If you dream of owning and ice cream truck business, your first step should be to pull together an ice cream truck business plan. Do you plan to own, lease or rent a truck? Are you wondering where to find the cash to get started? Even those with a smart entrepreneurial spirit need a good business plan.
Ice Cream Truck Business Viability
As with any business, some ice cream vendors succeed and others fail. The difference can often be traced back to planning. Establishing a clear cut direction for your company by writing a business plan may prove to be the tool that makes the difference. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than 50 percent of small business don't make in the first year. The main reason for this failure rate is poor planning. The ice cream truck vending business is no different.
Financial Outlook for Ice Cream Truck Business
The ice cream truck business has the potential to be profitable with the right business plan. Here's why:
- Low overhead
- Low start-up costs
- Flexible hours, so you can work it as a second job while you establish your business route
- There are no big name competitors controlling the market
Ice Cream Truck
When writing your business plan, one major factor is your budget. Your budget should be designed to supply everything you need to open and run your ice cream truck business. In these days of high fuel costs, you'll want to shop around for the best vending truck you can get for your money. Perhaps, you may even want to look into renting a truck. Here are some of the features to consider when looking for a truck for your ice cream business:
- Gas mileage
- Freezer size
- Size of vehicle (These range anywhere from scooters to large box vans.)
Licensing
Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles to see what is required to obtain the operating license you'll need for your ice cream truck business. Requirements differ from one city and state to another. Other government agencies to contact for information include:
- Department of Consumer Affairs
- Health Department (As a food distributor, your truck will be inspected regularly.)
Resources for Ice Cream Truck Business Plan
The relationship between success and having a business plan are clear, but actually putting together a business plan stops many potential entrepreneurs in their tracks. There's no need for that. If you don't know where to start or how to write a business plan there are plenty of resources available to help you.
Business Plan Kit for Ice Cream Truck Vendors
For $97.00 you can order an ice cream truck business plan kit that comes with everything you need to write your business plan as well as a step-by-step guide to help you get your business started. It includes:
- Customized, detailed business plan
- Facts and figures in the ice cream industry
- Financial forms
- Income/Expense estimates
- Marketing and operations plan
- Research and analysis research
- Vital ratios and calculations
Ice Cream Truck Superstore
This online resource stocks everything you need for your ice cream vendor business. Quality ice cream truck accessories available include:
- Bells
- Bumper stickers
- Canopies
- Cold plate freezers
- Decorative signs
- Manual
- Music boxes
- Safety Equipment
- Safety stickers/signs
- Slushie/shaved ice
- Ice cream trucks
VendingTrucks.com
VendingTrucks.com also provides trucks and accessories for your ice cream truck business. You can even purchase a business plan from them. Items available through their site include:
- Bells
- Ice cream
- Novelty signs
- Ice cream truck toys
- Music box
- New ice cream trucks
- Safety lights
- Serving window and counter
- Stickers
- Used ice cream trucks
- Ice cream truck business plan
Success is Carefully Planned
No matter whether you plan to buy or rent an ice cream truck to get your business started, the key to success is a carefully planned, well-executed business plan. Don't rush into your ice cream business without one, because statistics prove that having a well-written business plan significantly improves your chances of success.
