Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Vin, you had mentioned that you have "some capital and good credit". If
you were thinking about how that money may be put to use in a NYC
storefront, think of how much farther it could spread on a cart business!

Here`s an idea. Instead of getting boxes on wheels with awnings or
umbrellas, how about fabricating some sort of unique cart design?
Something out of fiberglass that could fit over the standard rectangular
refrigerated box. Fiberglass can be fairly inexpensive to reproduce as
you expand to more carts. It could be anything, a giant nut, a spaceship,
a miniature 1950s car, whatever! Jump right into some eye-catching
branding. Think of those barrel-shaped stands that sell root beer at state
fairs and similar events. Use the cart itself as an advertisement, like route
66 roadside attractions for the sidewalks of New York. It could be the
kind of thing people take photos of. You couldn`t ask for better public
marketing than that!

Ok, so you gentlemen definitely have me thinking.. I`m still not sure if I can do the juicer on wheels idea, but it`s worth exploring.  I mean who wouldn`t want the winters off? ?  It sounds like fun. 

My areas of concern, I can think of one area in which I`d like to do something like this- but I`m not sure what sort of regulations/fees are involved- I`ll find out.  Also , I`d also need running water (for cleanliness). 

I`ll let you know what I find out!  Thankss!

v

Hi Vin

Quick Question?

What is Your Why for wanting to have a juice and nut shop?
What do you believe is your purpose in life?
You sound like a sharp guy with a lot of energy. I am correct
in saying that?

Do you have a game plan in which you want this business up
and running?

Have you consider having your business on-line (LOW OVER-
HEAD)?


You are a champion!!!
George and Phil Duhart



-------------------------

INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION RECRUITER BUILDING THE DUHART FOUNDATION AND DEVELOPING 7 TO 12 MILLIONARIES IN 2 TO 5 YEARS FIREDUP!!! http://firedupdreams.com Are You a Member of the Life-Changing Motivational Club? Follow me to ... http://www.motivationalclubs.com/redir_a.php?LFAId=1092

Hey firedup,

I want to make a community healthier, that`s just what i`ve always wanted.. I`m waiting for the day where i`ll be able to see mcdonalds franchises shutting down because of lack of business.  They`re just ruining the health of so many people.

I don`t think i`m particularly sharp, I`m just a new yorker who really wants to succeed  Many people have doubted/ looked down upon on me in my life, I want to prove to the world (and myself) that I`m a winner.  I`m well aware this sounds cheesy, but it`s my truth.

Thanks for your encouraging words, I really appreciate it.

v

Hmm...running water and eletricity for juices, that`s definitely going to be an issue. What about something larger than a rolling cart, but not a brick-and-mortar store. How about something like the cooking trailers you see at carnivals?

You`d have a bigger problem here, in that you`d need location services. But what do those carnie trailers do? They`ve got frying oils, refrigeration, water, and the same basic issues, right? Somehow they pull up with the carnival---I`m thinking of the one here in Batavia, by the riverwalk---and they`re up and running.

This might limit you to more regular locations, say near parks and zoos, running courses, and so forth, but it would be less than a standalone store. FDA regulations are going to be the same no matter what, but that`s a given for any sort of food business. So they`re not "problems," per se, other than normal ones.

Your other option is a "satellite" model. You have a central location, or several, with the water and power, storage and so on. Then you send out the carts with a stock of pre-made juices. They go until they`re dry, then return for reloading at the central service "station."

This gives you that terrific advertising idea from Steve. I could see the fiberglass casings set up as basic fruits. Sort of like those stupid commercials for Fruit of the Loom. Dumb commercials, but they sure did stick in everyone`s mind! One cart could be an orange, another an apple, and another one, a pineapple. Basic shapes, easy to build, and not too large. You got a name for this busness yet?

You`re also going to need good legal and insurance planning. We`ve all learned from the hot coffee in the lap case, and you don`t want someone breaking out in hives because of an allergy to strawberries. You could check into those mall "frosty" places, or other juice places. We see them everywhere out in the Midwest, and I`m sure there`s a standard legal model for them. I`ll bet a good attorney would know.

The local farmer`s markets would be a great outlet to test your products. You could keep your day job and work your business on weekends & evenings until you`ve built up a client base, etc.

Alternatively, what about renting a kiosk somewhere like Chelsea Market or perhaps space in a hotel lobby? 

Jennifer 

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Jennifer Thompson
www.tworiverssoaps.com

Sampling your product might work well.  But then, you`re involved in alot of health permit issues. 

Where will the fresh juices be made?

Yah, that`s gonna be the big issue...probably #2 right behind health permits and licensing.

The farmer`s market`s a really good idea, as it would give you a small-scale feasibility study without a huge investment. Another option would be a craft show, computer show, or other public "fair" type of 1-day event.

Yet another option in your preliminary study would be as a vendor for a school or public function. We had a monthly computer show at the local college, and it was very big. Lots of people, and mostly computer stuff. However, there was one vendor offering simple hot dogs and some drinks.

I`m thinking you could likely begin with a fixed-spot location at a car show, or something like that. As you went through the application process, you`d discover exactly what questions you`ll have to answer. So even if you disengage partway through the process, you`ll know much more about what`s your next step.

I think location and form will be easier to deal with after you`ve got the permits and production details figured out.