Click play above and listen to the latest from the Hot Dog Vendor Radio Show.  In Episode 34 we tackled working your hot dog cart operations in the winter, winterizing your cart and answered several vendor questions.

Costuming Your Hot Dog Cart

Fellow vendor Rick Richards asks if any other vendors dress up their carts for the Halloween season.  Rick sets up in front of the World Market and shared that he gets creative and decorates his hot dog cart.  Hopefully Rick will share a picture or two.  It's a great idea and will connect you to the community and customers.  Rick puts LED flashing lights and other attention getters on his cart.  Thanks for sharing Rick!

How much should I charge?

Vendor Dale Matthews asks about an upcoming sales event that he's been asked to serve hot dogs.  He will be at a local auto dealership and wanted help figuring out how to price it to the dealership.  We answered Dale's question but I get this question a lot and so this week I will be producing a new Hot Dog Answer Man videocast that will go much more in depth than the radio show allows.  Dale asks a great question but these types of things have many variables and deserve some extra attention.

No Chili, no cheese, no onions? Say it ain't so.

Florida vendor Ray asked a couple of questions.  How vendors get around strict codes that say that all items such as chili, cheese and onions can only be served if in single serving containers.  Secondly, Where is the commissary list for Florida?   Jason and I tackle these questions and hopefully Ray feels better today about his options.

My city gave me a permit, but they don't allow vendors?

Carla is on the Jersey Shore and got everything done and is now only short a location.  Fortunately one of my dear friends, Brian Shores slings weenies in hot steamy buns in Carla's neck of the woods and may be able to help.  We have covered this many times on HDVR and even more on the blog.  Carla, if you're reading this, over on the right side of this page is a search box, type in the word location and then locations.  You will find so many great ideas and methods around the madness that is restrictive cities.

I must share with you too; Recently I made available the A to Z course in which I spend a large amount of time covering some new and better methods for getting around these restrictive ordinances cities have.  It may be worth your while to grab that video series.

Facebook Contest – Win and win again

This December, BensCarts is giving away a brand new Cash Cow cart.  If you would like to gain an entry or earn extra entries for the great hot dog cart giveaway, simply post a picture of you holding my course book (hot dogs saved my life) or a picture of you holding a hot dog or standing in front of your hot dog cart.  Each poster will get 2 entries.

And then; Next Tuesday during the live HDVR show, I will also pick one lucky poster and they will receive a Pro Pak from BensCarts Accessory Store.

Winterizing and Working in the Winter

Hot dog vendors, especially those up North know how hard it is to vend in the winter months.  Jason Brown helps us out with some tips and info about working in the winter months.  I have also included some links to other articles where this is discussed that you may find helpful.

• Working in the cold cold North.
• I go on a little rant after one Guru says that winter is the best months for vending.
• Hot Dog vending season, hot dog cart operation tips for the winter months.
• Winterizing your hot dog cart.
• I ain't scared of no snow – says vendor. Video included.

What would you like to hear?

Next week on HDVR we are going to discuss ______________________?  Fill in the blank by leaving a comment below.

I Need A Dollar

Or two.  Let's help a fellow vendor.  He's almost done with his cart, he is building it from scratch and trying to raise funds for the finishing touches and for the start up expenses.  What about a dollar, what about 5 dollars?  Let's all help.  It will take you only a couple of minutes to help and oh my gosh, imagine how good you'll feel.  Thanks to those that have already helped.

Hot Dog Vendor Resources

From pans, umbrellas, insurance and signs – find it all here.  Click the resources link on the right hand side of this page.  If you have a suggestion for the page, please let me know so I can add it.