Startup Vendor Question around first trailer

ADGNova1028 · Joined: 20 May 2016 Posts: 4

Hello all,

First off, I have enjoyed reading through all these forums and have really learned a lot from all your experiences. My buddy and I have talked for years about getting into the BBQ game and are finally starting to seriously do our homework on the possibly of launching a vending business on the side. The idea is to get our feet wet with some vending and see how it goes and then grow from there.

My question is what do you guys recommend for first trailer? Should we look for a used one or look at some of the dealers such as SLE or Trailer Country for a new one. Also, this might be a dumb question, but with those two dealers, can you usually negotiate a bit (like a car dealer) or are they pretty set with the quotes.

We currently found a used 14 foot trailer with 5 foot bbq porch that looks pretty much turnkey ready (all equipment included) for about 20K. We are hoping to get out to look at it in the next couple weeks. We are definitely weighing the pros and cons on each but just wanted to see what other opinions were and what your first experiences were.

Thanks!

fish&q · Posted: Sun May 22 16 5:05 am Post subject:

I would try to buy used if you can people are always buying new and end up finding out that this business takes a lot more work than they were ready for and end up selling . I have stopped doing most vending and I'm working on my catering. I would look up post by MR TONY or BBQ MAN they have a lot of insight about the business
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fish&q · Posted: Sun May 22 16 5:07 am Post subject:

Read the sticky by Tony at the top of the page
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Lang 60
500 Hog cooker
Juice can
Meadow Creek chicken cooker

Mr Tony's BBQ · Posted: Sun May 22 16 6:14 pm Post subject:

I have bought through both the companies you listed, both Freedom trailers. I am pleased with the rigs based on the price point and personally see no reason to go anywhere else for the planned [ in my head ] #3 rig I hope to have for the 2017 season!!
I special ordered both, the second being fairly stripped and built out myself....
If they have something on the lot, I would think there may be some wiggle room on the price as the season has already begun nation wide, but dont expect a whole lot....Looking for something gently used on craigslist etc. is always a good idea as soooo many think it is sooo easy Sad

There are smokin' deals out there to be found!! Mainly because people dont understand what it really takes, hence the post I made that fish&q referred to : http://thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=69240
Best of luck in your venture!!!
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FreebirdTPark · Newbie Joined: 07 Nov 2009 Posts: 37 Location: Xenia, Ohio

I just got back from Eastman, Ga today with my" first experience." I would go used, if at all possible, but good luck with that. I looked forever on the net, and could not find anything I wanted, or my Health District would accept. I would get up with your County Health District, and find what they will pass. You might find out that what you are buying is not turnkey. You can get a lot of new trailer for $20.000.00
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ADGNova1028 · Joined: 20 May 2016 Posts: 4

Thanks everyone the responses and information. We will definitely consider both options. We are basically this summer to do our research and business plan with hopes of a launch in 2017.

just one more question, from your experience, do you find any time of year where there is a better inventory of used equipment, such as end of season when people start exiting the business?

Mr Tony's BBQ · Posted: Wed May 25 16 6:50 pm Post subject:

Mid to end of season, when people realize this is A LOT more work than they anticipated!!
Spring is high dollar time, about now people get antsy and drop prices a bit, but still hold out if they can financially....
Example: Last year, end of season, I advertised my second trailer 'The Kitchen' for what it was worth, got many low ball offers but had the room to store it free for the winter, so I sat on it since I financially could. I got quite a few calls once the snow started to melt [ most wanting me to finance them - that wasnt gonna happen ] , got what I wanted for it once the snow was gone.
_________________
Money Maker
Scrapper
Mr Tony's Kitchen http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=67601
Being Blessed with income from my passion!
WWW.MRTONYSBBQ.COM