I'm glad to be here. Ever thought about a Water Cart?

Today, I want to talk about something a little different that might just be the game-changer you’re looking for.

I’ve been vending for about 17 years now and helping vendors get started because I felt morally obligated to help others enter the business.

Let’s dive in!

The Unexpected Success of a Water Cart

So, I had planned on vending barbecue sandwiches at an out-of-state event.

My daughters wanted to sell ice cream from these new ice cream trikes we had just developed.

(Cool Idea: Ice Cream bike Business – Interview)

These trikes had real fridge freezers powered by solar panels.

Pretty cool, right?

But, there was a catch.

Every time someone wanted to see the ice cream options, they had to open the cooler lid.

It was cumbersome.

Despite the hiccup, my daughters sold out of ice creams the first day.

So, I suggested they sell bottled water the next day.

They made homemade signs, took the ice cream signs off, and labeled their trikes with “Cold Water.”

Guess what?
They sold out again.

This got me thinking about how effective water sales could be, especially for those starting with limited funds.

Getting Started with Limited Funds

If you’re thinking about getting into the vending business but don’t have the money for a full hotdog cart or mini mobile kitchen, a Water Cart could be your ticket.

I know $5,000 can be daunting, especially if you don’t have it lying around.

So, here’s a low-cost alternative to get you started.

Steps to Start Your Water Cart Business

1. Research and Gather Supplies: Start by sourcing your water bottles. You can buy them in bulk from wholesale clubs like Sam’s Club or Costco. The key here is to buy in bulk to keep your costs dow
2. Create Signage: Use poster boards to make eye-catching signs. Be creative and even humorous. For instance, my daughters had a sign that said, “Diet Water – $2” and “Regular Water – $1.” People loved it and it drew attention.
3. Get a Trike or Cart: You don’t need a fancy setup. A simple trike or cart will do. You can find used ones on Craigslist, eBay, or even local Facebook Marketplace.
4. Keep it Cold: Invest in a good cooler to keep your water cold. This is crucial, especially during hot events. Cold water is far more appealing and will sell faster.

(Helpful Tip: Sexy Menu Signs On A Budget)

Why Water Works

Water is universal.

Everyone needs it, especially at outdoor events.

It's less risky compared to perishable items like ice cream, and it’s easy to store and transport.

Plus, the markup on bottled water can be substantial.

You’re not just selling water; you’re selling convenience.

Expanding Beyond Water

Once you get the hang of selling water, you can start thinking about expanding.

Perhaps you could add soda or juice to your offerings.

The idea is to start small, minimize risk, and then grow.

Use the profits from your water sales to invest in a more traditional vending setup, like a hotdog cart.

Resources for Aspiring Vendors

I’ve created a ton of resources to help people like you get started.

If you go to learnhotdogs.com/broke, you’ll find a whole list of things you can do to get started in this industry.

Whether your ultimate goal is to own a restaurant, a big food truck, or anything in between, these resources can help you get there.

(Helpful Read: Food Truck Success)

The Bottom Line

Starting a vending business doesn’t have to break the bank.

A simple Water Cart can be a great way to dip your toes in the water (pun intended) and start making money.

It’s low-cost, low-risk, and can provide a significant return on investment.

Remember, it’s all about finding creative ways to start small and scale up.

I love you, and I hope this helps you come up with new ideas for your business.

Go kick some butt in street food vending!

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! 🧡🧡

Talk to you soon,
Ben