Should I Do It

HolySmokesBBQ-NY · Joined: 06 Nov 2012 Posts: 4

Been cooking for friends, relatives, neighbors, people walking, and all of this when I fire up my small smoker or Weber char grill. I make my own rub and sauce and use charcoal and wood. They all say you should sell this stuff! Well taking the plunge but need advice. I have my quote for a 24' trailer, 6' of it is the porch. Trailer made by Worldwide concession trailers as the 6 other companies never had a sense of urgency to create a quote. Any thoughts on the company? trailer comes with the 4 sinks, reverse flow wood smoker, fryer, heat/ac, hood, walk on roof, undercoating with water tanks wrapped and heat strip(winters). They want 25k, is that a decent deal? What do you think about financing it? I got terms from a company that does start ups for 12yrs, ridiculous interest rate, payment is high. Leaning away from it but I do work full time at a good job but like others have bills too. What are your thoughts? What are typical sales at medium sized events? My business plan can accommodate the payment and I would charge 6 for a pulled pork sandwich, 1 for a canned soda, 7.50 for a sand, fries, and a side. These numbers are from research I have done with various bbq organizations and other resources. I appreciate any help you can provide.

GeorgeH · Posted: Nov 06 2012 Post subject:

Is this the trailer?

http://www.customconcessiontrailer.com/bbqsmokertrailer.html

I assume you are buying it used. It appears it is equipped with a Southern Pride smoker. They seem to be respected name. I saw one a a show once that was equipped with a rotisserie that looked impressive. I don't know anything about the trailer.

George

HolySmokesBBQ-NY · Joined: 06 Nov 2012 Posts: 4

It is a new trailer without the southern pride smoker, that particular is quoted at over 40k. My trailer comes with a smoker that they make in house much like the Lang smokers.

daddywoofdawg · Posted: Nov 06 2012 Post subject:

Two thoughts:
1.At events you pay for space in 10' increments so a 24' + tongue you have to buy 30' a 30' space can be hard to come by at some events and very expensive.Try and go under 20' and have them build you a removable or slide tongue.The extra you pay now for it will make up for the first season maybe the first event.
2.Have you talked to your bank about a personal loan for the amount?the intrest rate is a whole lot cheaper I bet.And if you go personal you don't have to do the business plan route to get a loan.
25K for that rig is a good price, not a OMG buy two,but it's a good price.
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Good BBQ is all smoke and beers!
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Custom Made offset smoker
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HolySmokesBBQ-NY · Joined: 06 Nov 2012 Posts: 4

Your two suggestions are taken to heart, I will check with my bank and local credit union. I didn't go that route because of the recession but I will give it a shot. Also, do you think it's better to not get and enclosed trailer and go with a Lang BBQ wagon or the southern pride on a trailer, then do tents and the wash station with a portable fridge? Cheaper,fits a 10' space, but more work, and exposure to elements.

Mr Tony's BBQ · Posted: Nov 06 2012 Post subject:

I did the pop-up tent - went to trailer and dont regret it at all!! The Lang knockoff is going to be a lot cheaper than the SP, and you dont need electric 24-7 with a stick burner! My "business plan" was get off my a$$ and make it work...lol! So far, so good [ going on 3 years ] Put my wagon on a low interest credit card [ last year] and pay as much as I can every month! I agree with the short as you can idea! Not only do you pay by the foot, they try to sell every inch they can, making getting in and out a hassle at times!
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daddywoofdawg · Posted: Nov 07 2012 Post subject:

Enclosed trailers are the way to go.the tents become a pain and the wind catches it and tears it all up,knocks everything over,etc.(so I've heard Wink

) If you didn't want to do the SP look at a GF type.There are also a couple of nice BBQ trailer set-ups on flea bay right now.Maybe spend another grand on welding a frame over a SP trailer with fold up sides.Puting a 3 bay sink isn't a big deal to do.But which ever way you go,the lowest prices are this time of year,they go up about feb because people are thinking about shows.
Speaking of shows, you have to start booking shows in Jan and feb for the summer.Alot of cut-off dates are in Mar-Apr.
I can help you with a list of things you'll need and places to look for them when you get to that point.
_________________
Good BBQ is all smoke and beers!
The Dawghouse Custom vertical Gasser
Custom Made offset smoker
Char grill smoker
Weber kettle

vexter1 · Posted: Nov 07 2012 Post subject:

I LOVE our trailer. When all the other tent vendors are in the wind/rain/cold/heat - I'm inside - working away as comfortable as I can be in the trailer. No wind blowing my stuff everywhere...no rain to keep off my stuff - a/c in the summer - heat on cooler days. My OWN bathroom...nuff' said Wink

There's just no comparison when you're setup like that. A trailer also takes away a LOT of the load/unload process - less stuff to carry - I show up - level off, hook up electric - open a few doors and I'm ready to start work - WAY better than loading and unloading etc.

daddywoofdawg · Posted: Nov 07 2012 Post subject:

I hear that Brother!and no standing in a mud pit after a rain!
_________________
Good BBQ is all smoke and beers!
The Dawghouse Custom vertical Gasser
Custom Made offset smoker
Char grill smoker
Weber kettle

HolySmokesBBQ-NY · Joined: 06 Nov 2012 Posts: 4

Thank you for all the advice, I am so glad I found this blog! I am looking at smaller trailers and comparing GF to Horizontal stick. Many thanks for the show time line, I was figuring Jan but didn't know for sure. My wife owns a Soap and Spa co and does the larger craft shows so I was using some of that knowledge. The tent thing with her in the rain is a no go and I have experience in the mud....with soap...lol. I am definitely grateful and will keep you all informed.

vexter1 · Posted: Nov 07 2012 Post subject:

HolySmokesBBQ-NY - best of luck putting it all together! Keep us up to date if you can - always neat to see what everyone else is doing!

Ridge View BBQ · Posted: Nov 08 2012 Post subject:

We have one of their trailer and are quite satisfied with it, it is a little heavier than some of the cheaper trailers you will find out there though and takes a good sized truck to tow it (f-450 turbo-d)
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Lang 108
Wells Cargo 20' Concession Trailer w/porch 24"