Permits, Licenses, and Profitability
An ice cream truck driver will likely need to acquire a handful of permits and licenses to run their business. Can the ice cream truck business be profitable? Successful ice cream trucks can make up to $1,000 a day on holidays. Drivers report average monthly incomes around $5,000. Buying a used truck costs $10,000-$20,000. Ideal weather and location allow the best chance to profit.
Music of the Ice Cream Trucks
The Role and Selection of Music
Why do ice cream trucks play music? Ice cream trucks play catchy, high-pitched tunes to attract customers. These nostalgic melodies signal the arrival of childhood treats.
What songs do ice cream trucks play? Popular ice cream truck songs include "The Entertainer," "Turkey in the Straw," and the Mister Softee jingle. Trucks often have a music box with multiple tunes, like "The March of the Toy Soldiers" and "The Phantom of the Opera."
Tradition and Nostalgia
The ice cream truck tradition started in the early 20th century. Vendors used bells and horns to announce their arrival, which evolved into the catchy tunes we know today. These melodies transport us back to carefree childhood days chasing the ice cream truck.
Music System Mechanics
How does the music system work? Most trucks have a "music box" device, usually from Nichols Electronics. This box stores and plays songs through the truck’s speakers and amplifiers. Songs like "The Entertainer" are popular partially because they are not copyrighted, avoiding legal issues.
Historical and Cultural Context
"The Wu-Tang Clan rapper teamed up with the ice cream brand that invented the ice cream truck. “Turkey in the Straw” is one of the most iconic ice cream truck jingles today. However, this familiar tune has racist roots. The music itself usually comes from a device called a music box. One of the most well-known music box companies is Nichols Electronics.