Starting an ice cream truck or cart business is one way to sell ice cream on the street. It is a wise decision because you can always move if one location is not bringing in enough money. It’s very convenient for your customers because you can be almost anywhere to give them a cold, tasty treat when they need it.
To start selling ice cream on the street, you must choose between an ice cream truck or a cart as your business, decide whether you want to franchise or be independent, choose your location, obtain the license requirements for your business, and decide what type of ice cream you will sell.
Continue reading to learn more about selling ice cream on the street if you are considering doing so as a business.
Choose between an ice cream truck or a cart
There is no “correct” answer when deciding between a truck or a cart; it all depends on your objectives.
Ice cream truck – An ice cream truck gives you the most mobility. Anywhere you can drive your truck, you can serve ice cream. Additionally, it gives you the option of purchasing more advanced equipment and perhaps including additional goods that you can sell, like recently made waffle cones.
The two biggest drawbacks are that sometimes you can’t access certain places, like a boardwalk, and it might be more expensive to purchase and maintain a truck.
Ice cream carts – These have the lowest startup costs, are the simplest to use, and require the least upkeep. Most of the time, you make or purchase your ice cream in advance and store it in a freezer box that you can move around.
To get it there, you might need a truck, but once you get there, you’ll have more freedom to move around. Ice cream carts are typically found at events like fairs, carnivals, and festivals.
Decide if you will franchise or be independent
You must determine which business format is best for your situation. One of the most significant benefits of investing in an ice cream truck franchise is that you are stepping into the shoes of an already established and/or successful business.
Meanwhile, the main benefit of being independent is that you can set your own rules and are not subject to anyone else’s rules. Additionally, your initial costs are lower, but there isn’t much consumer familiarity with your brand. Simply put, you will need to put in more effort at first.
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Decide on your location
Because your business has no permanent location, you must always be on the lookout for a good spot to set up for the day. When choosing a location, consider whether or not other ice cream trucks or carts are already competing for customers, as well as the peak hours for customers in that area.
Office parks, shopping malls, sports venues, festivals, beaches, college campuses, and business districts are all examples of proven locations.
Obtain license requirements for your business
All businesses require licenses to operate legally. Mobile ice cream businesses must also obtain licenses from all cities and counties in which they operate. For example, you should check with your city hall to ensure that the area where you will be selling is zoned for food vending.
A zoning permit is not required if you will be staying in one location for less than 10 minutes. Furthermore, ensure that you are adhering to all health code requirements, such as keeping food at the proper temperature and minimizing the amount of product handling.
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Decide what type of ice cream you will sell
Prepackaged ice cream, also referred to as novelties, is the simplest kind to sell. It eases inventory management concerns and lowers concerns about food handling. However, your earning potential is higher if you sell soft serve or scooped ice cream.
Additionally, there are more ice cream flavors and ice cream creations you can sell. For instance, you could create custom ice cream sandwiches where the cookie and ice cream choices are both up to the customer.
Conclusion
To start selling ice cream on the street, you must choose between an ice cream truck or a cart as your business, decide whether you want to franchise or be independent, choose your location, obtain the license requirements for your business, and decide what type of ice cream you will sell. It takes a lot of work to start selling ice cream on the street, but if you do it right, it’s not only rewarding but also a lot of fun.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A health permit, a food handling permit, an ice cream vendor permit, a business license, and insurance are usually required. A criminal background check will also be required before the permits can be issued.
Generally speaking, you can’t just sell ice cream anywhere. Check the terms of your ice cream truck permit to see if there are any limitations. Be aware that some councils prohibit ice cream vehicles from operating in specific areas, such as those near playgrounds or schools.
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.