From: Steve Schaible, founder of King Weenie Chicago Style Hot Dogs, St. Louis Date: A five minute conversation made me totally unemployable... Like you, I had been thinking about starting my own hot dog cart business but hadn't actually gotten going. I had done the research and I knew that a lot of people were making really good money at it. One day I decided to ask a very successful self-employed friend for advice. And that's when he said the words that made everything click... "When you work for someone else, you get paid less than you're worth..." As he explained it, it's just simple math. The work you do produces a certain amount of income for the company. They must pay you less money than you bring in if they want to make a profit. Then he put it another way, "The only reason I ever hire someone is to make money off them." Those were the words that made it impossible for me to work for someone else ever again. It was time to start my hot dog vending business. And that's when I ran into a BIG problem. I didn't have the money for a new cart or even a decent used one. So I decided to build one myself. I searched everywhere for a good set of plans. No luck. I settled for a cheap set of plans on eBay. They were worthless. I threw 'em in the garbage. I was not going to give up - I designed my own cart, built it for less than $500, and started selling hot dogs. My business was so successful that in the space of one year I had five people who wanted to buy it. I got an offer that was too good to refuse and I sold my hotdog business for $XX,000 (I can't tell you the exact purchase price, but it was well into five figures.) What a pay day! But... I was prohibited from selling hot dogs for one year. Part of the deal was a non-compete agreement. Now what was I going to do? After golf got boring, I got the idea to create a course teaching other folks how to start a hot dog vending business. It was (and still is) a huge seller. Why? Because this business is so inexpensive to start and it succeeds for just about every one who is willing to work at it. In the city or out in the country - it doesn't matter. I was successful in a rural Missouri town with less than 8000 people. You can do it full time (4 hours a day) and make a great living, or just work fairs and festivals on weekends to pay off some debt, or to buy those special things that you and your family could never afford... Like I said, everyone loves my course, but they all ask me... "How do I build a cart like the one you started with?" I couldn't give them a good answer. I didn't have any real plans on paper, just some sketches. And besides - unless you're an engineer or draftsman, most people can't build anything from just a set of plans anyway. In order to really teach people how to do it, I knew I would have to build a brand new and improved cart from scratch and video tape the entire process. I never release a course unless it gives everyday folks every possible advantage. So before I agreed to the project I had to tell my hundreds of students, "I'll build it but I won't release the videos unless the finished cart meets these 9 criteria..."  The E-Z Built Hot Dog cart
can be
built for less than $500.Many of the parts used to build this cart can be purchased used at flea markets and garage sales. You may already have some of the more common items at home. Of course the final cost will depend on two factors: how many used parts you can find, and how you choose to equip it. The E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart that you'll see in the videos was built to pass very strict codes and includes an electric water pump and propane fired water heater. These are features that you won't find on any manufactured cart for less than $4000. I suggest incorporating these features into your cart for three reasons. First, the water system performs so much better with a pump and heater. Factory built carts have notoriously bad water systems. Second, your local codes may not require these features, but if you decide to work a fair or festival in another town the codes may be more strict. Third, the trend is toward stricter codes so build your cart to pass now and in the future. You're already saving over $3000 - spend an extra $150 for a pump and heater. It is certainly possible to build the E-Z Built for under $500 with some used items. However, we used 100% brand new parts and materials (including the water pump and heater) and our cost was $797 complete. That's a savings of $3203 over a similarly equipped manufactured unit. Once they get started, most people hire someone to work the cart and start looking for location number two. In a season or two you could have five carts out there earning money for you. While you golf. If you build them yourself you'll save $16,015. The E-Z
Built passes the health
codes.Every county has it's own equipment requirements for mobile food carts. The main difference from one location to the next is usually the number of sinks that your cart must have. Our plans come with four different sets of schematics so you can equip your cart with up to four sinks. We also tell you how to find out exactly how your cart must be set up so you will be assured of passing before you even start building. Contrary to what you may have read in some of the forums, manufactured carts don't magically pass inspections any easier than a home built model. Order a cart from a manufacturer and the first thing he will ask is, "What equipment do you need to pass inspection?" The truth is each and every cart must be custom built. That's why you will usually have to wait three weeks or more for a manufactured cart that costs $3000 more than the E-Z Built. No
special tools or skills
required.If you can drill a hole, screw a screw, cut with scissors, and saw a piece of wood, you can build your own cart. We even invented a unique way to make the firebox with no welding, riveting or fancy sheet metal skills of any kind. The best part is there's no guess work. You'll see exactly how it's done step by step on video. If you can butter toast, you can build this cart. Uses
common, locally
available parts and materials.The E-Z Built is constructed with thin plywood over a simple wooden frame. All exposed wood is then painted to satisfy health codes. You will be able to find everything you need at places like Home Depot, WalMart, RV centers, and the local hardware store. The only thing you may not be able to find locally is the water heater, but we'll tell you the best place to order it from. The plans come with a detailed Bill of Materials that lists every single thing you will need, all the way down to the number and type of screws. We also give you sources where to find everything. Builds
lightning fast so you can
start
making money.The average person should be able to put this cart together in a few days. If you can only work on it evenings and weekends, you should finish it in less than two weeks. The longest part is waiting for the paint to dry... Capacity to
work the biggest events with ease. The E-Z Built was designed to be all the cart you'll ever need. Here's why... Most manufactured carts only have three 1/3 size pans. The E-Z Built has a full size steam table that holds three 1/3 size pans, PLUS a half size pan over direct heat for fast cooking. That's 150% more cooking capacity which means you can be 150% more profitable. Why pay thousands more for less? Towable behind the
smallest of
vehicles.Our construction technique produces a cart so light that it can be pulled by a bicycle, but I personally wouldn't try it. It sounds too much like excercise... Seriously, you'll never even know it's behind you. Pushable by the smallest
of
people.Tow it close to your location, un-hitch it, then use the built in handles to push it down the sidewalk or through the park. It's easy to sell your hot dogs in these profitable places where vehicles are prohibited. Easily titled.The E-Z Built is constructed on a standard, DOT approved utility trailer frame. The cart body is bolted to the frame, not welded. Since the body is removable and the trailer frame is unaltered, you simply title it as a utility trailer, not as a food cart. As
you can see - it surpassed all
of my expectations...
     Click the pictures for a larger version.
Introducing...
The E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart Video/Plans Package  Here's
what you get...
 Step by Step Construction
VideosFour DVDs - 5 1/2 Hours My crew videotaped the
entire
construction process from
start to finish. It's all here, step by step.
Just follow me and you can't make a mistake.
Detailed
Plans Set
Four
Full Color Schematics
Bill of
Materials with Parts
Sources
Trailering
Guide
Frequently Asked Questions Q: Will a wooden cart pass the health inspection? A: Yes, 99 times out of 100. Health codes vary by county and the vast majority don't specify what materials must be used in construction of the cart. As long as you paint the cart inside and out so that no wood is exposed, your E-Z Built should pass. Of course you should show the schematics to your inspector before you start construction just to be sure. Here's a helpful hint - don't call her on the phone. Go to the health department and show her the schematics in person. The schematics are the key. She will see that you have a professionally designed hot dog cart and that you are serious about the business. You'll be starting this all important relationship off on the right foot. If your county requires it, you can glue a sheet of FRP paneling on to the top surface (the food contact or "prep" surface) of the cart. FRP stands for fiberglass reinforced paneling which is the white plastic panels used in bathroom remodeling jobs and commercial kitchens. You can get it at Home Depot. If you find that you can't make the E-Z Built work in your area, simply send the package back and I'll give you a refund. I don't want you to pay for something you can't use. Q: Can the E-Z Built be constucted using metal? A: Yes, quite easily. The E-Z Built uses a "skin on frame" construction method which is equally suited to wooden or metal construction. You could substitute aluminum or iron angle for the wooden frame members and skin it with stainless steel or aluminum sheet instead of plywood. I designed the E-Z Built for wooden construction because that is easiest for most people, even those with no woodworking experience at all. If you have basic metal skills, you will have no trouble building a metal E-Z Built. Q: How do I title my E-Z Built? A: The E-Z Built is constructed on a 40"x49" steel utility trailer kit. The trailer I recommend is DOT certified and comes with a title. All you need to do is transfer the title to your name. Q: Can I build E-Z Built Hot Dog Carts and sell them to the public? A: Sure. I think that could be a great little business in addition to selling hot dogs. All I ask is that you pay me a $25 dollar licensing fee for each cart you build for sale. Fair enough? .
What
are
customers saying about the
E-Z Built Video and Plans Package?
Order
with
confidence - I'll take all the risk.
Recent
Customer Photos
Jim
Steffen, Jim's Hot Dogs
I just received an
email from
one of my customers, Jim Steffen of Ohio. Jim purchased my
E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart Video and Plans Package and proceeded to build
not one but two carts to be used in his new business. He was kind
enough to send along several great pictures for us to look
at. Awesome job Jim!!!
   Click the pictures for a larger version. I especially like how Jim designed his own removable condiment table with fold up legs which he mounted to the hand washing sink. Very clever! This is also a very good idea from a safety standpoint. The trailer tongue is easy to trip over, so this is a good way to protect your customer’s shins. “Jim’s Hot Dogs” is ready to roll. He has two brand new carts and saved at least $6000 by choosing to build them himself. Way to go Jim! By the way - Nice hot dog hat! Darren
Clark
The
E-Z Built
plans are designed to be adaptable. Case in point: Darren found a used
utility trailer cheap and although it wasn't exactly the size specified
in the plans, it worked out just fine.
I'll let Darren tell you about his E-Z Built hot dog cart in his own words... "Good
morning, Steve!
I'm on top of the world and heaving a couple of well-earned sighs of personal satisfaction this fine Monday Morning! Enclosed find a few pictures of my beautiful and much-loved EZ-Built cart just a few minutes after absolutely SAILING through my Health Inspection this morning.    Click
the pictures for a
larger version.
The Health Officer
was so enthralled by the fact I had built my own cart andhad more questions about the construction than anything else. What a great way to break the ice! I received a special citation on my Pass report commenting on how well thought-out, organized, and constructed the cart was. Prior to ordering your video my sum total building experience consisted of bolting together IKEA furniture so believe me when I tell you that if I can do this, ANYONE can do this. Steve, I don't know how to thank you for publishing both Carts of Cash and the EZ-Built video. My J.O.B. had been going rough for some time to the point I was left unemployed last Monday morning. Because I found your website on March 20 (Note - your site advised me to remember the date), as of today I am in control of my own future and I never have to be afraid of unemployment ever again. Without your information, running my own business (particularly a business feeding people which is what I truly love) would have been forever beyond my reach. As it stands I now have everything I need and I don't even have the worry of making a monthly nut because I own it outright. I am now on my way with my new photos and Pass report in hand to visit the Parks & Rec department for permission to work the public parks and sports fields and also to visit the proprietor of what I believe to be the prime lunchtime location in town. I will keep you posted. Many thanks again, my friend! Darren" Super job Darren! Paddy O'Hare
Paddy
originally bought a manufactured cart which cost him over $4000. Then
he had a great idea. He bought the E-Z Built video and plans package,
built his cart for under $800, then sold the manufactured cart! More
money in his pocket - which is never a bad thing. Check out Paddy's E-Z
Built Hot Dog Cart in Sawyer, Michigan.
   As you'll notice, the E-Z Built gives you a lot of options as far as steam pan set up. Nice job Paddy! Toby Brady
Here
is a nice red E-Z Built crafted by a young man in Illiinois. Check out
that happy smile in picture two. I love it!
  Click
the pictures for a
larger version.
"Steve,
I would like to
announce the opening of Toby's Hot
Dogs. Today was my
first day. Passed Heath inspection. I have a good location and a good tasting dog. Thanks again!" Toby Brady, Galesburg, Illinois Rodney Cooper
"i
built
the cart as specified but then added a grill. i am
enclosing a couple pics with out the grill from music festival i did
for memorial day and i will send some new pics with the altered cart
soon.   Click the pictures for a larger version. i just
want to personally thank you and to say to anyone
that....."if you build it.......they will come."....thanks so much for
all the great info and help.
rodney cooper brigit burt, owners: grateful dawgz, syracuse ny You know that the E-Z
Built Hot Dog Cart is the cheapest way to get started in this business.
You also know that the E-Z Built is so easy to construct that
practically anyone can do it.
But did you also know that the E-Z Built is highly customizable? That's right. Since you are the builder, you have the option of setting it up any way you like, to serve any foods you want, with what ever equipment you need. I got an email this morning from a guy who took the custom aspect as far as anyone has so far, and he did a KILLER job of it! He stretched the cart body and installed TWO cooking stations. Meet Mr. Custom himself... Jason Thurston
Hey
Steve, Well
I finally finished building my very own hot dog cart and passed the
health inspection with flying colors just like you said. Because I
followed your instructions when talking to the health inspector he
waived the commissary requirement. I am so grateful for the Carts Of
Cash course and the EZ built videos. The health inspector really loved
the cart, he couldn't believe I built it.   Click the pictures for a larger version. I
am am trying to get permitted for public property like the courthouse
or the UT campus, I also would like to be next to the hospital. Right
now I am in the set up and test mode, works great, set up test, and
just like you said I can move.
I have had some fantastic days. It is so much fun serving a great product and meeting so many people. My customers love my cart and I have registered my name Campfire Grill. The cart has such a distinctive look, people recognize me from one location to the next. I just need to find that special spot that I can call home and build my business right there on a consistent basis. I did a fireworks show one night and made $600 bucks in four hours by myself! Wow, I was really hustling, next time I'll be ready and probably do $1500. Once again thank you so much for all that you do. I could never have started with out you. Jason Thurston Campfire Grill You
made my day Jason! Thanks for sharing your story, pictures, and
inspiration for future E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart builders.
Update: I just got another email from Jason... Dear Steve, The most amazing thing happened, last weekend a customer offered me $4,000 for the cart I just built. I told him all weekend no, no, and no. I can not sell my business. Finally on Sunday he asked me why? He said, I could just build myself another cart and that he lives in Alabama and would not be any competition for me. He also said I could take my Campfire Grill sign off of the cart (which was a big issue for me). I hate to lose any momentum on building my business, however, it may take a minute for the City of Knoxville to approve my application for vending on public property and by then I will have another cart built. The profit is pretty good! Thanks, Jason Looks
like Jason just found some
extra operating capital - I love it!
Ryan
CairnsRyan
also went the custom route and added some unique features to his E-Z
Built Hot Dog Cart. He installed two waste water tanks for
extra capacity and he dropped them both beneath the frame rails which
gives him even more storage room inside the cart body.
 Click the picture for a larger version. Ryan
also installed a small solar panel which keeps his water pump
battery charged. He has been selling hot dogs all summer in Lincoln,
Nebraska and has never needed to charge his battery. Very cool!
He also plans on installing a car stereo so his customers can
listen to the Cornhuskers on game day.
Thanks for sharing your mods with us Ryan! Special
Introductory Offer -
Limited Time Only!
The E-Z Built Video and Plans Package will enable you easily build your own professional hot dog cart, saving you $3200 or more. This package normally sells for $117 - but I'm going to make you an offer you can't refuse. Because I need a few more testimonials to put on this web site, if you promise to email me an honest review of the package I'll let you have it today for $96.89. That's all four DVDs (5 1/2 hours), the Plans Set, the full color Schematics Package, the Bill of Materials with Parts Sources, and the Trailering Guide. Someone will be
the first person to miss out. And it doesn't have to be you.
Remember it as the day you made a decision. The day you took action. The day you finally took control of your own future. The E-Z
Built Hot Dog Cart Video/Plans Package
To Pay by Check/Money Order - Click Here To Order by Phone Call Toll Free: (888) DOG-BIZ1 (888-364-2491) Questions?
Feel free to send me an email: steve@RedArrowPublishing.com
How
long have you been kicking around the idea of owning your own hot
dog vending business? A long time I bet. You're not
alone.
I just spoke to a very nice lady who purchased my hot dog cart business course, Carts of Cash. She said she had been thinking about it for fifteen years. I asked her why she waited so long. She had no idea. But now that she sees how easy it is, she wishes she did it years ago. Don't wait that long. Especially now that you have access to these new videos and can get started more easily and cheaply than ever before. There is no easier business to start. There is no business you can get into for such a tiny investment that is truly scalable into a six or even seven figure business. A good friend and mentor of mine once had an operation with over 200 carts. He has his own airplane and answers to no one. Those of you who have already purchased my Carts of Cash course have heard him speak in one of the free audio recordings on that web site. The bottom line is
this:
If you can't start a hot dog cart
business, you probably can't start any business.
Take the first step today. Order the E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart Video and Plans Package right now. Just check it out. If you don't like it just send it back for a refund. No hard feelings. Now is the time to do something to finally make a difference in your life. Taking control of your income is the best decision you will ever make. Even if you just work the occaisional weekend fair, car show, festival or craft show, your E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart will be your safety net. You will know that you can make instant cash money at a moments notice. Every day is pay day. It's your "Plan B" in case the worst happens. And right now we all need a backup plan... Red Arrow Publishing LLC
PO Box 118 Union, MO 63084 |
