Today lifted my spirits, it was a cloudless sky and people took advantage of it and came to the beach. The sun puts everyone in a good mood. And the "authority figures" stayed away, which helps a lot.
Not so much chatting today because I'm engrossed in the last Harry Potter book...I took regular reading breaks. It felt good to have a day that was steady in sales (came home with $69 for about 4 hours of work). I ran out of ice with only about a half liter left of lemonade, so really I sold out.
And a friend came to visit, which was awesome!
I'm off for a week now though...not so good. I am excited to be doing what I'm doing (going to Victoria to look for a place to live for Sept. and going surfing in Tofino for the long weekend), but it will be hard to go so long without any income. So is the life of having my own business, I guess.
I'll be back next week...
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Another cloudy weekend
Why does the universe not want me to make any money? The one weekend that I am going to be in town and able to work and it is overcast. Of course, next week looks beautiful...but I'm not going to be here!! AAAARRRGGGHHH! I'm going to Victoria on Wed. to find housing for this coming school year and the forecast is for sun, sun and more sun. But, the good thing is that I'm also going to Tofino for the long weekend, so I'll be spending lots of monies I don't have.
I was all set to go to the beach yesterday but it didn't clear-up until 3:30 and even then it wasn't really hot. I think what I need are the 30 degree days that are so hot people NEED lemonade. Come on August!
I was all set to go to the beach yesterday but it didn't clear-up until 3:30 and even then it wasn't really hot. I think what I need are the 30 degree days that are so hot people NEED lemonade. Come on August!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Three Brazilian Flags...
...on the beach today. I have a sarong that is printed with a seemingly random design that makes up the flag, and two other people had actual flags. It was nice to see.
It was slow at first and then business picked up in the afternoon and I came out with about $57. The cops and the GVRD stayed away all day, which puts everyone in a better mood. Blond beer guy is named Terren (Taryn, Teryn, Tarren), Margarita boy is Brian, big burly beer man is Rocky, brown beer guy is Greg (he said it!), sandwich guy is Abdullah, sandwich/empanada lady is Lucy, random sherpa for one of the beer sellers is Dale...and there are so many more.
The real highlight of today was going to see a Whitecaps game (Vancouver soccer team). It was really fun!
It was slow at first and then business picked up in the afternoon and I came out with about $57. The cops and the GVRD stayed away all day, which puts everyone in a better mood. Blond beer guy is named Terren (Taryn, Teryn, Tarren), Margarita boy is Brian, big burly beer man is Rocky, brown beer guy is Greg (he said it!), sandwich guy is Abdullah, sandwich/empanada lady is Lucy, random sherpa for one of the beer sellers is Dale...and there are so many more.
The real highlight of today was going to see a Whitecaps game (Vancouver soccer team). It was really fun!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Maybe a little discouraged
Thank goodness summer is back! People are back on the beach, but unfortunately they don't seem that interested in lemonade. It was a pretty slow day yesterday, there weren't that many people at the beach and I only made about $30. I was feeling pretty paranoid about not having a permit, so I called the GVRD in the morning to find out what's what. She told me that it is too late to get a permit for this year because it takes 3-4 weeks of processing. But she broke down the cost for me: $100 for the vendors permit that is good for 3 years, $25 for a different permit that has to be renewed each year, $200 "performance" deposit that you get back as long as you don't get any tickets (read: follow the rules) or lose your ID and whatever it costs to get the food safe certificate. At least I know for "next time." So yesterday, when I went down, I didn't bring my trailer down, thinking that it's a little conspicuous. I knew it was going to be a slow day so I hadn't brought that much lemonade and only two bags of ice, so I managed to carry everything down in one trip. And of course, a nice young man asked if he could help. Soon after I got there, I ran into chip guy, Dan, and he said the GVRD were on strike. I had thought of that and checked online (the City of Vancouver employees are striking right now) and couldn't find anything that said they were, so I was surprised that he said that. I totally got my hopes up and asked how he knew...he didn't really KNOW per say, but had been told by one of the officers that she was pretty sure there was a "vacation" coming up. I felt bad hoping that the strike would last all summer, but it was all for naught because they aren't striking. However, they did not come to the beach yesterday and that was nice. The only weird thing that happened is that I think an old guy took some pictures of me. He had told me that I have a beautiful body earlier while he was buying lemonade, and then later when I went back to my stuff, he returned the cup and sat down on a log nearby. At some point I looked over and I saw that he had a camera, kind of hiding in his pants that he had pulled out of his bag. I said "are you taking pictures of me?" And he said, "no, no, I'd like to, but I didn't." I'm pretty sure he did, and I'm pretty sure that if I had made a scene about it, someone would have come and made him erase the pictures if not destroy his camera. I guess I didn't really feel the need to make a scene about it. But it still creeped me out.
This morning, after the mandatory episode of Heroes (it has me in it's grip!), I picked up another case of lemons. I didn't juice them all, just a gallon, but it looks like it will be my best case yet. I carried my stuff down again today, but I had to do two trips. I guess I could have asked someone to help me, but I didn't really mind the extra trip...it just made me stronger! I dug a nice hole to put the jug in, to try to keep it cool. Besides getting pretty dirty, I think it works pretty well. Maybe next time I'll bring a trowel. But then something happened to me...I just felt really paranoid and unsure. The cops were down there but they hadn't hassled me before...I don't know, maybe it's just the knowledge that I'm not completely legit (even though I don't agree with why I'm not), in fact I'm not legit at all. So I spent a lot of time chatting and suntanning. I've now had two people tell me that they are world famous but no one here knows about them (James E. Boyd is an artist that is apparently quite famous in Europe and a guy, whose name I'm forgetting, says he's a famous comic book artist/writer: Fog City Comics from the '70s). Norman, the pizza guy, told me that I don't really have to worry about the GVRD guys, that as long as you don't sell right in front of them you'll be ok. Maybe it was the "build a case against you" idea that has me all in a tizzy. It was a lovely day at the beach but I couldn't seem to shake the jittery feeling. I only made $37, which is really only $10/hr.
It was nice to talk to so many people, I got a lot of new names today. There is this one young guy who is there most every day, always by himself, who spends a lot of time practicing some sort of martial art. He walked by me when I was packing up and introduced himself. James. I gave him some free lemonade since I was going home anyways.
At the top of the stairs one of the beer sellers was going to resupply and asked me how business was. I told him it was slow and he said that Wreck is really a beer drinking beach, but that people need something besides beer, too. He was encouraging. I think the regulars are starting to like me...except for this one old, leathery man who scoffs at me, even when we passed each other on the stairs.
Oh, and a lady came up to me today asking if I knew of any good clubs or strippers in Vancouver. I'm not really into the scene, I said. So she asked about massages. I told her to look in the Georgia Straight (local weekly).
And, one of the local ladies is looking, and I'm assuming it was for someone else, for someone, a pretty young woman, who likes to spend time at the beach, eat BBQ meat and drink beer. She thought it was me, but I told her I wasn't willing to become single. So, if you meet that description, and you're looking to meet someone, let me know, I can hook you up.
This morning, after the mandatory episode of Heroes (it has me in it's grip!), I picked up another case of lemons. I didn't juice them all, just a gallon, but it looks like it will be my best case yet. I carried my stuff down again today, but I had to do two trips. I guess I could have asked someone to help me, but I didn't really mind the extra trip...it just made me stronger! I dug a nice hole to put the jug in, to try to keep it cool. Besides getting pretty dirty, I think it works pretty well. Maybe next time I'll bring a trowel. But then something happened to me...I just felt really paranoid and unsure. The cops were down there but they hadn't hassled me before...I don't know, maybe it's just the knowledge that I'm not completely legit (even though I don't agree with why I'm not), in fact I'm not legit at all. So I spent a lot of time chatting and suntanning. I've now had two people tell me that they are world famous but no one here knows about them (James E. Boyd is an artist that is apparently quite famous in Europe and a guy, whose name I'm forgetting, says he's a famous comic book artist/writer: Fog City Comics from the '70s). Norman, the pizza guy, told me that I don't really have to worry about the GVRD guys, that as long as you don't sell right in front of them you'll be ok. Maybe it was the "build a case against you" idea that has me all in a tizzy. It was a lovely day at the beach but I couldn't seem to shake the jittery feeling. I only made $37, which is really only $10/hr.
It was nice to talk to so many people, I got a lot of new names today. There is this one young guy who is there most every day, always by himself, who spends a lot of time practicing some sort of martial art. He walked by me when I was packing up and introduced himself. James. I gave him some free lemonade since I was going home anyways.
At the top of the stairs one of the beer sellers was going to resupply and asked me how business was. I told him it was slow and he said that Wreck is really a beer drinking beach, but that people need something besides beer, too. He was encouraging. I think the regulars are starting to like me...except for this one old, leathery man who scoffs at me, even when we passed each other on the stairs.
Oh, and a lady came up to me today asking if I knew of any good clubs or strippers in Vancouver. I'm not really into the scene, I said. So she asked about massages. I told her to look in the Georgia Straight (local weekly).
And, one of the local ladies is looking, and I'm assuming it was for someone else, for someone, a pretty young woman, who likes to spend time at the beach, eat BBQ meat and drink beer. She thought it was me, but I told her I wasn't willing to become single. So, if you meet that description, and you're looking to meet someone, let me know, I can hook you up.
Friday, July 20, 2007
ENOUGH!
Enough with the rain, already, it's freaking July! An entire week gone to the fishes. I guess that is the risk with a weather dependent business. Live and learn.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Non, I am not Francaise
As predicted, it is raining today, so instead I did other stuff...however, I remembered that something I wanted to write about was that a lot of people on the beach think I am French. Even French people. Maybe it's because there are a couple of French vendors, so they just assume. One guy said I just look French, another said it was my "easy" smile, another detected an accent...I do like to speak with a French accent sometimes, but I know I wasn't doing it then. OR, maybe it's my trendy, new, Euro hairstyle (that is covered by a hat). Maybe I have some residual French in me from the ancestors, because even when I try to say words in German they come out with a French accent...yes, I speak German with a French accent. Maybe I'll just have to learn French so I can pretend that I'm French when someone asks if I am.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Friday and Monday
Friday was fun. The day started out overcast and I wasn't sure it was going to be worth my time going out there. I went to Three Vets and picked up a small, shoulder cooler and a beach umbrella. By about 1pm, the sun came out and I decided to go. I brought about 2.5 gallons thinking that I was heading down late and I really didn't want to bring any home. After parking my bike, I went and stood at the head of the stairs waiting for someone to come along whom I might ask to help me down the stairs. The first people that came along were a couple, and when I asked them they looked at each other and hummed and hawed and said that I hadn't chosen the strongest people to ask. The next people I asked were two young guys and they had to consider it for a moment as well. They did finally help and said I was getting a good deal by offering just $5. I ended up giving them each a cup of lemonade, instead.
The cops were down there, again, which was fine for me. Some of the beer sellers just went home, knowing it wasn't worth the bother. But then, later, the GVRD guys came down and since I hadn't spoken to them yet I was nervous. The two cops and the two GVRD guys were standing right next to my stuff, and since I needed some more lemonade anyway, I decided that I should just go over there and see what they'd say. They totally ignored me and walked away shortly after. I thought, "booyackasha! they don't care about some chic selling lemonade."
It was such a lovely afternoon and I managed to sell out. The smaller cooler was awesome! I carried the pitcher and one bag of ice in the small one, the cups in my hand and left the rest of the ice in the bigger cooler. I put up the umbrella and it quickly fell apart...one of the spoky things broke and then poked a hole in the fabric and the fabric started ripping at multiple seams...and then it blew away twice. But it did keep the lemonade quite a bit cooler. I'm taking it back, though, it wasn't worth $8 .
The only unpleasant thing about Friday was the ride home. the trailer swayed back and forth behind me the entire way, which kept me from going any faster than a crawl. I tried using my bungee cord in all sorts of different ways to keep it from moving, but nothing worked. I tried lengthening the bar attachment and finally the only thing that worked was for me to reach around and hold onto the bar as I rode. No, that was not safe nor comfortable, but it was driving me crazy to be going so slow on the way home. It seemed so unfair. At the bottom of the 10th Ave. hill, I stopped at a gas station and called to see if my roommate with a car was home to come pick me up, but she wasn't and I felt like crying. It was about 8:30pm and I hadn't eaten since lunch and I was hungry and hot and tired. I decided to buy a chocolate bar to get me home, but they cost $1.19 + tax! What a rip off! The kid at the counter thought so too. Donuts were only 85 cents, so I decided to get one, but then the kid said that they throw them out at 9pm, so I could just have one or two or three. What a deal! So I ate a couple of donuts and set off on the long ride with my trailer pulling me from side to side. I think I pulled in about $91, which seems good considering I only brought half a jug.
After a fantastic weekend of camping, I knew I had to fix the trailer before using it again. It was just too hard to ride with in the shape that it was in. So I took it in, first thing this morning, to OCB. I put a small rubber shim around one end of the connection that was loose and then jammed the other end on and tightened the nuts as tight as I could get them. It seems to have worked, at least for now. I also put clipless pedals on, that I found on craigslist. I don't have any shoes yet, but that's the next purchase. I've had a hard time finding used shoes in my size, but I'll keep looking. Anyone have a spare pair in size 8 (38-39)? I have the cleats. I'm excited about using clipless. I think it will help a lot while carrying a heavy load.
I had another late start today because of going to the shop, so I got out there around 3pm. I brought only about 7L of lemonade and two bags of ice. The beach seemed dead, but there was a pretty steady flow of people coming down the stairs. The couple that helped me down didn't want lemonade or money, but they also seemed a little weird...or maybe they were just really high!
It's been fun getting to "know" the Wreck Beach regulars. I can't say that I know any of them as people, but I know them as fixtures on the beach, and they have all been kind to me. And so far, they've all liked my lemonade and have been very impressed that I haul the trailer up and down the stairs. I chatted with a few of them, today, about the GVRD and they all seemed to think that they don't bother you until they have a "case" against you. They ask around and observe until they know that you are actually selling something. I'm not sure what the loopholes are or what I can actually get away with, but some vendors have been selling down there for ten years without permits. The "sweet buns" guy and I chatted for awhile today and he says that permits cost $250. That's a little above my budget. Sweet Buns also said that they just kick you off the beach if they catch you without a permit. I actually got offered a job today, selling popsicles and cheesecake for someone else. He's all legit, with permits and everything, but he works on a commission basis and wants weekends....sounds like a JOB to me! No way. I was a little more nervous when I saw the GVRD today...since now I'm not sure that they don't care about me. In fact, I'm sure they do care about me, they just don't want me to know it.
I guess we'll see. I can't imagine that it is actually worth anyone's time to "investigate" me, but hey, they gotta spend our taxes on something!
There was a cherry grower selling his leftover fruit from a farmers market. He told me about the psychology of fruit selling: people don't want fruit on cloudy days. I guess this is "common knowledge" among fruit sellers, but who knew? We traded a cup of lemonade for a bag of cherries.
I have a feeling that this posting is much too long now...sorry. Briefly, I sold out, but only made about $45. It's actually fine with me, because I had such a mellow day. And my trailer seemed to work just fine, which was the real blessing of the day.
It's supposed to be raining tomorrow, so I'm not sure if I'll be down there.
The cops were down there, again, which was fine for me. Some of the beer sellers just went home, knowing it wasn't worth the bother. But then, later, the GVRD guys came down and since I hadn't spoken to them yet I was nervous. The two cops and the two GVRD guys were standing right next to my stuff, and since I needed some more lemonade anyway, I decided that I should just go over there and see what they'd say. They totally ignored me and walked away shortly after. I thought, "booyackasha! they don't care about some chic selling lemonade."
It was such a lovely afternoon and I managed to sell out. The smaller cooler was awesome! I carried the pitcher and one bag of ice in the small one, the cups in my hand and left the rest of the ice in the bigger cooler. I put up the umbrella and it quickly fell apart...one of the spoky things broke and then poked a hole in the fabric and the fabric started ripping at multiple seams...and then it blew away twice. But it did keep the lemonade quite a bit cooler. I'm taking it back, though, it wasn't worth $8 .
The only unpleasant thing about Friday was the ride home. the trailer swayed back and forth behind me the entire way, which kept me from going any faster than a crawl. I tried using my bungee cord in all sorts of different ways to keep it from moving, but nothing worked. I tried lengthening the bar attachment and finally the only thing that worked was for me to reach around and hold onto the bar as I rode. No, that was not safe nor comfortable, but it was driving me crazy to be going so slow on the way home. It seemed so unfair. At the bottom of the 10th Ave. hill, I stopped at a gas station and called to see if my roommate with a car was home to come pick me up, but she wasn't and I felt like crying. It was about 8:30pm and I hadn't eaten since lunch and I was hungry and hot and tired. I decided to buy a chocolate bar to get me home, but they cost $1.19 + tax! What a rip off! The kid at the counter thought so too. Donuts were only 85 cents, so I decided to get one, but then the kid said that they throw them out at 9pm, so I could just have one or two or three. What a deal! So I ate a couple of donuts and set off on the long ride with my trailer pulling me from side to side. I think I pulled in about $91, which seems good considering I only brought half a jug.
After a fantastic weekend of camping, I knew I had to fix the trailer before using it again. It was just too hard to ride with in the shape that it was in. So I took it in, first thing this morning, to OCB. I put a small rubber shim around one end of the connection that was loose and then jammed the other end on and tightened the nuts as tight as I could get them. It seems to have worked, at least for now. I also put clipless pedals on, that I found on craigslist. I don't have any shoes yet, but that's the next purchase. I've had a hard time finding used shoes in my size, but I'll keep looking. Anyone have a spare pair in size 8 (38-39)? I have the cleats. I'm excited about using clipless. I think it will help a lot while carrying a heavy load.
I had another late start today because of going to the shop, so I got out there around 3pm. I brought only about 7L of lemonade and two bags of ice. The beach seemed dead, but there was a pretty steady flow of people coming down the stairs. The couple that helped me down didn't want lemonade or money, but they also seemed a little weird...or maybe they were just really high!
It's been fun getting to "know" the Wreck Beach regulars. I can't say that I know any of them as people, but I know them as fixtures on the beach, and they have all been kind to me. And so far, they've all liked my lemonade and have been very impressed that I haul the trailer up and down the stairs. I chatted with a few of them, today, about the GVRD and they all seemed to think that they don't bother you until they have a "case" against you. They ask around and observe until they know that you are actually selling something. I'm not sure what the loopholes are or what I can actually get away with, but some vendors have been selling down there for ten years without permits. The "sweet buns" guy and I chatted for awhile today and he says that permits cost $250. That's a little above my budget. Sweet Buns also said that they just kick you off the beach if they catch you without a permit. I actually got offered a job today, selling popsicles and cheesecake for someone else. He's all legit, with permits and everything, but he works on a commission basis and wants weekends....sounds like a JOB to me! No way. I was a little more nervous when I saw the GVRD today...since now I'm not sure that they don't care about me. In fact, I'm sure they do care about me, they just don't want me to know it.
I guess we'll see. I can't imagine that it is actually worth anyone's time to "investigate" me, but hey, they gotta spend our taxes on something!
There was a cherry grower selling his leftover fruit from a farmers market. He told me about the psychology of fruit selling: people don't want fruit on cloudy days. I guess this is "common knowledge" among fruit sellers, but who knew? We traded a cup of lemonade for a bag of cherries.
I have a feeling that this posting is much too long now...sorry. Briefly, I sold out, but only made about $45. It's actually fine with me, because I had such a mellow day. And my trailer seemed to work just fine, which was the real blessing of the day.
It's supposed to be raining tomorrow, so I'm not sure if I'll be down there.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Interesting (?) lemon stats
Since every lemon is its own lemon, I knew there would be some variability in how much juice I get per case. I guess I didn't really think it would be all THAT different.
The Stats:
Case #1 cost me $33 for 100 lemons. There was one bad lemon that had to be tossed. It took about 53 lemons for a gallon (3.78L) of juice and approximately 3 hours of juicing. I ended up with somewhere around 7L of lemons juice, or $4.71/L.
Case #2 cost me $30 for 140 lemons. There were no bad ones, but I think I counted slightly less than 140, maybe 138 or something. It took about 86 lemons for a gallon but only took about 2 hours of juicing...and I only got about 6.5ishL of lemon juice, or $4.61/L.
So I guess it is still cheaper to buy more lemons. The other thing I was thinking about, as I am prone to do these days, is where the lemons came from. The first box was from Brazil, the second didn't say, only that they are "marketed" by Sunkist in California. If the lemons were from California I would feel good that they came from somewhere closer than Brazil (as much as I'd love to support the motherland), and that they took a little less energy to get here. But I don't know where they are from. Still, Brazil is pretty far away!
Today it is slightly overcast, so I'm taking my time getting to the beach. I am going to run down to Canadian Tire and pick up another small, soft-sided cooler that will fit one bag of ice, so I don't have to carry all my ice around with me. Who knows, maybe it will last longer. I'm also going to look into getting a beach umbrella to provide a little shade for the ice and lemonade. What do you think: would covering the lemonade jug and cooler with something like a sarong give the same amount of protection as a shade umbrella? For some reason, I don't think it would...but I might just be delusional.
The Stats:
Case #1 cost me $33 for 100 lemons. There was one bad lemon that had to be tossed. It took about 53 lemons for a gallon (3.78L) of juice and approximately 3 hours of juicing. I ended up with somewhere around 7L of lemons juice, or $4.71/L.
Case #2 cost me $30 for 140 lemons. There were no bad ones, but I think I counted slightly less than 140, maybe 138 or something. It took about 86 lemons for a gallon but only took about 2 hours of juicing...and I only got about 6.5ishL of lemon juice, or $4.61/L.
So I guess it is still cheaper to buy more lemons. The other thing I was thinking about, as I am prone to do these days, is where the lemons came from. The first box was from Brazil, the second didn't say, only that they are "marketed" by Sunkist in California. If the lemons were from California I would feel good that they came from somewhere closer than Brazil (as much as I'd love to support the motherland), and that they took a little less energy to get here. But I don't know where they are from. Still, Brazil is pretty far away!
Today it is slightly overcast, so I'm taking my time getting to the beach. I am going to run down to Canadian Tire and pick up another small, soft-sided cooler that will fit one bag of ice, so I don't have to carry all my ice around with me. Who knows, maybe it will last longer. I'm also going to look into getting a beach umbrella to provide a little shade for the ice and lemonade. What do you think: would covering the lemonade jug and cooler with something like a sarong give the same amount of protection as a shade umbrella? For some reason, I don't think it would...but I might just be delusional.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Day three: Done
I only made $75 today, half of what I was hoping to make in a day, but I still feel like I did pretty well. I brought less lemonade today and less ice, so of course I ran out of ice. But I did almost sell out of lemonade.
It was a hot day, and not as windy as yesterday...the crowd seemed a little less "jocky" and a little more "chill." All my muscles are feeling the strain now, so I'm taking tomorrow and Thursday off. I've got a bit of other work, so I won't be completely lazy.
I don't think much happened to take note of; I got a $5 "finders fee" from another vendor, I ran into a friend of a friend who had been told that I would be down there so he should buy lemonade from me (which he did), and I thoroughly enjoyed myself on the beach.
My trailer is acting up, the wheels are moving back and forth on the axle which causes the whole trailer to swing back and forth behind me...not much fun at all...actually really annoying.
Tomorrow I'll squeeze my second batch of lemons. Unfortunately, I'm still not making enough to go organic...soon, I hope.
It was a hot day, and not as windy as yesterday...the crowd seemed a little less "jocky" and a little more "chill." All my muscles are feeling the strain now, so I'm taking tomorrow and Thursday off. I've got a bit of other work, so I won't be completely lazy.
I don't think much happened to take note of; I got a $5 "finders fee" from another vendor, I ran into a friend of a friend who had been told that I would be down there so he should buy lemonade from me (which he did), and I thoroughly enjoyed myself on the beach.
My trailer is acting up, the wheels are moving back and forth on the axle which causes the whole trailer to swing back and forth behind me...not much fun at all...actually really annoying.
Tomorrow I'll squeeze my second batch of lemons. Unfortunately, I'm still not making enough to go organic...soon, I hope.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Cops are my friends
I guess Monday isn't the best day to sell lemonade, or as someone suggested, the cops weren't out today, so everyone was drinking beer. The lady drinking vodka out of the bottle didn't even want a little lemonade to go with it. But hey, it was a day at the beach! And a beautiful one to boot. There were no clouds in the sky and since it was windy, the ocean was all turned up and making a fuss as it came to the beach.
I brought more lemonade, bought more ice, and didn't go through it. I came home with about 2.5 gallons today. I sold 20 cups, but it was a harder day than yesterday because my cooler was heavier. I tried wrapping my sarong around it like a baby-sling, but it didn't help much. I've got to find a better way to carry it. I admit that I felt a little discouraged today because it was so slow, but the other vendors were encouraging and I ran into a KABLAMO friend and a guy I knew from Langara (my old school). That was nice and it cheered me up. I got great feedback on the lemonade, too...everyone likes it a lot! A guy who said that he gets lemonade whenever he can said it was the some of the best he had ever had, and another guy said he usually doesn't like it, but really enjoyed mine. That makes me happy. One guy yesterday and one guy today said that they didn't like the idea of me having reusable cups, that it wasn't hygienic. I tried to explain that I didn't reuse them in the same day, but they wouldn't have it. That makes me not so happy. One guy even said that it was because if he saw the "gays" using one of my cups, he wouldn't buy lemonade from me. I said I was ok losing the business. We agreed that he could bring his own cup and I would sell him lemonade.
The ride seemed harder today, maybe because Dave wasn't there to cheer me on. Instead I imagined the people walking down the street silently cheering me, thinking "wow! that's hardcore, pulling that heavy-ass trailer up that big-ass hill! You go girl!" And of course the ride home was harder because I had so much lemonade to bring home. It's super sketchy riding down big hills with a heavy trailer behind me. I feel like my bicycle wheels are sliding out from beneath me and that I'm listing to one side, so I slow way down and go about as fast as I do going uphill!
I've got to think of some good selling lines...so I'm asking for help. Can anyone think of a great line that would make people want to buy lemonade? Right now I'm just saying: "fresh squeezed lemonade." I need something with a little pizazz.
I'm exhausted today...time to rest up for another big day tomorrow.
I brought more lemonade, bought more ice, and didn't go through it. I came home with about 2.5 gallons today. I sold 20 cups, but it was a harder day than yesterday because my cooler was heavier. I tried wrapping my sarong around it like a baby-sling, but it didn't help much. I've got to find a better way to carry it. I admit that I felt a little discouraged today because it was so slow, but the other vendors were encouraging and I ran into a KABLAMO friend and a guy I knew from Langara (my old school). That was nice and it cheered me up. I got great feedback on the lemonade, too...everyone likes it a lot! A guy who said that he gets lemonade whenever he can said it was the some of the best he had ever had, and another guy said he usually doesn't like it, but really enjoyed mine. That makes me happy. One guy yesterday and one guy today said that they didn't like the idea of me having reusable cups, that it wasn't hygienic. I tried to explain that I didn't reuse them in the same day, but they wouldn't have it. That makes me not so happy. One guy even said that it was because if he saw the "gays" using one of my cups, he wouldn't buy lemonade from me. I said I was ok losing the business. We agreed that he could bring his own cup and I would sell him lemonade.
The ride seemed harder today, maybe because Dave wasn't there to cheer me on. Instead I imagined the people walking down the street silently cheering me, thinking "wow! that's hardcore, pulling that heavy-ass trailer up that big-ass hill! You go girl!" And of course the ride home was harder because I had so much lemonade to bring home. It's super sketchy riding down big hills with a heavy trailer behind me. I feel like my bicycle wheels are sliding out from beneath me and that I'm listing to one side, so I slow way down and go about as fast as I do going uphill!
I've got to think of some good selling lines...so I'm asking for help. Can anyone think of a great line that would make people want to buy lemonade? Right now I'm just saying: "fresh squeezed lemonade." I need something with a little pizazz.
I'm exhausted today...time to rest up for another big day tomorrow.
Who knew?
So there is a market for lemonade on the beach! However there are still a few kinks to figure out before I am a money making machine.
Considering it was Sunday, I really wasn't in a hurry to get out of bed and start a business. I figured no one is in a hurry on Sundays. But with Dave's comment from the evening before ("more sugar, less lemon," he didn't realize it was pure lemon juice in the jug!) circling in my head, I did get up and make some lemonade. I found a recipe that was a 1:1:5 ratio of simple syrup (sugar dissolved in water) to lemon juice to pure water. I adjusted it to 1:1.5:5, since I don't like really sweet drinks. Dave agreed. With the lemonade made, the true test began...fitting everything in the trailer and pulling it. Luckily, I had a brainstorm of realizing that I didn't have to buy the ice in my own neighborhood, I could WAIT. I know, common sense, but I was glad it occurred to me. I took the ride slow, as I had never pulled so much before, (and because Dave rides a 500 lb bicycle!) and I'm still not sure how much I can trust the "ball and cup" attachment of the trailer. It's not actually attached, it's just a little cup sitting on a ball that's attached to my bike. But it faired well, even over the earthquake-bumpy roads that are the 10th Avenue bicycle route. It was pretty overcast when we set out, but I was thinking that that was ok, because I wouldn't mind the first day being a little mellow. There is one really big hill that I was afraid I was going to have to walk up, but in the end, my legs muscled up it. We stopped at Safeway at the top of the hill to buy ice and I was shocked to have to pay $2.99/2.7kg bag. I was guessing that I would need three bags, but I had not bargained on spending $9 plus tax on ICE...it's water for goodness sakes! But what to do...I need ice.
We got to the beach without any difficulties, and then were confronted with all those stairs. I was so very happy to have Dave with me to figure it out the first time. We tried each taking a side and carrying it down, but that was awkward due to the wheels bumping into my legs. Then Dave had the brilliant idea of lifting up the side without the handle, so he could walk front ways down the stairs and me lifting up the side with the handle so I could walk front ways down the stairs. That worked fine and we made it down huffing and puffing but unhurt. I quickly realized that it was not going to work to pull my trailer around the beach: it was too heavy and too wide, there was no way I could get in between all the logs and people. The sun seemed to breaking through the clouds a bit, and there was a steady stream of people on their way down the stairs. We found a nice log to park at and chilled out for a bit. On Saturday, I bought a new soft-sided cooler, so I just put a pitcher of lemonade and six cups in with the ice and carried the cooler. As soon as I set out, a woman called me over and told me the cops were about. I asked her if she knew if I needed a permit to sell lemonade, she didn't know and some people said yes and some said no. So I asked the cops. I really don't want to be paranoid that I'm doing something illegal, so I figured the cops were the best ones to ask about it. I guess talking to a nice, young, naked woman puts most people in a good mood, and the cop was no different. He told me that I do need a permit, but that the cops don't ever really check and the people to look out for are the guys from the GVRD (Greater Vancouver Regional District), because they do ask for permits. He told me where I could go to get one and that it was fine if I sold lemonade today without a permit. It was nice to get the go-ahead from a cop.
And so, I spent about 5 hours selling lemonade. It was great to take breaks when I felt like it, and chat with folks and go swimming to cool off, because the sun did come out eventually and it was quite warm. People had no problems with the deposit on the cups, some even let me keep it and some wanted the cups as souvenirs. A lot of people asked if there was a little something extra to put in the lemonade...nope. Just lemonade. All in all I felt there was a pretty good reception of it, but I ran out of ice before I ran out of lemonade, and I really couldn't sell warm lemonade. Most people said they liked the proportions...it seems a little sweet for me, but one person said it was a little too tart...so I guess you just can't please everyone. In the end, I had $92 more than I started with...not as great as I had hoped, but totally reasonable for the first day of my little venture. Of course, for awhile I won't be making any money, I'll just be recovering costs and paying Dave back, but I think I can do it. Today will be a good indication of if there are people there during the week. I'd actually much prefer to work weekdays, I just don't know if there will be the business. Speaking of which, it is much later than I anticipated and I need to go make some money.
Considering it was Sunday, I really wasn't in a hurry to get out of bed and start a business. I figured no one is in a hurry on Sundays. But with Dave's comment from the evening before ("more sugar, less lemon," he didn't realize it was pure lemon juice in the jug!) circling in my head, I did get up and make some lemonade. I found a recipe that was a 1:1:5 ratio of simple syrup (sugar dissolved in water) to lemon juice to pure water. I adjusted it to 1:1.5:5, since I don't like really sweet drinks. Dave agreed. With the lemonade made, the true test began...fitting everything in the trailer and pulling it. Luckily, I had a brainstorm of realizing that I didn't have to buy the ice in my own neighborhood, I could WAIT. I know, common sense, but I was glad it occurred to me. I took the ride slow, as I had never pulled so much before, (and because Dave rides a 500 lb bicycle!) and I'm still not sure how much I can trust the "ball and cup" attachment of the trailer. It's not actually attached, it's just a little cup sitting on a ball that's attached to my bike. But it faired well, even over the earthquake-bumpy roads that are the 10th Avenue bicycle route. It was pretty overcast when we set out, but I was thinking that that was ok, because I wouldn't mind the first day being a little mellow. There is one really big hill that I was afraid I was going to have to walk up, but in the end, my legs muscled up it. We stopped at Safeway at the top of the hill to buy ice and I was shocked to have to pay $2.99/2.7kg bag. I was guessing that I would need three bags, but I had not bargained on spending $9 plus tax on ICE...it's water for goodness sakes! But what to do...I need ice.
We got to the beach without any difficulties, and then were confronted with all those stairs. I was so very happy to have Dave with me to figure it out the first time. We tried each taking a side and carrying it down, but that was awkward due to the wheels bumping into my legs. Then Dave had the brilliant idea of lifting up the side without the handle, so he could walk front ways down the stairs and me lifting up the side with the handle so I could walk front ways down the stairs. That worked fine and we made it down huffing and puffing but unhurt. I quickly realized that it was not going to work to pull my trailer around the beach: it was too heavy and too wide, there was no way I could get in between all the logs and people. The sun seemed to breaking through the clouds a bit, and there was a steady stream of people on their way down the stairs. We found a nice log to park at and chilled out for a bit. On Saturday, I bought a new soft-sided cooler, so I just put a pitcher of lemonade and six cups in with the ice and carried the cooler. As soon as I set out, a woman called me over and told me the cops were about. I asked her if she knew if I needed a permit to sell lemonade, she didn't know and some people said yes and some said no. So I asked the cops. I really don't want to be paranoid that I'm doing something illegal, so I figured the cops were the best ones to ask about it. I guess talking to a nice, young, naked woman puts most people in a good mood, and the cop was no different. He told me that I do need a permit, but that the cops don't ever really check and the people to look out for are the guys from the GVRD (Greater Vancouver Regional District), because they do ask for permits. He told me where I could go to get one and that it was fine if I sold lemonade today without a permit. It was nice to get the go-ahead from a cop.
And so, I spent about 5 hours selling lemonade. It was great to take breaks when I felt like it, and chat with folks and go swimming to cool off, because the sun did come out eventually and it was quite warm. People had no problems with the deposit on the cups, some even let me keep it and some wanted the cups as souvenirs. A lot of people asked if there was a little something extra to put in the lemonade...nope. Just lemonade. All in all I felt there was a pretty good reception of it, but I ran out of ice before I ran out of lemonade, and I really couldn't sell warm lemonade. Most people said they liked the proportions...it seems a little sweet for me, but one person said it was a little too tart...so I guess you just can't please everyone. In the end, I had $92 more than I started with...not as great as I had hoped, but totally reasonable for the first day of my little venture. Of course, for awhile I won't be making any money, I'll just be recovering costs and paying Dave back, but I think I can do it. Today will be a good indication of if there are people there during the week. I'd actually much prefer to work weekdays, I just don't know if there will be the business. Speaking of which, it is much later than I anticipated and I need to go make some money.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Before I know anything
This morning I open the fridge to find breakfast and there in front of me are about 7 liters of fresh lemon juice, the juice of 98 lemons. This summer, lemon juice is my holy water, my cobra, my savior...well, at least that's what I'm hoping.
Knowing that the year ahead of me is going to be intense, long and time consuming, I decided that the last thing I wanted was to spend the summer working, while the days passed by without me noticing. But as is the case with most everyone, I also knew that I was going to have to make some money, if not for saving then at least for living. And I knew that to fully appreciate the summer, I was definitely going to have to spend some good quality time at the beach. It occurred to me that with a little motivation, one or two sacrificial lambs and a bicycle I could make my summer exactly what I wanted and needed it to be. Really it just popped into my head: I could sell lemonade at the beach. And then it stuck, the idea didn't go away, and instead of applying for jobs I started figuring out the logistics of selling lemonade.
Wreck Beach is Vancouver's "clothing optional" beach with a culture of its own. It's right at the western-most tip of Vancouver, maybe the only beach that you can't see the city from. Not only is it out of the way, but it is at the bottom of a very long and steep flight of stairs.
It is also the only beach, that I've noticed anyways, where there are vendors selling everything from beer to burgers to sweet buns. And no one is selling lemonade...yet.
There are, as one might expect, a lot of things to figure out before going off and selling lemonade, let alone for a profit. I determined that as far as gear goes, I would need a bike trailer, cooler, cups, a juicer and since there is no source of fresh water at the beach, something to lug lemonade around in. I would need to source lemons (organic or traditional?). And I would need to figure out the best way to get everything down to the beach and how I would haul it around once I'm down there. Plus, I'm not a business woman, this will be my first attempt at as an entrepreneur. I'm just guessing my way through it.
As of today, this is my idea: I will pre-make 5 gallons of fresh-squeezed lemonade, bring a cooler of ice and a schwack of cups in my bike trailer (thank you, thank you, thank you, Michael!) and sell approximately 12 oz. of lemonade for $3 a cup, plus a $1 deposit on the cup (washable and reusable). My trailer has pretty big wheels and a handle, so I'm thinking I'll pay some strapping young lad (or lass) to help me carry the trailer down the stairs. If it is still too hard to maneuver the trailer on the sand with all that weight (I'm thinking somewhere between 70 and 90 lbs), then I'll find a hiding place to stash the big jug and use a small jug to walk around with. I'll definitely be a cruising vendor, as one needs a permit to stand still and sell things.
So far, I've invested about $89, and I still don't have a cooler. If I can sell out in a day, I'll make about $150. I'll have to replenish ice and lemons on a regular basis. My first case of lemons was traditionally grown, but I've promised myself that if I can actually make money doing this then I will switch to organic...about twice the price. And that's really the question, can I make money doing this? Can I even pull 100lbs on my bicycle?!
So for the rest of the summer I'll be updating this blog with stories and pictures of life on the beach, how much money I'm making, and possibly bragging about how wicked my tan is! But don't worry, I'll wear lots of sunscreen. The great and scary part of it all is that I just have no idea what it's going to be like. I am totally open to any suggestions anyone might have (yes, I have thought about spiking the lemonade, but that's illegal, and I don't really want to deal with the cops). In fact, please help! My goals are simple: make money, get strong and get a tan. This Sunday will be my first selling day, so wish me luck. I pray for good weather and generous patrons!
Oh, and feel free to come visit me on the beach, I'm selling delicious, ice-cold, fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Knowing that the year ahead of me is going to be intense, long and time consuming, I decided that the last thing I wanted was to spend the summer working, while the days passed by without me noticing. But as is the case with most everyone, I also knew that I was going to have to make some money, if not for saving then at least for living. And I knew that to fully appreciate the summer, I was definitely going to have to spend some good quality time at the beach. It occurred to me that with a little motivation, one or two sacrificial lambs and a bicycle I could make my summer exactly what I wanted and needed it to be. Really it just popped into my head: I could sell lemonade at the beach. And then it stuck, the idea didn't go away, and instead of applying for jobs I started figuring out the logistics of selling lemonade.
Wreck Beach is Vancouver's "clothing optional" beach with a culture of its own. It's right at the western-most tip of Vancouver, maybe the only beach that you can't see the city from. Not only is it out of the way, but it is at the bottom of a very long and steep flight of stairs.
It is also the only beach, that I've noticed anyways, where there are vendors selling everything from beer to burgers to sweet buns. And no one is selling lemonade...yet.
There are, as one might expect, a lot of things to figure out before going off and selling lemonade, let alone for a profit. I determined that as far as gear goes, I would need a bike trailer, cooler, cups, a juicer and since there is no source of fresh water at the beach, something to lug lemonade around in. I would need to source lemons (organic or traditional?). And I would need to figure out the best way to get everything down to the beach and how I would haul it around once I'm down there. Plus, I'm not a business woman, this will be my first attempt at as an entrepreneur. I'm just guessing my way through it.
As of today, this is my idea: I will pre-make 5 gallons of fresh-squeezed lemonade, bring a cooler of ice and a schwack of cups in my bike trailer (thank you, thank you, thank you, Michael!) and sell approximately 12 oz. of lemonade for $3 a cup, plus a $1 deposit on the cup (washable and reusable). My trailer has pretty big wheels and a handle, so I'm thinking I'll pay some strapping young lad (or lass) to help me carry the trailer down the stairs. If it is still too hard to maneuver the trailer on the sand with all that weight (I'm thinking somewhere between 70 and 90 lbs), then I'll find a hiding place to stash the big jug and use a small jug to walk around with. I'll definitely be a cruising vendor, as one needs a permit to stand still and sell things.
So far, I've invested about $89, and I still don't have a cooler. If I can sell out in a day, I'll make about $150. I'll have to replenish ice and lemons on a regular basis. My first case of lemons was traditionally grown, but I've promised myself that if I can actually make money doing this then I will switch to organic...about twice the price. And that's really the question, can I make money doing this? Can I even pull 100lbs on my bicycle?!
So for the rest of the summer I'll be updating this blog with stories and pictures of life on the beach, how much money I'm making, and possibly bragging about how wicked my tan is! But don't worry, I'll wear lots of sunscreen. The great and scary part of it all is that I just have no idea what it's going to be like. I am totally open to any suggestions anyone might have (yes, I have thought about spiking the lemonade, but that's illegal, and I don't really want to deal with the cops). In fact, please help! My goals are simple: make money, get strong and get a tan. This Sunday will be my first selling day, so wish me luck. I pray for good weather and generous patrons!
Oh, and feel free to come visit me on the beach, I'm selling delicious, ice-cold, fresh-squeezed lemonade.
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