Mobile ice cream vending can provide a living income or grow to many trucks.
Hearing the musical tunes of the ice cream truck getting louder as it gets closer to the street brings magical memories to many adults. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average income of an ice cream truck business is about $18 and hour or $608 a week as of the date of publication. Owning a business gives the most flexibility in earned income potential. With a winning plan and a big smile, an ice cream truck business can be steady income or a budding franchise opportunity.
Local Market Demographics
Market research will determine the foundation of the business. The number of children, their ages and income by neighborhood census is vital to knowing slant the ice cream truck inventory. Catering treats to both adults and children does not prove to be cost efficient. Climate is also a factor. Not all areas are weather suited for full-time mobile ice cream businesses. This can make an ice cream vending truck a part-time endeavor.
Ice Cream Truck Licenses
Information on mandatory permits and licenses other than a driver's license to operate an ice cream truck business is available through local town halls or the chamber of commerce. Ice cream truck vendors tend to move through different neighborhoods, beaches or parks daily searching for high traffic areas. Be aware of any special permits needed for certain areas. At times, these vendor permits may be restricted or banned altogether due to traffic congestion concerns.
Truck Leasing and Buying Options
You can purchase and equip a used truck to sell packaged ice cream for about $5,000 as of the date of publication. To sell soft serve and other fancy items it can be up to seven times more costly. Although startup costs may seem low for owning a business truck, leasing may still be a better option depending on the situation. With truck leasing, you avoid a permanent commitment until you are sure the business will work out.
Authentic Personality Check
Income opportunity aside, to truly succeed in the ice cream truck business requires excellent people skills. For traditional mobile ice cream operations a genuine love and respect for children is mandatory or the business will not earn a profit. Children associate ice cream with joy, so a sour owner will keep them in the house. A high tolerance to hearing the same musical announcement is helpful or it will get old soon.
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