New Hot Dog Vendor Shares First Day Success Story

Howdy, folks! I love it when I get a success story from a new street food vendor. I just got this email from Wende, who had a fantastic first day of selling hot dogs. She did lots of preparation and research, bought a used hot dog cart, and although she still had some small bumps, she had a great first day slinging hot dogs!

Here is Wende's story.

If you have a minute I wanted to tell you about my weekend.

I am no longer a “vendor virgin.” I had my first event. LOL

Ok.. here goes.
Three weeks plus two days ago I bought a “Big Dog” cart, used in Kansas City. I did a lot of research, as instructed, and had a chat with four county health departments. Then BAM! I got the cart.

Three weeks and one day ago I was in an antique store in NE Missouri and received a flyer for a show and BAM! called the promotors and started the ball rolling — or the rock slide, as those close to me have called it.

My first vend happened just 3 weeks after purchasing a cart, and was quite a learning experience.

I need to personally “THANK” YOU, Jason, Corey, Matt and Michael for the tutorial in dog slinging. I know, without the webinars, tv/radio, articles and your book, it would not have gone as well. I even shared the info and websites with the tenderloin vendor and he was impressed and hopefully he will get the gist of it.

Keeping things FUN and light I did a few drop-card type coupons. Since my new (still in the works) logo has a St. Bernard, I decided to order coins from a toy company with a paw print and the other side reads “Caught Being Pawsome.” Also, I bought stickers to match since I do not have my OWN printed yet.

I dropped three. One in each building and one in the parking lot. I took photos of the finders/winners and gave them a sticker that read they are Pawsome. Everyone got a kick out of it.

I had a few set backs and need additional tutelage and experience. I feel the dogs were held too long / put too many down. The grilled onions should be started early or par-cooked as you suggested. Coke onions were the bomb! I asked for feedback saying we were trying out a new dog and let me know if you like it. Folks actually came back to the booth to let me know they liked it. YEAH!

I know I packed WAAAAAAAAAY too much crap for a three day vend. Didn't have a clue what to take or not to take and since the cart went into my box trailer I filled the sucker up. Just like a women… and yes I had a (kitchen) sink!

Made do on several things. My chip clips didn't make it in time, so I used enamelware items to showcase them on the table. It was an antique/ flea market and they wanted to buy my display. NO way….

GREAT NEWS.. 5 minutes before leaving the house I remembered I needed cards or flyers. Made a 4 up on a sheet of paper flyer. It was ok. No logo — just a clip art hot dog.

It read – What makes you Happy? Happy Dog Hot Dog Company We do parties (blah, blah, blah ETC), and my number.

I had FIVE contacts and one suggestion for the weekend. I was shocked!!! So glad I made up the flyers. It pays to have cards on hand.

The kicker is I still do not have a commissary. It is very difficult in Kansas City and in NE Missouri. I am thinking of creating my own commissary, in the race car shop, to make due.

We (3 of us) had shirts for Saturday, the big day, that read “Relish today – Ketchup tomorrow” (Ebay find). We had great comments.

My booth was the first thing guests saw when they entered the event. I heard my company name over and over.. Loved it. I had banners, and a swooper flag (it was a gift). Also two large hot dog balloons. Dollar General will fill your balloons for $1.50.

Just wanted to share, say “Thank YOU” and shake your hand. Jason, Corey, Matt and Michael…………… Thank you for all of the great suggestions. I followed a lot of Michael's tricks and they worked really well.

Looking forward to hitting the streets, getting events and the lunch locations in town.

With warm regards,
Wende
Happy Dog Hot Dog Company