Robin got her start in the hot dog biz almost a decade ago when she bought my Hot Dog Profits Premium course and a cart from DreamMaker. Since then she has built a lasting business that not only provides a great income, she’s able to take the whole winter off.
Robin writes…
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Hi Steve, I guess you haven’t heard anything from me lately. So I thought I’d check in and give you a smile?.
I’m into season nine now and consider myself quite successful. I sling in the summer and ski all winter!
This summer I’m hearing a LOT of positive comments from my customers. A few examples:
“I’m new here, but people tell me you’re pretty famous in the area.”
“You’ve got the best condiments”
“We know it’s spring when we see you here!”
“You’re an icon…”
“You’re an institution!”
“We look for you every spring!”
“That pink hat is famous!”
Just a few that I’ve heard this year. Steve, I could easily name more than a dozen slingers who started at the same time who went out of business in the first year. They all made the same mistake. If I was to offer advice to anyone going into it, I’d say the biggest mistake is over-investing.
I’ve seen people buy $35000 walk in trailers and offer huge menus thinking all that variety brings them in. Then they set up in a place where it’s very hard to get out of, and they only get half the people going by because only southbound traffic can get in and out. They don’t get enough money coming in to support the huge menu and have to throw out 2/3 of their Food.
A must for homework is to know how the traffic flows, how much there is, and how easily they can get to you. Next would be, what do people in that area like to eat. Not what YOU like to eat. If you want your stuff to sell it has to be what the CUSTOMER wants. It might take some experimentation and a few surveys, but once you find it, you strike gold! They’ll make a point of going out of their way to find you.
BTW, I’ve found a great way to chop onions, and you don’t even need a slice of bread. I use an Eskimo ULU knife. (Look it up) cut the onion in half, then slice it one way, turn the board 90 degrees and slice again. Then lay the slices down and chop to your satisfaction.
Robin/Lakeside Lunch
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Robin – great job. I’m so proud of you!!! Keep on doing what you’re doing and thanks for sharing some wisdom with the Hot Dog Profits readers.
Readers – let’s hear it for Robin in the comments!!!
-Steve
Keep up the Slinibg Robin! Supreme Hot Dogs Groton Ct
Wow ! Seems like just yesterday. Love the hat. Ha ha ha.
So glad to hear you are doing well. I’ll come by when I can.
Congrats Dixie. You go girl !
1St Mate Jim
Love the business
Right on Fatso!
Great job Robin keep up the good work,and great to hear from you Steve ?
Hi Dane!
Congratulations for your longevity. Told my wife the other day how much I miss my hot dog cart. Keep slinging those dogs. Dixie.
Blessings. Chappy
Hot Diggidy Dog
Stockton, California
Robin, great job. This gives us newbies hope.
I’ve had the course a couple of years, but due to circumstances been unable to go.
How ever Steve, I started my build last fall and am about 2/3 to3/4 finished!
I have 2 locations waiting on me.
I’ll provide pictures and updates soon!
So pumped and excited.
This is my retirement job……I’m so ready
Send me pics when you finish your E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart!
Thanks all! The best of my season is just ahead! Jim, you’re right! It doesn’t seem that it’s been this long!
I’ve been in business now going on Year 6 and I totally agree with all Robin said. In fact, I’ve been ranked in the Top Ten Best in the State of Kentucky for my dogs. Who knew?
Good for you Papa!
Just to let you know
I dice my onions witth the vidalia onion chopper bout in
Bed bath and beyond for $19.95 less 20% and if it breaks just bring it back
Larry?…..Mister Hot Dog
Awesome. Thanks Larry!
I’m Season 2 with my “Weenie Wagon hotdog cart and actually was contemplating on NOT slinging this year after a slow start last year. BUT, when I came out in April this year, all my customers from last year were like “YAY!!! You’re BACK!!” And they spread the word about me. ? So I started off strong out of the gates. I live in a small town, but feel $150-$250 per day is awesome! I work Monday- Friday so that’s good! Hoping to get even better! I serve the meanest quarter pound all beef Chicago Dogs!! Plus 9 other styles of dog. Happy slingin’ people!! Heidi Ho’s Weenie Wagon, Wanatah, In.
That’s one of the BEST feelings in the world, when your customers celebrate because you are open for business. You are definitely doing something right Heidi. Keep up the good work and your business will grow.
-Steve
Congrats Robin. I start my 9th year also this years.
“Sell em’ all’
Jerry “Dogs On the Run”
Congrats to you too Jerry!
Way to go. This is my first season. I love it. Keep up the great work. You are my hero
Barb Womack
WOMACKS Weenie Wagon
I’ve been reading for over a year and find folks loving the business. I slung dogs for 4 years in Atlantic City, NJ. Called my business Losers Lunch since I was outside the casinos. Have a lot of memories of those days, some bad but, mostly good.
Now that I am retired I think about getting back in. I have lots of experience and many stories of slinging days.
Jump back in Ken. Once a slinger, always a slinger.
Sammy Dogs just completed our first year. Covid certainly had an impact but we’re hanging in there!
Started to sell brisket dogs and brisket burgers to rave reviews and now have a following just for those –
Looking forward to celebrating many more years just like Dixie – maybe we’ll get to the point that we can take winter off ?
Congrats Dixie
Way to go Mary!!!
-Steve
That’s awesome….it definitely give us Newbies a great outlook….you are so encourageing….I pray to get started next week waiting on my inspection on Monday….I’m in Florida so we can Sling all year if we choose to…I’m so excited ??????
Thanks for the lessons on location and stability.
Augusta with Jazzi Dogs