How far is too far to travel?

StarsandStripes · BBQ Fan Joined: 06 Mar 2007 Posts: 385

I just read Marv's thread about his potential gig 115 miles away. 230 miles of driving is a huge hump but if the money is right...

I live 199 miles away from Houston. I was thinking of advertising in their Yellow Pages but 400 miles of driving seems like a killer day's work...not to mention cooking, serving, putting smiles on people's faces, etc. But there are over 4M people in the metropolitan area. Is it worth it?

If I did this would mean I would advertise in San Antonio (1.5M+), Austin (600K), and Houston (4M+).

So - how far is too far?

G's BBQ · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 13 Sep 2006 Posts: 1641 Location: NV

Ive been asked to do 800 miles round trip before and the people were willing to pay for the miles AND time just to drive. Then on top put me in a hotel and pay for the food. If the moneys right , I'll drive to China Shocked

Texman · Posted: May 17 2007 Post subject:

Del Rio is 200 miles from anywhere, with the only difference being you will have to deal with Houston traffic. When pulling a trailer, w/gas less than $2, we chgd $2/mile. Now with gas bumping $3 we upped our milege fee to $2.75 one way, which covers our road time, fuel and depreciation. Add to that our regular meal costs. We've had no complaints.

marvsbbq · BBQ All Star Joined: 15 May 2005 Posts: 6186

I agree with Gordon...but ONLY if the $$$ is at the end of the rainbow.. Wink

To advertize in the yellow pages is pretty spendy, I know the bigger the area coverd the more it costs.

I have advertized on other books in the past with VERY LITTLE ROI. Now if someone hears about me (referal) that lives in another city...I will go but ONLY if the $$$ is there.

For you, look in the Houston book and see how many more are listed doing the same thing as you....Will either INCOURAGE you or DISCOURAGE you.. Wink

Maybe you will do well enough to be able to afford a place closer to Houston for the BBQ season and keep your home in Del Rio for the off season Wink

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Often imitated but never duplicated

Texman · Posted: May 18 2007 Post subject:

marvsbbq · BBQ All Star Joined: 15 May 2005 Posts: 6186

INTERNET!!!!!!

Develop a website where people can type in certain key words in their search engine that will bring up your website.

I went through Costco to get a webhost ($14.95 a month). I also went through Discover (the CC people) that get my site in the top 5 results from the top search engines ($79.95 a month)...they also gave me a TOLL FREE phone #. I use that on my website instead of my local # so I can track where the calls are coming through.

This might work well for you living so far from your target area.

I have also heard (although I don't do this) join a couple of catering sites that bring business to you.

I have a phone add and I get just enough business from it to keep it...but it is close.
_________________
Often imitated but never duplicated