Well, howdy, howdy, howdy!

It's Ben here, and I'm thrilled to be back with another nugget of wisdom for all you aspiring hot dog vendors out there.

Today, we're diving into an interesting question from Kevin on the YouTubes.

He asked about the possibility of using a donation method with a hot dog cart and whether it could bypass the need for a license.

(Helpful Read: Hot Dog Vending Without A License)

So, let's dig into this juicy topic and set the record straight.

The Question From Kevin

Kevin's question was simple yet intriguing.

He wanted to know if he could avoid the hassle of getting permits by using a donation-only method with his hot dog cart, especially since he plans to move south during the winters and work at campgrounds.

He asked if this method could be legal and if it could help him dodge the red tape of different county permits.

Understanding the Licensing Landscape

First off, Kevin, there's a bit of a misconception here.

In most states (49 out of 50, to be exact), you don't need a separate permit for each county.

Once you get licensed in one county, you're typically good to go statewide.

California is the notable exception, but even there, some counties have reciprocal agreements.

So, if you're moving from New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania to Florida, just get your license in Florida, and you're set.

(Helpful Read: Licenses for Every Location? No way)

The Donation-Only Method

Now, let's talk about this donation-only method.

It's a clever idea, but here's the kicker: the health department doesn't care if you're giving away food or selling it.

(Helpful Read: Health Inspector Creating Problems)

Their primary concern is public safety.

They want to ensure that whatever people are eating is safe, regardless of whether it's free or not.

Loopholes and Religious Exemptions

But don't worry, there are always some loopholes to consider.

One such loophole involves religious exemptions.

I cover this in detail in my free training over at learnhotdogs.com.

(Helpful Read: Vending Without Permit – Navigating The Grey Areas)

You can find information on various vending types there, including lemonade, kettle corn, mini donuts, funnel cakes, candied apples, candied nuts, and more.

Under a religious exemption, you can avoid permitting in most states and even skip paying taxes.

(Helpful Read: Vending Illegally! Can You Do It? [With VIDEO])

It's perfectly legal to form a religious organization, say, “The Church of the Quarter Pound Hot Dog,” and use this status to your advantage.

I've got a friend in North Carolina who runs a successful hot dog business using a 501(c)(3) religious organization status.

Is It Worth It?

While the religious exemption route is a possibility, I'm not necessarily advising it.

It involves setting up a legitimate religious organization, which comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities.

Plus, it might not be the right fit for everyone.

If you're traveling between states, my recommendation is to get approved in both states.

It's usually a once-and-done deal.

Even if it takes you a couple of weeks to get a permit in Florida or Georgia, it's a small price to pay for peace of mind and compliance.

Key Takeaways

1. Health Department Rules: The health department's main concern is public safety, regardless of whether you're giving away or selling food.
2. Statewide Permits: In most states, once you're licensed in one county, you're good to go statewide.
3. Religious Exemptions: These can provide a legal loophole but come with their own complexities.
4. Legitimacy Matters: Getting properly licensed is usually the best and easiest route in the long run.

Final Thoughts

So, I hope this clears things up for you.

While the donation-only method might seem like a clever workaround, it's not likely to save you from the need for proper permits and licenses.

Instead, focus on getting licensed the right way and enjoy the freedom and profitability that comes with being a legitimate hot dog vendor.

Remember, you can find all the information you need in this website, use the search function.

And if you want to take your vending business to the next level, go and get together with the best vendors on the planet inside the Vendors United community.

You can learn about it HERE (it is 100% free to try it out for 5 days!!)…

🧡🧡 Vendors United – 100% FREE 5 Days Trial – Try It Today! 🧡🧡

Love you all, and happy vending!