Hey folks, Ben here! If there’s one thing that’ll save you a fortune in this business, it’s learning from other vendors’ mistakes — not your own.

Learn from Others’ Mistakes — Before They Cost You

In our Q&A, we talked about this over and over: everybody makes mistakes, but smart vendors make them once — or better yet, watch someone else make ’em and skip the pain.

Inside Vendors United, we share those real-life lessons so you don’t have to pay the price.

The Common Money Killers

Jason and I see the same issues pop up all the time.

They’re simple things that can drain thousands from your profits if you’re not careful.

1. Not Checking Local Codes

I can’t count how many times I’ve heard, “My inspector said I can’t do that,” when the rule didn’t even exist.

That’s why I tell everyone: “Ask to see it in writing — you don’t get to make up rules.”

If you don’t verify your state or county code, you might spend money fixing a problem that wasn’t even real.

Helpful: Getting The Rules and Codes

2. Overbuying or Underprepping

Another big vendor mistake — showing up with way too much or not nearly enough.

That’s why I always say: “Plan your day, don’t guess your day.”

Track your average sales, note event attendance, and adjust gradually.

Running out of buns early costs more in lost sales than it saves in waste.

Helpful: Veteran Vendor Shares Sales Tracking Form

Helpful: How to Estimate Walking Traffic Sales

3. Buying Cheap Gear Twice

Jason nailed it when he said: “Don’t buy the thin cheap crap — it doesn’t last.”

Every dollar you save on low-quality equipment now, you’ll spend twice fixing or replacing later.

Get durable, mid-grade gear that lasts.

Helpful: Stop Overpaying for Equipment: How to Choose the Right Gear for Your Cart

4. Ignoring Feedback

If you’re working alone, it’s easy to get tunnel vision.

But the community’s where the gold is.

I’ve seen pros ask for advice right before an event and double their profits just from one suggestion — like swapping from lemonade to dirty sodas or adding kettle corn on the side.

Helpful: $30K in ONE Week with Dirty Sodas!

Helpful: Dirty Soda: It’s Like Soda… But Deliciously Naughty – And Super Profitable

Helpful: Lemonade Stand Business Profits (Even If You’re Broke)

Jason said it best: “Eat the meat, throw out the bones.”

Take what helps, leave what doesn’t, and never stop learning.

Hot Dog Vendor Tips from the Trenches

Here are a few rules that’ll save you thousands if you follow them:

• Always test before you invest. Try new ideas small-scale first.
• Keep your setup simple. Complexity slows you down and costs money.
• Ask for help. Inside Vendors United, no one flies solo — not even the pros.
• Stay organized. Prep lists, checklists, and labeled bins keep you fast and clean.
• Track every expense. Guessing your profit is the fastest way to lose it.

The Mindset That Avoids Vendor Mistakes

The best vendors I know — like Dale, Jamie, and Nikki — didn’t get there by luck.

They listened, learned, and took responsibility.

They asked questions, took notes, and stayed humble enough to change when something wasn’t working.

Helpful: Hot Dog Vendor Daily Checklist – FREE

Helpful: Most Street Food Vendors Are Overpaying Sales Tax (Here’s How to Fix It)

I told one vendor in the Q&A, “You’re not there to defend yourself. You’re there to learn and make more money.”

That’s the mindset that keeps you profitable and sane in this game, avoiding most common vendor mistakes.

And if you want to take your vending business to the next level, go and get together with the best vendors on the planet inside the Vendors United community.

You can learn about it HERE (it is 100% free to try it out for 5 days!!)…

🧡🧡 Vendors United – 100% FREE 5 Days Trial – Try It Today! 🧡🧡

Wrapping It Up

Mistakes happen, but they don’t have to hurt.

With the right attitude and a good community, you’ll turn every misstep into a lesson — and every lesson into profit.

So learn from others, stay curious, and keep those wheels turning.

The smart vendor isn’t the one who never falls — it’s the one who learns how to fall forward.