I want to start a business selling soda pop and hot dogs from a trailer or van. Any tips or ideas?

Question

I have a fountian drink machine and just want to start making money with it.

Answer 1

Well, I'm a gal whose 5'4 and 110 pounds, so I don't eat alot of soda and hotdogs, so if you are in an area where a lot of people are trying to stay trim, here's a few ideas........
1) Most vendors like yourself have a zillion regular sodas and maybe one diet coke in their fountain. Try adding a few more diet options, there are people looking for a diet orange soda, believe me! (remember to sell water as well)
2) Offer turkey dogs, or low fat dogs and ADVERTISE THAT FACT. (or even a tofu dog?)

If you are in an area where you customers are less concerned with healthy choices, I would love to see a vendor offer a spicy bratwurst! Yummy and different!!!!

Uh-oh, you made me hungry!

PS I love saurkraut, just throwing that out there.

Answer 2

Sounds like you aren't thinking right. I have a friend that starts selling in April and doesn't stop until late October.
He has to get a $1,000,000 insurance policy before he will be allowed in the areas that he sells (mainly fairs and special events). That doesn't include the $10,000 to $25,000 for the trailer. Then there are the cost of the food and beverages that you plan to sell. How about the rent at these places? Most charge $1000 a WEEKEND or more. This is before you even sell one item.
Also being new, you will have the worst spot in the event, unless you buy a trailer and route but that can be big money also.
Oh, I forgot. The hours you have been to a few fairs and such. What where the hours there? You will have to be available the whole time unless you can get some relief, then you will have to pay them. Even a wife or girlfriend or best friend will you cost something. At least a free sandwich.
I am not trying to discourage you but it is alot of work, time, and effort before you even make a dime. Better do alot of research into it. It is possible to make alot of money my friend will make $7000 to $15,000 a day but he has been in business for many years. Also kiss your personal life goodbye for a while. Good Luck

Answer 3

Looks like Im 5 years late with my response here, but just want to throw it out there for everyone thinking about making and selling dog treats... You cant sell dog treats without approved labeling and guaranteed analysis. You cant sell online without having a license in every single state. You have to go the legal route otherwise penalties will be very costly, and you will suffer greatly financially. Each product has to have a license and registration, thats depending on the state about $120 per year not including testing fees for the product and you have to test at least 3-4 batches of one treat to pull an average so your guaranteed analysis is accurate. Been there, done that. Legal fees for establishing a company will be about $1500 then annual renewals. It all adds up very quickly. Do your research, analyze, calculate, and make an appointment with a lawyer to make sure you do everything right and you have all the legal documents you need (remember you have to pay taxes on the treats you sell). The last thing you want is to have problems with the agricultural department. This is not the complete list of what needs to be done, and its not in any particular order. Just few things I learner from my own experience. I too thought "oh I will start making and selling home made dog treats, its fun and easy" until I got into the legal stuff. At first it seemed like alot of work for not much money, but then few months later after it all sunk into my head I realized every business requires putting alot of money in at first, and if you are smart and can think straight it can be a very rewarding experience.

Answer 4

I have been in the vending business for 3 years, and it is a lot of work with very little profit. It is going to take a lot of hot dog and pop sales to pay for the equipment (usually thousands of dollars) it takes money to buy your inventory, then to sit on it when it doesn't sell. Or you have to throw it away because it goes out of date.

The best advice I have is pick a different business and cut your losses while you are still ahead.

Answer 5

HI: I have been in the food conession business for 16 years, in fact I have written a book on cd about the subject that I sell on eBay and it gives you everything to need ot know about this business. and I mean everything. If you contact me I will be glad to give you a bit of free advice. Look with the key word in ebay search, concession, MAKE BIG MONEY FOOD CONCESSION BUSINESS TRAILER HOW TO
In fact there are several others who offer information but I would be cautious some are come ons. My book has 174 pages with many color picutres and comes on CD. I guarantee you'll be impressed. Look for my auctions at Ebay under those search headings.

Answer 6

You should look for a hot place where a lot of people are. Then a lot of them will eventually get tired and buy from you. Make sure there is not too much competition (other stands). You will now open your stand. Remember you need to buy more drinks so sell for more than you buy! If you need more info, e-mail [e-mail] and write subject:Drink Stand.

Answer 7

In addition to the person who said you should regularise your papers with the Council/Local authority,one crucial thing to note is location,location,location.
This will definitely determine your sales turnover/ volume, you may also identify 2-3 locations ,within which to alternate daily / weekily.
Prince Charming

Answer 8

Well, you should start at like a park. But if you really want to start in a van or trailor then go around telling people about your stand.

Answer 9

I would try and offer unique hot dogs. Like special bratwursts or something like that. Maybe organic.....

Answer 10

Be unique in your offerings. Do something that will catch peoples attention and appetite.