Donald and Tiffany recently reached out to me with a question: should they start their street food vending business now, or wait until spring?

They’d already decided that waiting for warmer weather and a tax refund might make things easier.

Why Start Vending Now Instead of Waiting?

But let me tell you, much like planting a tree, the best time to start was 20 years ago, and the next best time is right now.

Sure, spring is popular—everyone thinks of sunshine and crowds—but starting vending now means you’ll have months of experience by the time the flowers bloom and everyone else is just getting started.

Embracing Winter Challenges

I’m sitting here in my makeshift office on a closed-in porch, watching chickens run around in the yard, thinking about how chilly it is.

After a flood, my home’s insulation is shot, and it’s cold as can be.

Some people are facing far worse conditions—hurricane damage has left some without homes entirely.

Now, if you’re considering the weather as a reason not to start vending now, think again.

Vendors across the country prove otherwise.

Helpful: Hot Dog Vending In The Winter – Or What?

I’ve seen people vend in sub-zero temperatures, using three-sided canopies, portable heaters, and warm clothing to keep going.

If vendors in Champaign, Illinois, and far up in Washington State can vend in brutal winters, you can too.

Don’t let the cold hold you back.

The Freedom Factor

Vending is more than just selling hot dogs. It’s about freedom.

Helpful: How to Sell Hot Dogs in Winter

Imagine never having to beg your boss for a day off to take your kid to the dentist or watch a school play.

With vending, you control your schedule, your income, and your life.

I discovered vending after losing everything in ’07-’08.

It saved my life—so much so that I wrote a book called Hot Dog Saved My Life.

It gave me the independence to attend family events, take off when I wanted, and still make a great living.

Starting now means you get to enjoy these benefits sooner.

One Day a Month to Full-Time

If you’re still on the fence, start small.

Maybe you only vend one day a month, just to get your feet wet.

By spring, you’ll know the ropes.

You’ll have tackled licensing, found your best spots, and tested your menu.

Helpful: Hot Dog Vending Using Donation Only – No License

Some vendors only work a few days a month and still pull in a full-time income.

Others start part-time and ease into full-time when the weather warms up.

Trust me, the earlier you start, the better positioned you’ll be when that spring rush hits.

Consider Cottage Food as a Stepping Stone

Not ready to face the winter weather outside?

Try cottage food.

Helpful: Starting With Cottage Food

In all 50 states, cottage food laws let you create certain items from home and sell them.

This can help you build capital, refine your recipes, and learn how to market your products—all before hauling out a cart into the cold.

Check out cottagefoodlaws.com for details on your state’s rules.

By the time spring rolls around, you’ll have a steady following and be ready to take on vending full-force.

Leverage Free Resources and Support

I’ve got tons of free resources in this website.

Search for any keyword—“catering,” “funnel cakes,” “boiled peanuts”—and you’ll find guides, videos, and tips galore.

Yes, I also have courses for sale, but you don’t have to buy anything.

Everything you need is available for free if you’re willing to do a little digging.

If you want a shortcut, the courses are there.

If not, all good—get it for free and start making money.

And if you’re serious about community support, join Vendors United, a private group of newbies, pros, and everyone in between, all sharing tips, wins, and solutions to every hurdle you might face.

Clean Up and Simplify Your Operation

Nothing says efficiency like starting early and honing your operation.

You’ll have time to experiment with setups, try different menus, and refine your daily routine.

By spring, when everyone else is scrambling, you’ll have your system down—quicker service, smoother transactions, and even tricks to handle that dreaded clean up process after a long day.

Helpful: Save HOURS on Street Food Clean Up!

Trust me, starting now gives you a huge advantage.

The Bottom Line

Waiting until spring might seem tempting.

Warmer weather, bigger crowds, who wouldn’t want that?

But starting now means you’ll have the experience, resilience, and maybe even a steady income flow by the time others are just setting up their carts.

You’ll know how to handle the cold, find obscure but profitable locations (think industrial parks, small airports, factories), and solve problems that stump new vendors later.

Helpful: Vendor Location Tip – Tap A Lucrative Market

Whether it’s sub-zero temps or hurricane recovery mode, vendors have proven over and over that this business thrives under all conditions.

So, don’t put it off.

Helpful: Winter Food Cart Ideas

Start vending now—be it full-time, part-time, or even just one day a month—and set yourself up for a successful spring and beyond.

It’s time to seize your freedom, make some money, and build the life you want.

Don’t wait.
Start today.

I love you, and I can’t wait to hear your success story.

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