The key to return customers is the experience. Everybody loves things that are old fashioned. And everybody loves a nut- Lucky me!

Seriously though, there is nothing worse than a boring hot dog vendor. Be upbeat, a little crazy, be up on the news.

Flirt with the ladies and talk sports with the guys. You never know you could be the high light of their day.

Most people never receive compliments. The easiest way in the world to get a loyal customer, friend, partner whatever is through “Genuine” compliments. Women love compliments on hair and shoes. Guys - Watches, ties even cool T-shirts.

Oh and try to develop a catch phrase at the end of every transaction. Mine was always “Every Day’s Your Birthday, now go have a terrific day”! People LOVED it.

-P

If you had your hot dog cart up and running, you could be out this weekend making some serious cheddar. How much will you make with your butt planted firmly on the couch? Get started by next week. Fire your boss and give yourself and your family the kind of life they deserve.Sorry to be so direct but just like any other real friend will tell you, get off your kiester and take some action right now!

I am considering changing my “World Famous” Chili recipe to this one. Let me know what you think.

Line hot dog buns with a steamed or grilled hot dog and top with Chili Sauce mixture, and then sprinkle with chopped onions and shredded Monterey Jack or Colby cheese.

Tell me that won’t sell! Do I know how to dress a dog or what!

Have you started your cart yet? Let me know how it’s going.

Man do I ever love this business.

A few nights ago, I was walking with a few friends of mine in downtown Austin and after a night of beers and talking a ton of bulls%*t, we headed home.

On the way the guys spotted a dog vendor on the corner at 11:30 at night. He saw us look and shouted, “Come get a hot dog, I’m just taking ‘em out”

We all laughed and said we were on the way home. His reply was genius…: “Ok, big fella, come get one for FREE for the ride”.

I couldn’t help myself! He hooked me up with a “Chicago” and it was great. I ate two more and all the guys got 2 or 3.

Bottom line: one free .50 dog made this savvy vendor a 5 minute $24. After a chat about what I do, he told me that he has been at the same spot by 3 popular bars in Austin for 5 years.

He only works 8-12 three nights a week and banks a cool $800 - $1000 a week. On top of his full time job as “get this”, a registered nurse.

So what should you take from this story? Well, 1st - my nurse buddy didn’t quit his job, 2nd - he always has fun at work and 3rd - outside your favorite bars might be a great place for your stand.

The really big secret here was the FREE dog. By the way, he says he gets back an average $10 for every FREE dog he gives away. Crazy like a fox.

Hot Dog Cart Up-Sell Secrets

This is the difference between the men and the boys in the hot dog business. Mc Donald’s didn’t invent “Supersize Me” just for fun. This one tactic almost doubled their profits overnight.

Why?

Because there are really only three ways to build any business.

#1 Attract more customers - This is the one everybody concentrates on. It’s the most difficult of the lot and the most expensive.

#2 Increase customers frequency of purchase. Now we are talking. Loyalty programs, free samples and coupons work wonders. FACT: A customer who has bought a hot dog from you once (assuming it was a good experience) is 10 times more likely to purchase again than a normal passer by.

#3 Increase the volume of each transaction. Up sells! If the customer only ask for a hot dog for $1.50 you make $1.00 or so times 75 customers a day =$75 or minimum wage.

Here are just a few absolute winners…

Would you like a second dog for just .99?

Do you want the combo? Hot dog, chips and a soda only $3.95?

Oh but the way did you want a cookie for desert, their only a dollar?

Just these few could instantly double or triple your daily profits and it cost you NOTHING to try.

We have over 10 up sells that work like a charm boosting your average profit per customer to $3.50 each NET! So the same 75 customers earns you a cool $262 a day or about $90K a year.

Up sell ideas are endless… Make an irresistible offer and they cant refuse.

Next lesson… Bringing them back for more - How to get repeat customers