If you are looking for a convenient yet lucrative way to earn extra money, then selling ice cream is always a great idea. Ice cream carts have been a common sight ever since the dessert first gained popularity in the early 20th century. These days, the market is greater than ever, thanks to increased demand for convenience foods and the introduction of many new flavors. In fact, the United States Market reached $1.7 billion by 2020 and rose to $1.8 million within a year. As of right now, it is projected to rise 4.12% by 2027.
Fortunately, you do not have to purchase a large truck to run a successful ice cream cart business. Small carts such as ice cream bikes are easier to buy, maintain, and can be transported to even more locations, making them perfect for local events such as fairs, festivals, and outdoor games. Here, we will give you all the basics for starting your very own ice cream cart business, from selecting your target market to purchasing your cart.
The Basics of Running Your Business
Before taking those first steps, make a list of everything you will need to get your business going. All of this should be done in the following order.
1. Know All the Basics
First, you will have to see what the market is like in your area. Your ideal place should be a neighborhood with lots of families, students, and places such as schools, parks, and playgrounds. In fact, convenience food is becoming more popular among millennials and Gen Z. If there is a large enough population of people under age 40, then you are already on the right track.
Also, check how many local outdoor events happen throughout the year. Obviously, late spring through early autumn will be your best selling period, so monitor what goes on during those months. Small sporting events, street fairs, and busy weekends in the park are sure to bring in plenty of business.
2. Business Plan and Budget
Once you know for sure that you have a market, create a fully drawn-out business plan. Determine where you should sell, set up each week’s schedule, and create monthly goals for the business. Moreover, most importantly, set up a strict budget for all aspects and items such as:
- Permits
- Licensing
- Equipment
- Inventory
- Marketing
- Travel Expenses
No matter what kind of business you run, always plan out your complete budget first. Once you figure out how much everything costs, it will be easier to set a price for your products or services.
3. Take Care of All Legal Work
It does not matter if you own a small cart or a restaurant chain with multiple locations. Anyone running a food or beverage business needs to fulfill a set of legal requirements first. Depending on which state you reside in, you will need any combination of the following:
- Health permit
- Vendor’s permit
- Food handling permits
- Business license
Contact your local health department and ask what the local and state requirements are. You will learn if you need separate storage space for your products and equipment. Then reach out to a third-party company, or an attorney, to start obtaining your business license. We also recommend getting insurance to cover any potential accidents or property loss. Before officially starting, look for a company that can give you a substantial enough plan that is also inexpensive.
4. Pick Your Products
Next, decide what kind of ice cream you want to sell and where to buy it. You can choose between prepackaged servings, soft serve, or scoops. We are all for prepackaged bars and cups as they are a lot easier to keep track of. Yet no matter which ones you choose, they all should be relatively easy to find. If you are having trouble locating a good vendor, then you still can get plenty of inventory from your local supermarket or a superstore such as Costco. Just remember to save all those receipts for when tax season comes around.
5. Market Yourself
Once you have got everything settled, it is finally time to set about promoting your business. Based on your starting budget and location, you can do this in several different ways.
- Host a neighborhood party with friends and family.
- Engage in local events to gain more attention.
- Utilize local news stations and advertising platforms.
- Create interactive social media campaigns.
Whichever one you choose, make sure you allow plenty of time throughout each month for marketing. As business increases, you can even bring on an extra team member to take care of this aspect while you just focus on selling.
Where to Purchase an Ice Cream Cart
Finding the right ice cream cart makes all the difference in the world. However, finding the right one is challenging if you do not know where to look. Go for either a bike or a trailer that you can attach, as they are easier to transport and do not require any gas. When you are just starting, your best option would be to find a used ice cream cart for sale nearby. As long as it is clean and still operational, you can use it until you can afford new equipment.
Another good option is to look for reputable manufacturers, such as Ferla Bikes, that create models specifically for the mobile food industry. These ice cream tricycles are outfitted with a fully functioning freezer, a protective canopy, and electric assist to make them easier to pedal. Also, as an added perk, you can pay them off in monthly increments to help you out in the beginning.
