include day of the week, holidays, weather, MENU, and widespread preference for certain foods. Where I am, I have a high jewish population so I sell Kosher dogs. Kielbasa didn’t sell for me, yet 15 miles up the road a fellow dogger can’t keep enough on hand. We also have a lot of down home country folk, so pulled pork goes well. As to weather, if it’s threatening, but not yet raining, I did twice the business. That may be a fluke, but for me it was consistent. I found that a sandwich board menu sign doubled my sales as people weren’t looking at the printed menu on the side of my cart. And finally, learn to read the public. Thur. thru Sunday were my best days. Why? Because people had their paychecks and were looking forward to the weekend. Monday was a bad day as everyone was spent out, but contractors were my biggest demand on that day. No one wanted to make a lunch or drive too far to get it. As to holidays, self-explanatory really, but Labor day was my biggest day of the summer, even over 4th of july. People were having a “last summer fling.”
Hope that helps a little.
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Sandi, I would venture to say that sometimes we see so many places we would love to capitalize on and we risk loosing customers at the location that first fed or hand. Like Steve tells us constancy will always win. So from what I have been learning, Brand yourself at one location and then duplicate yourself at another.
We Stand and Salute our Troops
Let Us Always Have Freedom
In GOD WE TRUST !!!
there is a fine line between need and greed give of yourselves product wise if theres someone there that can’t afford it give to him or them ..you will get it back ten times over learn to be a giver you wouldn’t regret it
If you are not having fun you are not making money, if you are having fun you are making money. Key is to have fun!!!!
Duggs Doggs
Good!! Good!!
No better words said Duggs Doggs!!!!!!!!!
A very nice problem to have.
I vote for build a cart and work the places concurrently. Work both spots grow the business. Give yourself more options if the slower spot doesn’t pan out.
A second cart also works well in booking festivals and private gigs. this enables you to stay in the good street spot, while fulfilling contractual obligations. The more options the better.
Way to go Bubbadogz!!! Looks like another cart should handle that problem. 🙂
I think Tim / Get Grilled has the right idea. You really aren’t going to know unless you can literally compare the two. Keeping records just seems to be the necessary evil. 😀
I really appreciate you guys and your information on your hot dog cart business.
I have a question about a good suggestion spot for a first location in San Diego. “Do you have any”
Let me know if you have any ideas that could help.
Thank you,
Aaron.