Lemonade Vending Ain't Just For Kids

Lemonade vending ain't just for kids. Many hot dog vendors are starting out that way and the facts are... they then just do both.
There's too much money in lemonade to give it up and typically...
You can start a lemonade vending business with less than $500 (licenses/permits and all) - and the vendors...
Are making back their investment on day one.
Get the full list here: learnhotdogs.com/lemonade-ven...

[@broccolihart1]

Ben, I've added lemon shakers/ fresh squeezed lemonade to my setup for $5 dollars and haven't looked back. Only had 1 lady complain about the price.....on a 110 degree day in los angeles from her car !! I didn't even turn around because, i had a paying customer in front of me. Thank you for inspiring me to take the initiative. I then, did my "Due Diligence" and filled in the blanks.

[@BensCarts]

Congratulations!!! That's fantastic. :)

[@flexin4fitness953]

Care to share equipment you use?

[@timothyroden3029]

Thank you so much for the inspiration i m retiring after 38 years of installing floors looking for something to do with my wife and my freight liner box truck instead of killing my self here in florida love your videos god bless and thanks again

[@BensCarts]

Awesome Timothy! Thanks for the kind words.

[@brianliz9276]

You can buy flavorings and add it to your simple syrup to make dye free flavoring syrups or add your own colors. Pennies on the dollar for flavored syrups

[@BensCarts]

:) Love that.

[@mikekirkpatrick3005]

Ben, Thanks you for all the great information. We started our lemonade vending business, "Lemon Life" this past weekend at a Flea market in Central Wisconsin. We took your advice and started small. We did the 160 count lemons and sold out in 6 hours. Planning to keep it up all summer long and possible adding food. Thanks again for all the free information..

[@BensCarts]

Woooooohoooo! Keep me posted please.

[@njoysuccessnow]

Yes! Ben, you are great man. I appreciate the insight. I can attest to a lot of what you are saying here.

[@icecreamladydriver1606]

Hey Ben. I just ordered my lemon smasher from Warren. He said the best size lemon is 140 count. I sold my ice cream truck in February and will be setting up my Aristocrat camp trailer that I gutted out and turned into a concession trailer at a local lake for the summer. I will be selling soft pretzels, lemonade and cupcakes. As soon as I get a chance I will get some pics to you of this trailer and when I finish the castle trailer I will send some pics of it also. Have a great day!

[@BensCarts]

That's great. You'll love Warren's smisher smasher squisher thingamabob. And yes, send pics.

[@kyled5i3]

any update?

[@gmail4193]

It is the "shake" that rocks the show. Use the syrup that Ben recommends throw in a few Lemon slices and away you go. A case of Lemons for 60 is $90.00 a case of 60. So do a syrup and throw in Lemon slices. And "shake your butt off" And put $$$ in your pocket.

[@Recallalertnetwork111]

I am getting chill bumps thinking about Country Time Lemonade LOL, love the video keep up the great work and keep being funny.

[@christydunigan7617]

Enjoyed your video. So glad you made it. It motivated me even more. I can see there's good money in lemonade. Now I'm trying to convince my family to see my vision.

[@BensCarts]

I can understand that... check this out: learnhotdogs.com/naysayers-gonna-nay/

[@dramireziii]

I couldn't agree with you more about having people watch you press the lemons. I own a lemonade concession stand and that one thing grabs people's attention as they're walking by. I've had people stop and buy one just because they saw me making it fresh.

[@BensCarts]

:) AMEN!

[@ladycwhite7892]

Thanks for sharing

[@JSmith-zb3bs]

Alright! I'm going to do this! Thanks for the info...

[@BensCarts]

Have fun!

[@stacydukes6440]

Thanks Bro

[@jimmarchman]

Ben: the great American fan of man. Good vid as always.

[@BensCarts]

Thank you Jim.

[@johnrutkowski2070]

Hi. I made those Lemon Bars. They came out good. Doing stuff with lemons , helps me figure out stuff. My food processor didn't, I still got it done. 🌭🍋🌭🍋🌭🍋

[@BensCarts]

Awesome! Most would throw in the towel after the processor problem. Great job John!

[@crystalroseallen]

Me and my husband are finally gonna do this one way or another! He's gonna die a slave to his job! We never have enough money and we couldn't even do anything for summer vacation with our kids! We are motivated and so ready for this business so we can build our hot dog business next with the money from this! Thank u for everything you do to help families see that they can have FINANCIAL FREEDOM!! 💪

[@BensCarts]

I know you can do it Crystal! :)

[@jeffreyg5718]

Crystal, how is business 3 years later?

[@TheSkitz333]

Lmao allergic to money oh man this going to be good

[@BensCarts]

lol 😂

[@GoodVibes-fe2qf]

Thank You for this Vedio

[@BensCarts]

You're welcome.

[@dc-wp8oc]

This is great information Ben. How do transport extra supplies and food items? Van or additional trailer or ????? What if you have more event than supplies? Does running out of product reflect poorly on the vendor?

[@BensCarts]

Fantastic questions... I'll go live and answer. Thank you!

[@brianliz9276]

If you bring the water to a boil first then dissolving the sugar it will come out with a product that is more shelf stable.

[@BensCarts]

Amen!

[@nicholaswithrow-walker9726]

What suggestion do you have for syrup storage for travelling? We thought bringing 4 gallons would work but quickly ran out in our 1st 2 hours. We have an event this weekend that is supposed to be 15k people and we are the only lemonade vendor. 10 hour event.

[@caseyj5597]

@@nicholaswithrow-walker9726 Great question, I would love to hear Ben's answer too.

[@boohooboone1205]

Where do you recommend I go around Charlotte?

[@SwampWaterInfusions]

I’ve not seen anyone say what the lemon to sugar to water ratio is.

[@WizTis]

I would love to start a lemonade stand to help me get my hotdog cart sooner but I got a question. I plan to do atleast 3 fresh fruit lemonade. I was thinking of pre making it and placing it in 3g containers for easy pouring. As a customer would you prefer the fast/easy transaction vs me hand mixing everything? There could potentially be a line of people so my concern is having them wait so long

[@BensCarts]

It's worth making before their eyes, the busier you get, the more help you'll need.

[@user-jg3xl6mh7o]

Nemco model 55850 sells for $ 457.60

[@agent-ht5ri]

what kind of shaker do you use for the lemonade? Wouldn’t you have to keep washing out said shaker after each use?

[@BensCarts]

Shaker is a deli style cup with lid (food storage cup) and no... no reason to wash after each as it's fresh ingredients each time with no cross contamination.

[@galebaker1315]

When you do a refill throw the cup away If you use the cup you need to wash it

[@davidbogan3573]

do you use a 1/4of a lemon in the cup or a whole 1/2?

[@BensCarts]

The entire juice from one lemon (sometimes 2 if they aren't very juicy *it happens) 1/2 lemon into your cup (32oz cup).

[@arcturusbbqsausagemaking2435]

Ben Do I need a portable sink while selling lemonade ?

[@sashalyles1468]

Gems

[@ConservativeVanguard]

19:00 No ants

[@BensCarts]

😁

[@charityhosea5925]

Question...where can I buy cases of lemons ? Can only find bags up to 10 pounds

[@BensCarts]

A broad-line distributor, farmers market or their suppliers.

[@wayneanddavinakahler394]

My husband and I called the Health Department in our county and asked what we needed to start a lemonade business and we were told we had to have a trailer or food truck with a 3 bay sink and our licenses alone would be nearly a $1,000. We are in Oklahoma. I asked if we would be able to do a canopy and tables and was told absolutely not. This is super deflating and frustrating to hear. :(We are actually seriously talking about looking into a neighboring state to get started because I don't think we will be required a trailer or food truck there.) Is this just an Oklahoma thing or is it this difficult other states to get started?

[@BensCarts]

Howdy! Did you see it in writing? learnhotdogs.com/liar for my answer.

[@davinakahler3654]

No. Nothing in writing. We were referred to the site to read up on everything ourselves. Looks like we have more digging to do. Thank you for your response!!!

[@Myleslonger1]

How much sugar water (premix/syrup) do you add to a 32 ounce cup of squeezed lemon juice? Thank you Ben!

[@BensCarts]

1/3 cup (some go a bit tarter with 1/4) Do a taste test with your family and friends and see what they like best.

[@nicholaswithrow-walker9726]

If you are using a pump...I use 3 ounces. 3 squirts...long squirts not short ones. I also use a popcorn oil pump they use at movie theaters. I would not use a cheap one, the back drip will have you frustrated.

[@wagil90]

The biggest variable will be your lemons. during the peak of vending season the price peaks. June-August

[@BensCarts]

When the margins are as good as they are... lemons could go up to 50¢ each and you'd still be in multiple hundreds (percent ratio). Lemons did this about 4 years ago and it didn't hurt the vendors. :)

[@nicholaswithrow-walker9726]

If you are buying in large enough quantities you can go directly to the packager. limoneira.com/

[@davidlopez-rl4sh]

I am on a budget already have hot dog cart but want to add lemonade. It sounds like i should just squeeze it in with my hotdogs instead of opening another booth for special events. All though opening another booth next to hot dog cart stretches the areas out and probably looks more proffesional.

[@BensCarts]

I've done it right from the cart but I used a small table next to the cart but not an extra spot or booth.

[@davidlopez-rl4sh]

Hot Dog Cart Store is it better to buy equipment from Warren?

[@BensCarts]

You can certainly start with the manual press like I did. The air press is much faster and easier but it costs more. If you can afford it - and it WONT put you in a bind, then by all means, get Warren's. Otherwise, let the manual press pay for it. :)

[@georgemeads8019]

Hello Ben, I’ve been trying to get in touch with you. In any case, what size lemons do you use to make your lemonade??? Thanks!!

[@EricsWormPlayground]

Actually it’s in this video if you watch he says what size is best.

[@MrTwinkieeater]

Fresh squeezed lemonade is like someone else making you a sandwich.

[@greener-garden-tips]

Can i sell lemonade from cart in Florida? Together with hot dog stand?

[@donaldhicks4975]

Ben where do you get the best deal on Lemons.

[@nicholaswithrow-walker9726]

Aldi has lemons for .29 cents. They are a medium lemon...If you ask they will order them for you.

[@MsISAAC7]

just went to a car show in Michigan i paid $7.00 for lemonade

[@BensCarts]

Yes! Yes! How did it taste? Was it amazing? Did you get a name?

[@mhatcher1971]

Where are you getting the water and Ice. How do you keep the ice?

[@BensCarts]

Hi Mickey, I did this for you today. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKPEgZWhmqlnsLM

[@dramireziii]

My town has Watermill Express stations throughout town where I fill up my 5 gallon water jugs and several of those stations sell ice as well. There's also a wholesale produce vendor in town with a large ice maker that I can go to and they'll fill up my ice chests.

[@mhatcher1971]

Thank Ben this has been a great help made my 1st cup tonight of fresh lemonade using simple syrup and it was amazing. We don't vend drinks yet but we are planning to do lemonade but we get a lot of request for Ice Tea. Do you have a method to do ice tea in large quantity's where I live it's about 50/50 plain tea to sweet tea?

[@averypetty2465]

I am in Florida and the lemonade stand business is way too expensive to just start off. It’s nothing like under $500. You are required to have a hot water washing system which start at over $1000, you are required to sign in and have a commercial kitchen to empty the water out of and you’re also required to take classes privately which I don’t have a price for it but I couldn’t imagine those would be expensive. Then it cost 300 a year for permit. I’ve contacted many farmers markets that already have lemonade vendors so I’m afraid to be out this kind of money and have no where to sale ? Plus don’t see all this equipment needed fitting in a vehicle? I made need to buy a cart for just lemonade. Any advice ? I bought so of your downloads already but don’t feel prepared for this .

[@BensCarts]

Avery, I have instructions on how to do a sink for cheap. Learnhotdogs.com search (sink) Commissary... same deal... free and most vendors are free in FL. Permit... yes... but everyone who has stuff... gets licensed. It's not a lottery system.

[@EricsWormPlayground]

So that nemco unit sells for hundreds of dollars now vs $50 5 years ago

[@catlady8324]

At 24:44 “Living from paycheck to paycheck” is the expression you’re looking for.

[@BensCarts]

lol, yes - that's it. :)

[@byronjolly4452]

I get the biggest kick out of your haters . Seems like you could make some real money selling easy buttons

[@catlady8324]

How did Ben know I’m watching? ESP? Amazing!!! Thank you. I hate my job and new owner cut my hours to 22 hours per week! Hot Dogs, please save me! My dream is to be the homemade Sausage & Hot Dog guy wearing the German lederhosen. Hard to forget that!

[@BensCarts]

That'd be awesome. img.costumecraze.com/images/vendors/leg/85476-Adult-Oktoberfest-Lederhosen-Costume-large.jpg

[@johnrutkowski2070]

I found an actual pink lemon company.

[@BensCarts]

Never heard of it.

[@johnrutkowski2070]

@@BensCarts Limonia out of CA. The skin is yellow and flesh is pink. I'm probably misspelling it. They sell limes too.

[@paulleavell4317]

Definitely not rocket surgery!👍

[@BensCarts]

LOL

[@biggshowpolo9927]

I don’t care if you are drunk 🥴 He is not fxcking with the Country Time 🤣

[@BensCarts]

lol

[@juandan3278]

Thanks to your video nemcos are going for $392. 00 Nemco figure it would pay for itself in a day? No longer $50 bucks is now $392.00

[@BensCarts]

It's still worth it but check Amazon... there are some off-brands that will work great.

[@juandan3278]

@@BensCarts God willingly I’m going to start my lemonade business, i Ike the info you share thank you

[@roxybowman2986]

Now $467

[@juandan3278]

@@roxybowman2986 Oh wow 😮

[@TexasJack1886]

I'd like to see a kid try and pull all these damn permits and licenses. Goddamn these bureaucrats Lol

[@pappypinel7484]

My son in law does lemonade every summer.

[@photofather1]

Ok SO…. I vended for a few years before I opened my Puzza place. Big mistake. Sold for profit but dumb move. Anyway I had a 48’ Grill A 58” Griddle all NFS professional rigs, Two prep tables a couple stainless tables pans a couple Ez-Ups I did fairs and feats and private parties. My menus depended on the show. I worked the Illinois and Wisconsin areas. The money was Amazing! It does cost allot to pay for shows but if done right you poop out that Space at the show. My main food was Home made Italian sausage! I did rib sandwich’s,maxwell pork chop Sandwiches and chicken sandwiches. The cool thing about doing fairs and Feats in Illinois and Wisconsin you don’t need your sanitation licens and allot you can pay them $50 for insurance! HERE IS THE BIGGEST THING YOU MUST KNOW!!!!! 99% of these feats will not allow 2 of the same foods! So Hot Dogs,Burgers and LEMONADE. Are sold by the Carnival usually connected to the fair or festival. And if it’s just a fest 90% of the time their is a lemonade Vender and Dog,Burgers ECT already their. The good shows most venders like myself Books next year and sometimes two years in advance for the next shows. My point is,Is you really need to do allot of homework and call around the summer before and try finding 3 to 5 fairs or fests that don’t have what you sell. See I make Italian sausage that you can’t get anywhere it’s an 150 year old family recipe made 100% by hand we would make 500lbs a crack. Because sausage isn’t a food that most people look for at a fest the first 2 years I hired my sister in law to stand in front on our boost with a tray of cut up sausage with toothpick samples to just get people to try it! I would get people stopping in their tracks saying OMG real sausage and double back to buy a sandwich. Two years later I was known as the sausage guy at my shows and people would tell me they couldn’t wait till the show to have my food! That deals so good lol! Omg sorry I got so off track. But just before you spend money on something like Lemonade,Snow cones,Italian ice and all specialty items. Call the township or the chamber of commerce to get the number of the event quordinater so you can ask them what you can and can not serve at the shows. Their is a reason allot of vender aim affraid to share these stories. They already have their shows locked up for years. But no matter what you sell the most important thing is consistency even at these shows! If you are selling a crappy pizza slice and that first year you do well make sure you sell that same crappy slice at them shows as long as you do that show! I averaged $10,000 a 3-4 day show after my second year fairs were HUGE! Expensive to book but two weeks long do the math lol. On I need to wrap up here, one other thing it important. Do not do fears that charge for admission! That takes 4 meals from a family of 4 out of their pocket! So instead of that extra money for food the kids would rather spend that money at the carnival. Fests don’t do it allot. Fairs always do and I decided on doing a show based off the past 2-5 years of traffic and how much it costs and it they have a weekly pass or wrist band! Cus allot of kids well Teens come back if they have wristband and that’s when you can get the sale! Sorry for the book I just wrote and the horrible spelling. Happy vending! It’s hard at first but will change your life if you stay consistent

[@davidlopez-rl4sh]

so if its 40 cups of sugar then it should be 20 cups of water. i just wanna make sure my measurments on point before i steam water & sugar

[@BensCarts]

Did you download the free course here: vendorsunited.org/lemonade-cash2?

[@geographyman562]

Nemco 55850 run about 300 online. Please link us to these $50 deals!

[@BensCarts]

You mean here - where I did link you? www.learnhotdogs.com/lemon

[@geographyman562]

Threw me a curve since the squishers are called CO-Z. Hey thanks a ton for the information. In Ohio all street food (trucks to tents) has to have a 3 basin sink and a hand sink. Do you have any tutorials on how to do these sinks on the cheap ? Thanks again, you got a great style and information.

[@throughmylens5127]

The Nemco press is $436.00 now inflation is driving prices higher and higher.

[@jeffreyg5718]

Yeah it’s insane

[@Cache73]

why would i swish lemons with my butt... ew lol

[@dhaliapandit2876]

I love you too baby 💋

[@ericvondumb2838]

Broccolihart71: Sorry for missing your comments. Colorado burning down. Just returned home, now dealing with mud slides and flooding. Looks like V.U. will wait until August. Wish I had a lemon smasher... could of been rich! Well, always next season. LOL

[@BensCarts]

Look: learnhotdogs.com/lemonade-vending-is-answer-to-many/

[@ericvondumb2838]

Hey Ben! National Hot Dog Day! Just watched Bills Hot Dog Cart on KOAA, Colorado Springs, Co.. He shouted out "Hot Dogs Saved My Life!". Looked like he has one of your carts but, didn't mention your name. Kind of pissed me off, I mean whether I EVER get this off the ground or not, I owe you BIG TIME!!! P.S. Gonna make this work... just taking my time and working the Due Diligence. Checked out two clothing optional Hot Springs around here, looks like fun but, a seasonal customer base... and I would have to be honest about the foot-longs! Just a thought. LMAO Keep up the good work brother. See you folks on V.U. in August, unless the rest of this state burns down or washes away.

[@robertbrown7179]

Ben, My name is Robert Brown. I live in Dallas, TX. I called the Health Department for the city to ask about starting a lemonade stand business. They told me that I would have to have a food truck with actual kitchen to be able make and sell fresh lemonades. I didn’t feel like this was a correct answer so I called back. I spoke with someone else, and they told me that I could sell at fairs and festivals with a daily temporary permit that cost $134/ day. Does any of this sound right? I was hoping maybe that you had someone in the Dallas area that is part of Vendors United that could assist me in getting started with correct information. I’m a struggling teacher that is behind on my bills and need to find a quick fast way to earn some money Thank you in advance! Robert Brown

[@BensCarts]

Howdy Robert! First read this: learnhotdogs.com/liar That will at least sus out the correct information and then we can go from there. As far as linking with others... I don't keep a list but have a group of vendors all over the country who share inside our private group. link below :) Ben “Hillbilly Freedom Creator” Wilson 317 Vendors! Waiting To Help You Anytime LearnHotDogs.com/300

[@robertbrown7179]

@@BensCarts Hey Ben! Thank you! I will read that. Robert Brown

[@davidbogan3573]

I add a little country time to my simple syrup just to give it a yellow color that everyone thinks lemonaid is to look and helps with the lemon flavor

[@BensCarts]

Great idea David.

[@susanhoward424]

I read to use the zest of a lemon

[@carlschmiedeke151]

What do you mean by 2 gallons of sugar and 1 gallon of water, I got the one gallon of water, I get that, but when you say 2 gallons of sugar, Are you saying to take 2 gallons of sugar, like if you fill up a gallon jugs full of sugar two times & add 2 gallons jugs of sugar to a gallon jug of water, or am I missing something here, that just seems like an awful lot of sugar per one gallon of water, there's going to be some hyper people that's full of sugar per 1 cup of lemonade, that to me just seems like one hell of a sweet ass, too sweet to drink glass of lemonade, like that expression, it's sickening sweet, is that the way you're really supposed to make it,? Is that the way they really make a glass of lemonade at the events your talking about, it just sounds sickening sweet, too sweet to drink I really hope you comment on this, & that i haven't confused you, lol, but you're the professional, I'm going to go with you on whatever you say is it is supposed to be, but that just sounds like way too much sugar, maybe I'm wrong, but what do i know, I don't know let me know, so please let me know if I'm hearing you right, thank you

[@BensCarts]

And... howtostartalemonadebusiness.com will help you out.

[@rvtraveler1537]

I’d ask you a question, but you don’t answer 99% of your viewer questions, so I won’t bother...

[@pizzapizza4991]

Avid Hiker TOTALLY AGREE!

[@catlady8324]

Avid Hiker Maybe those questions have been answered over and over in the other videos and “webinars” in the past. If you watch a lot of his videos you will see that to be true.

[@rvtraveler1537]

Karl Ruehs Right, so I should go back and watch 1000 hours of this guy talking, instead of him simply answering Simple questions? He likes to hear himself talk and goes on and on about nothing. I’d go crazy trying to find an answer to a simple question if I had to go back and watch his LOOOOOONG videos! He has NO clue how to utilize social media. People HATE long-winded 20+ minute videos that could be done more effectively in a to-the-point video. I guess this is why he has so few subscribers after 5+ years on here.

[@pizzapizza4991]

Avid Hiker He just likes to hear himself talk. He could shorten ALL his videos to 5 minutes or less and triple his subscribership in 6 months.

[@rvtraveler1537]

Pizza Pizza YEP!

[@Recallalertnetwork111]

I am getting chill bumps thinking about Country Time Lemonade LOL, love the video keep up the great work and keep being funny.

[@BensCarts]

Thank you!