What do you call an ice cream truck driver that moves so slowly? A SUNDAE driver! Well, that’s understandable since an ice cream truck doesn’t have to go so fast to make money.
Ice cream trucks make money by retailing to the general public, partnering with event/party planners, renting out the truck unit, having a variety of ice cream offerings, and choosing the right marketing strategy.
In this piece, I’ll go through the many ways ice cream trucks generate money in depth. So, keep reading.
Retailing to the General Public
Ice cream on wheels can effortlessly sell to a large number of customers. That’s because it can go to places where people flock together, such as parks and beaches. And the more people ice cream trucks reach, the more money they make.
Ice cream trucks typically sell more in parks, parties, schools, and stadiums on college campuses. However, there are some areas where ice cream trucks are not permitted to park, such as near fire hydrants, bus stations, and pedestrian crossings.
That’s why if you are planning to start an ice cream truck business, you have to plan your route thoroughly. You can follow these tips:
- Check to be sure you’re not poaching on a route currently established by another ice cream truck.
- Conduct the necessary research to ensure that you can locate a profitable and legal approach in your area.
- Consider starting your food truck around the start of summer to reach the widest potential customers.
- Consider making your ice cream truck accessible for local events.
Partnering with Event/Party Planners
Collaboration with event/party planners is another effective way for ice cream trucks to make revenue. This way, anytime there is a party or event, ice cream trucks may be easily contacted and booked.
This allows ice cream trucks to reach more consumers and sell more ice cream. It also helps to market the business by raising brand recognition and creating the impression that the brand is collaborative.
So, if you are planning to start an ice cream truck business, consider to network with event planners. It will help you sell more ice cream and promote your brand.
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Renting Out the Truck Unit
Ice cream truck owners also generate revenue from leasing their trucks and equipment. This strategy is ideal for those who have more than one ice cream truck. They can target folks who wish to start the same business but lack the essential truck and equipment.
Ice cream trucks can also be used for catering purposes. According to an article, the ice cream truck rental for catering costs around $800 on average. This works out to $8 per person, with a minimum of 100 diners for every two hours of catering.
For your reference, you can check these successful ice cream truck rental brands:
Having a Variety of Ice Cream Offerings
Another way for ice cream trucks to make money is to sell a variety of flavors. It is also the best way to attract more customers.
The menu of an ice cream truck may change depending on the operator’s preferences, customer tastes, and market research. For example, if the brand of your ice cream truck is healthier ice cream, you should provide healthier variations such as vegan ice cream.
Ice cream trucks usually sell prepackaged ice cream and these are some classic treats they offer:
- Ice Cream Sandwich
- Firecracker
- Choco Taco
- Push Ups
- Fudgsicle
Aside from ice cream novelty, ice cream trucks can also sell soft serve. Since it’s a well-liked dessert and known as American Ice Cream in some areas of Europe, including it on the menu can help rake in sales.
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Choosing the Right Marketing Strategy
This is the most practical approach for ice cream trucks to increase their revenue. It will also help ice cream truck operators in improving their overall performance. For example, improving customer service to ensure that patrons will return is a strategy that can improve both sales and business operations.
According to an article, 76% of internet users use social media to conduct product research. That’s why social media marketing is one of the best strategies for ice cream trucks. It can make it easier for customers to locate an ice cream truck and learn about its offerings.
Here are some additional marketing strategies for ice cream trucks:
- Collaborating with pubs or eateries.
- Using food truck applications such as Roaming Hunger.
- Creating a website with website tools such as WordPress.
- Post your truck’s schedule, route, and offerings on social media channels on a daily basis.
Conclusion
All in all, ice cream trucks do these to make money:
- Retailing to the General Public – Going to places where people congregate such as parks and beaches.
- Partnering with Event/Party Planners – Collaborating with an event/party planner to sell more ice cream and increase brand awareness.
- Renting out the Truck Unit – Make the ice cream trucks available for catering and for new business owners to rent.
- Having a Variety of Ice Cream Offerings – Offering a range of ice cream flavors based on market research, consumer preferences, and the operator’s preferences.
- Choosing the Right Marketing Strategy – Utilizing the best marketing strategies such as social media marketing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
These are the 10 ice cream truck classics 1) Fla-Vor-Ice Freeze Pops, 2) Push-Ups, 3) Snow Cone, 4) Firecracker, 5) Screwball, 6) Strawberry Shortcake Bar, 7) Crunch Bar, 8) Oreo Ice Cream Sandwich, 9) King Cone, and 10) The Choco Taco.
As of November 2022, the average yearly salary for Ice Cream Truck employment in California is $35,345 per year. That comes out to about $16.99 per hour, which equates to $679 per week or $2,945 per month.
To learn more on how to start your own ice cream/gelato business check out my startup documents here
This blog post is provided for informational purposes only. The information contained is not intended to constitute legal advice or to substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney.
Hi! I am Shawn and I am a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online ice cream/gelato business resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a ice cream/gelato business owner, I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to retain clients, find good employees and keep the business growing all while trying to stay competitive.
That’s why I created Ice Cream Business Boss: I want to help ice cream and gelato business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.