Ice Cream Cart Business
Ice cream cart businesses make money by selling a variety of frozen treats such as ice cream, sorbet, gelato, frozen yogurt, and popsicles. They also make money by selling a range of toppings and cold beverages to complement the frozen treats.
Startup Costs and Profits
An ice cream cart is a non-motorized vehicle run on wheels that moves from corner to corner in a town to sell ice cream. While ice cream shops can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase, carts are much more affordable to buy at about $2,000 each. Even though carts have lower start-up costs, making sales requires a plan.
An ice cream truck is a profitable investment. You can make $200 to $300 per day. Monthly earnings average $5,000. However, costs include $1,800 for food and fuel daily.
Operating an Ice Cream Business
Small carts such as ice cream bikes are easier to maintain and transport, making them perfect for local events. You’ll usually make more on pre-packed novelty ice creams than soft-serve because they’re cheaper to buy and there’s less waste.
It’s possible to operate an ice cream cart selling only pre-packaged items. This saves on preparation, hiring, and cleanup. You can also do business in multiple locations.