How I profit 3 to 4 times more than other vendors!!

[@papascateringstreetfood2173]

BRAVO, I have proven your premise over & over again. The wider your menu the greater the waste. Keeping it simple is primary.

[@billp4]

Look at In and Out burger. Fries, burgers shakes and cokes.

[@prontodelivery5194]

Exactly ​@@billp4

[@EZurg]

For my brats I grill onions with multiple colors of peppers it brings people in and they love it on top of their brats drives them nuts. And I'm not stingy I put it on there so they know I mean it and they walk away feeling like they were taken care of and that will make them want to come back.

[@loquemejalleescarbando9294]

I wish I could see things like you at your age. Now I´m 55 I waisted so many opportunities. I still have 10 good years to straighten things up. Thank you.

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

I'm not far behind you, my friend. I'll be 40 this year. There's no age limit to finding success.

[@dinerdogs]

Thank you Dan. I love what you do. Being a cook I raise the game a little (not much) just for my own enjoyment of cooking and serving food. Not a better way, just my way. What you explained about the 80/20 rule is dead right. That 80% you sell only 20% of the time can represent over 50% of your waste/shrinkage. Anyway, God Bless and keep the videos coming 😊

[@violetgypsie]

It’s hard to be efficient when you have a huge menu. A few items is all you need. A couple different dogs, potato chips, water, soda, juice, depending on your demographic. Too many items can bring stress to you and can cause indecision in the customer. Thanks for pointing it out. I hope you let your lessee know so she can become profitable and continue leasing your cart. People need income right now.

[@jeffreyg5718]

Dan, how are you? I’ve been interested in vending dogs for some time. Like you, I started off watching Ben’s stuff. I recently came across your channel and you have completely re-inspired me to persue this business venture. I love the style of your vending. I want to duplicate your cart and business strategies here in Washington State. Thank you for putting out these videos. 🌭 💰

[@jkfu247]

Did you do it?

[@DarkroomZombie]

You got that right, simple is best way to do it. I learned that by having a small push cart with very little space that less is more. (Here we are not even allowed to have tables or coolers setup on a public way. If it's not attached to your cart it's not allowed.) So I learned fast only take high profit items. I have done more with my little cart, but that is for catering gigs where someone is pre-paying for meals. Sounds like your doing great there Dan, keep it up.

[@frankielasota2104]

Thanks DAN NEEDED TO HEAR THIS AGAIN KEEP IT SIMPLE BROTHER

[@tommylogan6600]

I'll be starting soon got the cash cow. Plan on reg dog 1/4 lb dog. Chili cheese and basic condiments just the basics.

[@GunninRebel55]

80% of your profit from 20% of your menu. That's a powerful thing to know. Thanks for sharing. I'm gonna keep it simple like u do and I won't fix it until it's broken. If it's never broken, well.... I'm good. 🎊🎉🥂

[@jonathanjones4993]

Im gonna do my first festival in May and food cost is gonna be right at $200 gonna do Cheesesteaks 6" and 12" chicken and steak and chips and can of soda thats it Ill let you know how it goes!!!!!

[@jeffreyg5718]

Still waiting…

[@LifestyleofKelly]

How did it go?

[@donkeysaurusrex7881]

Saw some guys discussing delivery down below. I would not recommend adding canned or bottled drinks to your menu if you don’t already have them for the food cart operator because I am not sure the extra hassle is worth it, but if anyone with a larger location like a food truck or building based restaurant is seeing this one way US food delivery stinks versus overseas is how few places offer canned or bottled drinks that the customer doesn’t have to worry about the driver fooling with. If I want a drink delivered like that now I have to order $10 worth forma gas station which is more than I usually want to drink with a meal whereas I am more likely to choose a restaurant offering the same drink at a several hundred percent markup because I can two or threee drinks and still come out ahead. Right now the only big US chain I have seen catching on to this is Five Guys which blows my mind because overseas all the big US fast food chains just send you a bottled coke or Pepsi if you order one even though they have the fountain system in store.

[@rollierabin]

Dan, It was meant to be that you just posted this video! I added a taco and smash burger to the menu yesterday and the hot dogs and burgers are the only ones that are selling. The KISS principle is something I have always lived by and I'm taking off the tacos lol.

[@passenger4.9billion]

This KISS principle applies to all kind of business, I've proven it myself from my beauty care company to my financial services company 👍

[@truckerownerops]

You are right also utilizing what you have on hand to make new menu items will also increase profits and cut your cost.

[@thebaguette2892]

I'm thinking about starting a hotdog stand and Also sell elotes and that's it, hopefully it will work out well

[@LeoMidori]

Never heard of elotes before this, they sound great! How's business been for you?

[@raymondthoman3058]

Thank you to share your knowledge.

[@infowazz]

This is really interesting. Location is huge of course. I wonder if u have to pay for a location, if you are trespassing, etc. I noticed Burg King seemed extra smokey lol.

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

I NEVER pay for a location.

[@TheUaclown123]

⁠@@HotDoggingwithDanhow? Everywhere i look, it says i need all these permits to get started and pay like 20gs to the city every year, at least. I’m trying to get started but it’s discouraging. This comment is re-encouraging lol

[@StevenBirdPasadena]

thank you

[@jimtrotter4359]

Good talk Dan.

[@gooberswift888]

How did you profit more and how did the lady not profit more than you her prices were competitive? yours were? you ended your hotdogging business? thanks for your awesome information 🤙🏾🙏🏽

[@417plasma6]

Inventory is the key to success....if you have 20 items compared to 3-5 items..who will make more of an income ??? this is exactly what he's saying...also price is also another good factor...

[@417plasma6]

Hi Dan I just sent you an email a few min ago..great videos and ideas

[@billp4]

Kudos to you!

[@AndrewHedlund100]

Do you just do the bar scene? Or do you go to different areas for a lunch rush?

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

Mostly the nightlife. I'll occasionally do the downtown lunch crowd if I feel up to it.

[@wendellmonster6179]

Hi Dan ! Dan is the man 👍☺️ good to see you

[@DavidSanchez-uo2cn]

I USE THAT LINE ALL THE TIME! Some people just don't get it!

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Great advice 👍

[@barrythacker7281]

Is the profit margin the same, hot dog vs bratwurst? I am from the south, living in Maine. They do not eat barbecue up here. They do not know good food. I smoke boston butts and pork loins. My neighbors love it. I think it would do good on a cart? Good info

[@loriereifsteck1710]

What types of drinks do you offer?

[@NP83179]

Hey big papa,😊 how hard is it to get a vendors license. & where are you located?

[@clarenceboodram1236]

Makes a lot of sense 👍

[@sammeekercomedy]

Thanks for sharing .. On that Saturday, about how many Hot Dog did you sell?

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

About 150ish

[@jayvincent5330]

Keep it stupid simple. Is how I was taught by my Dad. Basically to keep it so simple it’s almost stupid!👍😁 ANY way works though as long it helps YOU remember to keep it simple.👍😁 The K.I.S.S. Method. (Keep It Stupid Simple)👍😁

[@EZurg]

Good advice

[@FollowMagicBrad]

Where do you setup?

[@thefunnyvideos9090]

Dan , I have a question? knowing what you just said . I live in an area that has a lot of vegans and Muslims ....Would having a regular dog , vegan dog and Halal dog be over kill?

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

Not sure why, but im just seeing this message. Sorry for the delayed response! If you are set up in an area where those specific types of dogs would sell 10 or more each for every day you're out, then I would say go for it. If not, they'll just take up space on your cart. For me, I get MAYBE 1 person every week that requests a vegan dog. Not enough to justify spending the money to stock them or take up space on my cart.

[@thefunnyvideos9090]

@@HotDoggingwithDan Thanks Dan and no worries I'm sure your a busy man.

[@user-im6fy4qp6m]

how do you handle locations where there already is someone there selling food, but its different from hotdogs. like a mexican taco stand. do you ask them if you can post up too?

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

Nope. I usually try to maintain space from other vendors, but then there are vendors who don't care and will post up right next to me. Usually, I just go ask to see their permits, and they pack up and leave because they never have them.

[@user-im6fy4qp6m]

@@HotDoggingwithDan yes this competition is what gives me anxiety i would not want to get into territorial disputes with unhinged people. i am starting to research hotdogging seriously now and trying to look into all the permits and costs involved. the thought occurred to me that spots i think are good would also be spots other people might show up and try to fight me over. ive been keeping an eye on craigslist ads waiting for a used cart to show up and depending on how soon i can get the permits i might try to post up near this large housing construction site that has a lot of workers building all day as a practice before going into more public spaces like parking lots where people might get mad im stepping on toes.

[@box2519]

Taco Bell destroyed their image to me by making their locations look gray and depressing like a funeral home.

[@LeoMidori]

A lot of spaces have been doing that, fast food especially. I know I'm a nostalgia poisoned 90's kid, but beautiful decor makes me *want* to be places, and when your place looks awful and your food isn't cheap any more and not even that good I'm very uninclined to go at all.

[@badgirl44654]

It’s still cold and wet, better than nothing. 🤣

[@simonehosein]

What brand hot dogs do you buy?

[@aljames7082]

Hi Dan. Thanks for the video. Are you going to continue with the brats?

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

Yes!

[@FollowMagicBrad]

Does it make sense to offer a good selection of condiments to give variety?

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

I try to stick to a limit of no more than 10-12 toppings/condiments.

[@JamesJohnson-wo3dy]

Lol! I just ordered unsweet tea and got sweet tea Hey Dan, I appreciate your good common sense ,no non-sense approach to business. Keeping it simple works for me. I'm getting very close to retiring and I'm thinking of adding a hot dog cart to the old list of retirement "business ideas" list. It looks like work, but also looks like something you could have fun with too! I enjoy your video's ,keep up the good work!

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

Soooo frustrating. Lol

[@ericramirez6146]

Do u buy ordinarily hot dogs from the grocery store?

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

No

[@dkjunior]

How do you find locations?do you pay commission to property owner?

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

I never pay for a location.

[@jabberwocky534]

Do you hand out a lot of paper menus? Awesome vid .Thanks man

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

I dont hand out any paper menus. I have 2 large laminated menus that I velcro to the cart.

[@frankpappalardo630]

Great vlog

[@mukmuk6228]

What condiments do you carry on the regular besides chili and cheese

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

Kraut, shredded cheese, diced onions, Jalapeños, banana peppers, ketchup hup, mustard, relish

[@theconeylady5298]

Keep it simple.

[@jarviseskridge9787]

How did you choose the hotdogs you buy to start out.

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

I bought 10 different brands. Had a party with my family and close friends. Had everybody taste each hot dog brand without knowing what brand they were eating. They told me which hot dog they liked best. Hot dog #8 was the winner.

[@TahaAli-ch5nr]

Wanna start my home business bottom how to do it I’ll be watching a video for the last two weeks I like what you doing

[@vicvic2081]

Man just came across your videos but bro I love having hot dogs with a coke

[@TahaAli-ch5nr]

hi where is your location at

[@rickmorse2463]

Dan, I’m curious. What is your commissary like?

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

My commissary is a commercial shared kitchen. Commercial island sinks, commercial stoves, commercial food storage....

[@jaycole5959]

Dan do you have chili and cheese on your cart???

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

Yes

[@Catlife247]

I'd like to see the exact items that you both bought. $130 ain't much...I thought I watched a video of yours that said you spend $500-600 per weekend. Now it's $130? Help me understand brother...

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

These videos were made at different points in my journey. When I first started out, I spent $80 on inventory for an entire weekend. As I got more popular, I got busier, I had to increase my inventory. Today, I will spend about $1500 on inventory to stock 3 different carts,, but I also get wholesale and bulk discounts now because of the large amount of product I sell. The message of the video is more important than the numbers.

[@bilbster123]

Has anyone ever asks for a vegan hotdog? Lmao

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

Not enough to justify selling them.

[@tdoesitall]

@dan can I send over my menu to you and you give your opinion ?

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

Sure. Email should be in the description.

[@jaycole5959]

How many drinks do you sell? Do you think selling frito chili pies and hot dogs would be a good idea?

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

I dont sell drinks because I want people to go into the bars to drink... And yes! I call them walking Tacos, but I sell them. Same thing.

[@NoMoreInfo4You]

@@HotDoggingwithDan Where do you get frito pies???

[@FollowMagicBrad]

K.I.S.S. 💋 Keep It Super Simple👍

[@WikkitKlown17]

did you say Coke Onions? if so what is it?

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

Do a KZbin search. You'll find the recipe. Its good stuff.

[@papascateringstreetfood2173]

Could we view your second cart operator selling?

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

Ill ask, but I can't guarantee... she may not want to be on video.

[@papascateringstreetfood2173]

@@HotDoggingwithDan You need only show her hands working the cart with voice interacting with her customers.

[@kellywilliams2372]

Sometimes less in more

[@norfillyson]

What hours do you work at night?

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

Get to the bar at 9pm and usually leave around 3am

[@HILLBILLYSFIREWOOD]

Hey hey

[@MrSolar.]

Cough cough um location?

[@nelsonkraus8184]

130 really low cost . You got dogs buns soda chips all for that . to make a 1000. Am around 250 300 to make 1200

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

I dont sell drinks. They go into the bar for that.

[@nelsonkraus8184]

@@HotDoggingwithDan k

[@lanfordmims5080]

Awesome knowledge Dan,thanks for sharing

[@lanfordmims5080]

Dan just saw a news clip on Philly becoming the New Skid Row. I know you’re in Indy, but gives me second thoughts of you winging it alone at that Closed down Steak and Shake. I know you’re a big guy, so be careful if you decide to work it. Dan, don’t know how you wold be able to handle 3 or 4 skidrow guys hungry and high on drugs. Could be very dangerous my friend! Just food for thought Be safe my friend. It’s a different world these days than when we grew up !!

[@carlosenriquez2092]

Do 3 or 4 things really well and people will talk about you. Do 100 things poorly and they will also talk about you but not in a good way.

[@frankpappalardo4455]

What’s a walking Taco

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

Bag of chips covered with chili and cheese

[@TheWhitetailrancher]

IF you made the same amount of money there is ZERO difference. If you did the same number of SALES. therein lies the difference. your terminology means something.

[@apctech1]

your comment about not giving them what they want is partly wrong in my area if you refuse to carry what they want they go else ware and you see the reviews on line but were you are no one else sells food at night so yes they will go to you but it is nice to carry some things they would like word of mouth is the best sales tool money can buy:)

[@packersconcessions]

Dan how is Door Dash working out for you?

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

I sidnt sign up for door dash. Just uber eats... in 4 hours of being active, I had zero orders.

[@papascateringstreetfood2173]

@@HotDoggingwithDan I am registered with Postmates, & DoorDash over the last nine months. Excluding my TESTING their system to insure its working, I have grossed less than $1,000 in sales.

[@HotDoggingwithDan]

Yeah... im not impressed with it.

[@packersconcessions]

@@HotDoggingwithDan great video