I just got this email from a customer of mine. Her happiness and enthusiasm made my day and I thought it would make yours too!
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Hi Steve,
I just had to write and tell you what’s going on as I know I haven’t written in a while.
I apparently made a very good move today. I did away with the Georgia Red Hots and switched to sausages. Where I was lucky to sell 4 or 5 red hots in two or 3 days, I sold 6 sausages today alone! I also switched from chopped onions in barbecue sauce to Mancini onions from a jar and added barbecue sauce. MUCH better!
I joined Sam’s club recently and found prices FAR cheaper than BJ’s (a number 10 can of sauerkraut for under $5 vs a quart jar for more than $3). Same difference with the nacho cheese. I can get the pulled pork at Sams year round vs waiting until Memorial day with BJ’s, and it cheaper! I get a 4 lb. tray for $1 more than a 3lb. tray at BJ’s.
The Sausages are going for $12 for a pack of 15. I sell them for $6 a sandwich, much cheaper than most get for them around here, and people love my onions and chili.
One of my regulars came around today and when he heard I’m running them now, he said he knew what he was going to have today. All I heard was, “omg, OmG, OMG, IS THAT GOOD! He had it with chili and onions and had to go to his car for a wet nap as he had it all over his face. He dove in head first! 🙂
Then, a new customer came by, very enthusiastic as he was working the area for 2 new customers himself. He’s an exterminator and from out of town. He was thrilled to see me there as he noticed that our town doesn’t have much to offer for a quick bite to eat. My brother started rattling on about the new sausages and my last customers reaction, so he tried one the same way, with chili and onions (I’m talking the BBQ onions). As he was leaving, I told him (a little tongue in cheek) that he HAD to give me a review before he left. I quote, “The onions…OUT OF THIS WORLD, the chili, TO DIE FOR, and the sausage…a perfect plump, chewy little snap and very tasty!”
You wouldn’t believe how I make the chili. It’s a very simple and cost effective blend of Hormel no bean and Walmarts Hot dog chili sauce. Try it. It’s got a flavor that will knock your socks off!
I took your advice on making a steamer and bought two 2″ deep steam pans full of holes. I boil the sausages first to get them hot, then move them into the steamer on top of the water. They darken up just right so they look grilled, but they’re snappy, hot and full of flavor. Sometimes I do the same with the hot dogs, but I find they get too dark. I also found that if I drop them back into the water for a few minutes, they pink up again, so I keep rotating them and they look spankin’ new fresh, plump and have a great flavor all day.
I LOVE THIS BUSINESS! Steve, I think I’m totally addicted to it. I think this is the year it will all come together for me. With those sausages I think I’ll be raking it in in buckets! People are more aware that I’m there, they’re telling their friends and I’m getting a great reputation for quality, cleanliness and generosity. I give free drinks to those who are hot and thirsty; runners, bikers or anyone who forgot their wallets and got in over their head.
I’m generous with the portions, flexible with orders… on that one here’s an example. A husband and wife came by one day and weren’t real hungry, but wanted a hot dog. Just one to split. But he wanted mustard and relish and she wanted just ketchup. So I fixed half his way and the other half her way, they broke it in half and everyone was happy! And this year I’m seeing repeat customers from 50 miles away! Just out for a tour and decided to come back here for a bite to eat.
Well, I think I’ve done enough bragging for one day. Bottom line is, I LOVE IT ALL!!!! And again, thank you so much for all the help and support!!!! You’re one in a million……….Gee, that means there are 8 more just like you in NYC! 😉
Talk to you soon,
Dixie/Robin
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Thanks for sharing that Robin!
-Steve
Great story, keep up the good work Robin.
Thanks Yanks! (I love saying that, lol)
Dear Steve. Been following you for almost 2 yrs now. My sister in So. Az bought a food truck & a slushy cart and doing really well just doing events. Here in Vegas, the cost of carts is sky-high but I finally found one. We are hoping to sell wrapped ice cream novelties (less licensing), pre-made cold sandwiches and chips and waters. We are checking into Nevada laws right now, but hope to be able to sell at a local city park which has lots of sports games, and other special events. If you know where we can get more info on this manufacturer, please let us know.
We enjoy your enthusiasm and the sharing of ideas with your followers. Keep up the great work! Thank you. Kathy Hoffman “Vegas Treats”.
Hey Kathy,
What you can serve depends on your local food codes. If you use a commissary and equip the cart properly it opens up a lot more options. A three compartment sink and separate hand washing sink helps. On board refrigeration helps even more. Ask your inspector what he or she wants to see on the cart to serve the foods you are planning on serving.
Thanks for the kind words. It makes all the hard work behind the scenes seem like a breeze!
Let me know how else I can help you,
-Steve
P.S. “Vegas Treats” – I LOVE it!
Great story…I hope one day to be doing the same…congrats Robin and all the best to you…as a woman, you help to inspire the rest of us…
Robin is indeed an inspiration – to us guys too! Thanks for commenting Arleen.
I want to thank everyone here for all the support and exchanges of ideas. I owe it all to Steve and all the rest who are so willing to share.
Thanks everyone!
P.S. Steve, I love the Peanuts graphics! That’s just the way I feel!
That’s just the way I look (the round headed one) lol.
Way to go Robin !! I’m really glad for you.
Different can be a good thing. You never know till you try.
Congrats to you !! I guess that’s the end of the bread thing !! LOL..
1st mate Jim.
I hope so Jim. 😉
HMMMMMMmmmm, now that you mention it……….
You are right on about the addiction to the business. I come home butt draggen tired from a long day at the flea market. But as soon as I get a little rest, I jump up and go back out for more Hot Diggidy Dog Slinging Fun ! ! !
Mucho awesomeness Paul!!!
Good Luck Dixie and thanks for sharing the email Steve.
P.S. Dixie. Your website is looking great! Nice work.
NEWOPS ROCKS!
Hey Robin, Great story. You have a wonderful attitude and that’s the secret ingredient.
Keep rockin those dogs.
Stephen
HEY CAT! Your website is looking pretty awesome too! I love the name! Cats dogs. Cool!
Hey Cat,
You ever hear of Joe Stanky and the Cadets? Ever hear of the Dancingmouse? Guess who wrote that!
Congrats and awesome story Robin!
Of course, I’m sure repeat customers are going to your cart for you (your personality adds to the spice of your great food!) Thanks for sharing! Hope to see you in NH soon! 🙂
Enthusiasm and perseverance… a great combination. Thanks for sharing this with us Steve.
Nice story!!! Way to go Robin!!!!
hi Steve, it’s been about year since I last post but letting you know that I have just passed the $200,000 sales mark and done it in 2 years and 7months. thanks for your support, Robert from Virginia
Way to go Robert! Glad we could be a part of your success!
Hey Kathy Hoffman
Read your comment about Vegas and Nevada and since I live in South Western Nevada would like to visit with you.
What an inspiration Robin you go girl ?
Nice work everyone, well done!
Where can I locate the actual websites these slingers alluded to?
Thanku!
Lakesidelunch.com
She Gets it…………Great Work……I mean “Great Fun” Because if your having FUN it’s not Work.
Thank you for Sharing
Steve,
How about posting web sites of slingers ? Maybe even something permanent
in the members area.
Thanks,
Pat
Hmmm… let me think about that one. Websites come and go and it would be a major undertaking to monitor which ones are active at any particular time.
Brizz
Grate story Robin,. You are a inspiration for many. Keep up the good work. Will sure the name of the sausage you get from Sam’s Club
WAY to go robin…..???