Smoker Statistics

[David James]

I'm working on a business plan for a BBQ supply shop and looking for some shopping stats from the BBQ community. I'm in the north east, a lot of us smoke year round, however I need to fuel to present to some lenders. So, I'm looking for frequency of smoking in the colder months? How often you purchase accessories? And how often you purchase perishable items such as gloves, wraps, fuels and seasoning? Any favorite products you've found and love would be appreciated as well. Thanks for any help.

 

[jcam222]

I smoke weekly weater permitting year round. I buy I fuel weekly to every other week. I buy disposable pans and foil monthly. Injects as needed and make my own rubs. If I opened a bbq supply not only would I offer preMade rubs I’d also sell quality bulk spices.Dont overlook niche high profit gluten free , keto and organic sauces and rubs either. The Butcher Block injections id highly recommend.

 

[Hawging It]

I smoke on average every other week year round no matter if it is 98 degrees or 30 degrees. I buy foil pans, tin foil "heavy duty", and I keep a good supply of latex gloves around at all times. Have my own wood. Hickory, Pecan, Oak and Wild Cherry. Cut and split myself. Occasionally I will by the chunks of wood that is not available in my area. I use Malcolm Reed's BBQ rubs. I also like Rothschild's Roasted Pineapple Habanero Glaze. The glaze is available at Sam's Club. Hope this helps.

 

[gmc2003]

I also live in the North East and grill/smoke year round. Allot of what your purposing would be dependent on your location. Most folks in my area have to travel to different towns to get what they need or want. It would be nice to have a one stop shop, but I don't think there's enough traffic to support it. Some of the cities and towns have the people or are able to draw people to them, but it's expensive as heck with rent, stock and to make payroll there especially for a specialty shop. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Oops I forgot then you also have to deal with online shoppers.

Chris

 

[kawboy]

Good luck to you! This is something I've been kicking around in the back of my mind for awhile now as well.

 

[tallbm]

Hi there and welcome!

Living in Texas I can smoke anytime in the colder months provided it is not raining. It is a year around option for us.

The statistic I would like to point out is that I, and most I know, order 90% or more of their supplies online with the exception of items that are not cost effective for shipping (pellets, wood, charcoal, bulk seasoning, etc.).

Other statistics to consider if talking to lenders are how you plan to compete with online stores if you plan to be ONLY a brick and mortar store. We are in "Retailpocolypse" where brick and mortar stores are closing in droves and malls are being torn down all over.
I was reading an article that it is now reported that for every restaurant that is opened one is closing ALL BECAUSE the ones closing were not structured to handle food delivery as part of their business model and they did not want to adapt or failed to adapt. I mention this to call out other trends of current times that people are failing to pay attention to.

If you do not already have a legitimate numbers backed answer for how you thrive with and against the online market and for handling logistics in both shipping goods as well as receiving and managing/warehousing goods then I would encourage some heavy heavy investment of thought and planning into that area.
This includes product sizing and costs to help determine if you can plan to sale via an online retailer like Amazon and make a profit or whether you try to go it on your own and utilize a sales platform like Shopify.

It's all possible, many well prepared and smart people make it happen every day so please understand that I am stating all of this in an encouraging tone.

I hope this info helps with areas of statistics to consider that go beyond the original ask :)

 

[tropics]

North East covers a lot of area,update your location you may get better answers.
Richie

 

[noboundaries]

Northern California guy here. I smoke and grill year round. In the winter I'm using my smoker about twice a month; the charcoal grill once or twice a week. Rain slows me down because we don't have a covered patio. I grill in the rain, but keep the smoker covered.

I've never ordered fuel or wood online. I did buy wood chunks from a specialty shop where I used to work because he carried wood I couldn't get at HD or Lowes. It is too far to travel now, so I resupply wood from the big box stores as needed. I also have an oak tree in my backyard, so there's free wood, too.

I typically buy fuel (charcoal) only once a year in the spring, about 500 lbs. I can find deep sales at that time. Some slow years that 500 lbs will last me almost two years, but most years it only lasts 12-13 months.

BTW, I just checked and the BBQ store I mentioned above is still open. He's a BGE dealer and carries a huge line of rubs, sauces, gadgets, charcoal, wood, pizza ovens, Santa Maria grills (a West Coast thing), BBQ clothing, and he gives classes. He's been in business at least eight to ten years, soooo, it can be done when done right! You and he have the same first name. Must be a sign!

 

[browneyesvictim]

Being here in Oregon it rains a lot as you can imagine. So, for me I have come to figure out a way to smoke all year around. In fact, I probably smoke more and tend to be more indoor "culinary" oriented in general and in a lot of aspects in the winter months.

Cold smoking initially comes to mind that is typically better in the winter. I smoke cheese, hams and bacon... but there are many other things I am more apt to get involved with that time of year. Ill spend more time curing, or grinding and stuffing and making sausage. Lets not forget most wild game is processed in the fall. And a lot of grills and smokers are put to use over the holiday get-togethers. I will make rubs or smoke salts and cheese as gifts.

Speaking of gifts... my friends and family spend more on BBQ accessories for me then than any time of year. There are tons of that stuff on the shelves in Wal-Mart and other big box stores, but not when THEY say its "out of season" and is replaced with holiday decorations and such! I wish there was a BBQ supply place near me like you are describing I could send them to! What I am saying, is you will actually have an advantage in the winter months as most of your other retailers don't carry that kind of inventory in the winter. Pick a couple top brands or lines to carry each of: smokers/grills (Treager, Weber, Masterbuilt, etc), electronics (Termoworks, ThermPro, BBQguru, etc. ), Check with Todd (A-Maze-n)