Hey all – I bought my cart a week ago.  I’ve had it out one day testing in a neighborhood setting, and loved it!  I’m glad I made the plunge to go dogging…
 
I’ve been asked to provide a quote for an open house at a college in my area for 400 people.  They’ve asked me to quote it for just 1 dog per person, and ketchup/mustard only.  I have a couple questions for anyone who is willing to help a pup out. 🙂
 
I know there are a ton of variables that go into quoting a price, but here’s what I know:  one of my larger competitors in the area charges $1.75/dog with all the toppings for an event.  I would probably carry B&C dogs at this event as they haven’t asked for anything specific and seem to be cost oriented.
 
Considering the info above, what would you all suggest for a selling point?  I’m thinking about $1.50 but wondering if I’m selling myself short.  On the flip side, a few phone calls and they could beat my price if I went any higher…
 
Also, on the operations side:  I have a single full-size pan set up.  The event is scheduled for two hours.  That makes me think perhaps I should run three 1/3 pans boiling dogs at full bore (~15 in each pan), which means I can’t steam the buns on the cart.  If it’s a sunny day I can set up a table and lay the buns out and cover them with a black plastic cover.  On the flip side, if it’s not sunny (as is likely around here), any suggestions?  Does 400 dogs in 2 hours sound feasible for one guy with a single pan set up?  Remember, the only toppings they want are red and yellow.
 
Any advice for a brand-new-first-timer-pup who just got a cart and may have a gig already?  I stumbled into this opportunity because it’s the college I’m attending, but I don’t want to over/under bid it because of a complete lack of knowledge.  I also don’t want to under perform the day of the event.
 
Thanks!
 
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P.S. RJT – thanks for the help and the on-the-job experience!