On average, you can make between $2,500 and $4,000 per month from selling ice cream from an ice cream truck. This number rises to more than $5,000 a month if you work every day. Mobile ice cream vendors bring in an average of $200 to $300 in gross sales per day during the summer. Ice cream offers probably the best profit margins in catering. You have to also pay for the cone, petrol, running of the van, tax and wages out of that, but compared to most catering businesses – this is a very tidy margin.
Look into purchasing a used ice cream truck that has freezers installed. Used trucks are available for around $10,000-$20,000. Operating expenses include gas and car maintenance, among many other things. Setting up an ice cream truck business means you need to purchase the necessary inventory in addition to any toppings, cones, cups, or other supplies.
It also takes a lot of creativity to keep coming up with ways to make money with your ice cream truck. Think beyond the classic ice cream cone and consider offering vegan, gluten-free, and low-sugar options.
Top Five Ways to Make Money with an Ice Cream Truck:
- Offer unique and high-quality ice cream flavors
- Provide great customer service
- Use eye-catching truck designs and music
- Strategically place your truck in high foot traffic areas
- Offer promotions and loyalty programs
Regulatory Considerations
The ice cream truck rule is a regulation that limits the amount of time an ice cream truck can stop or park on a public roadway to prevent them from becoming a nuisance.
Ice cream trucks make around $5000 in a month. After deducting monthly expenses, the average monthly profit can be anywhere between $2,500 to $3,500.
While the national average for gas prices is still below $3.00 per gallon, rising gas prices could affect profits.
Another means of making money as an ice cream truck operator is to partner with event or party planners.
These mobile businesses rely on attracting customers in high-traffic areas, such as parks, beaches, and residential neighborhoods. By strategically positioning themselves in areas with a high demand for frozen treats, ice cream trucks can maximize their sales potential.
A survey found that the average income of an ice cream truck is $200 to $300 per day in the summertime. This translates to around $5,000 per month when working 20 days per month.
Ice cream trucks have low fixed and startup costs allowing quick profits without specialized knowledge.
Buying a used ice cream truck costs between $10,000 and $20,000. Skills like vendor experience and business/management knowledge can help.
There are state and local laws regulating ice cream trucks, like requiring special permits and following food safety rules in the UK, an ice cream shop would fall under use class A3, which covers restaurants and cafes.
For those starting an ice cream truck business, you need proper licenses, permits, and insurance. It’s crucial to have a solid business plan before beginning.