Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’m no handyman – Can I really build one of these?

I purposely designed the E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart to be built by someone with no skills at all. That’s why I include the DVDs. You get to watch me build my own personal E-Z Built cart – the one that I now use in my hot dog vending business.

Every tiny detail is covered. All you have to do is follow along and do what I do. We’ll build it together, step by step, from start to finish.

One of my customers wrote, “I found myself laughing, “shootin’ the breeze,” and having fun as I watched the videos–as if I was in the same room working along side!”

There are no special skills or expensive tools required. No welding, riveting sheet metal skills or any of that. Just some sawing, drilling, screwing and gluing. Kinda like building an oversized birdhouse.  😉

Interestingly, a large percentage of the E-Z Built packages I sell are bought by women. I LOVE that!

Q: Do the plans include the longer side serve version? I love the “Campfire Grill” cart in the E-Z Built customer photos.

A: The E-Z Built cart was designed from the beginning to be super easy to modify. That’s why you see so many different versions of them on the photo gallery page.

Making a custom version of the E-Z Built so easy to do. After you watch the videos you will know how to build everything that goes into the base model, therefore you will know how to modify it. Just stretch the cart body by a foot or so to accommodate an extra cooking station, rearrange things for a side serve version, add a flat top griddle (awesome for frying onions – the smell will draw customers like a magnet!), or whatever equipment your heart desires.

The plans do not specifically show any of the modified versions because the possible combinations are endless – the only limit is your imagination.

Like I said, once you watch the videos it will be crystal clear.

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:  I want a metal hot dog cart. Can the E-Z Built be constructed using metal?

A:  Yes, quite easily. You don’t need any metal working skills or tools to build a metal E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart. Our new “Metal Secrets” DVD includes super easy techniques that will show you everything you need to know make your own shiny metal food cart, indistinguishable from manufactured units costing $6000 and more.

No welding, riveting, or sheet metal skills required. In fact, it’s just as easy to put together as our base model cart.

The new “Metal Secrets” DVD is included in every E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart Video and Plans Package.

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.

Of course, if you already have your own trailer or decide to buy a used one, simply keep the current title. The E-Z Built cart body is bolted to the frame, not welded. Since the body is technically removable, you can title it as a utility trailer not a food cart.

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 $150 dollar licensing fee for each cart you build for sale.

I believe most people are honest so we’ll just use the honor system. Fair enough?

Q: I’ve never sold hot dogs before. Where can I learn how to run my business without making costly mistakes?

As far as commissaries, permits, locations, inspections, and all the other details required to be successful, we’ve got you covered.

When you purchase your E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart Premium Package, you’ll also get my “Hot Dog Biz 101” and “A Day at the Hot Dog Cart” courses. You’ll learn more in these Premium training programs than you would in a month of expensive and stressful trial and error at the job site. It’s really an investment in your success.

You’ll see these courses in the training area when you log in to view your E-Z Built Hot Dog Cart package. With all the time and money you will be investing in your new business why would you not want to learn everything the pros know? It’s a smart move.

 

Didn’t find the answer to your question? Please give me a call at 636-399-2460 – Yes, I answer my own phone 😉