I WANT TO BUY A HOT DOG CART

Well, you want to buy a hot dog cart. Here are some things to think about before you go shopping. 10 EASY STEPS TO A HOT DOG CART BUSINESS

1) Check with your local county health deparment and zoning to see if you can even operate a hot dog cart where you live.
2) What is your market audience? street vending, catering, special events, private audiences? This will ultimately determine what cart you will need.
3) Where is your business plan? There is plenty of help around for that. Soon I will be posting a sample business plan for hot dog vendors on my new website. Keep your eye out for it.
4) Determine your start up budget. 3k is bottom level for starting up one of the most affordable businesses you will ever own.
5)Research your cart, remember price isn't everything check out the feedback... see how their customers feel about them. Make sure that they have schematics available for health department approval.
6) Be careful about buying used, especially an established business if you don't know the reputation. Do you want to buy a bad reputation prior to even getting started, lots of people know the cart's appearance.
7) Leave yourself plenty of time to place your cart order especially if it is nearing the season. Good manufacturers will be busy at this time and could take up to 4 weeks to fabricate your cart. 4 weeks is long enough for most carts, custom carts allow 6 weeks.
8) While your cart is being built get your promo items done, logo's, t shirts, business cards, attend network meetings, hand out flyers lot's to do now that you have decided.
9) Dont worry about a location, just get a city permit for operating in general... get out there. Doesn't matter what you make the first week, just get out there and serve people. The location is your marketing tool to get a better location.
10) For the Love of God, and your customers please practice on your friends.. family or something. It takes time to be a good hot dog vendor. You will get burnt, don't cuss in public and always smile even if your hand's on fire.

Smile, Smile, Smile.... Deb