Ask questions about how she set up her food truck. See if she experienced any setbacks that could have been prevented with preparation or can suggest ways to cut startup and operations costs. [4] X Research source
What are the physical demands? Operating a food truck will probably require that you spend long hours standing on your feet. [5] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Are there emotional demands? Running a successful business can put a lot of emotional stress on you between trying to succeed and make money as well as the time it may take away from loved ones. [6] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Does the business fit your personality? Owning a food truck means you rely on the public to support your business. Customer service is going to be a big part of your job and if you enjoy working with and interacting with others, this could be a great choice for you. [7] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source How much will I make? The average salary for food service managers, which includes operating a restaurant, is $48,560 annually. [8] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source This amount may differ according to your location and products. Be aware that it may take a while to make a profit because of considerable start-up costs. [9] X Research source
Ask around to find out which food trucks do the most business in order to get an idea of the types of food that potential patrons may find appealing. [11] X Research source Speculate on what types of food trucks may do well even though they do not currently exist within your municipality. For instance, if cupcake trucks do well in your area but no one has tried other dessert trucks, you could experiment with a specialty-dessert truck. Consider having a taste test before finalizing your concept. Anonymous surveys and taste tests can help determine whether or not there is any interest in your truck.
Contact the Small Business Administration, which can help smaller companies get started, with any questions. [13] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source Consult with local authorities. Setting up a legal business entity can reduce your personal liability if problems with your truck ever come up. [14] X Research source Register your food truck business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or other tax authorities. Retain a local lawyer and accountant to help you handle the legal and financial sides of your business, from registering with authorities and the IRS to budgeting.
Write out the goals and objectives for your truck, what financing you have and need, any marketing strategies, and how you will implement your business plan. [16] X Research source Give a brief executive summary that clearly tells your potential investors what you want. [17] X Research source Be as detailed in your plan as possible, but remember to allow for some flexibility based on suggestions. List any owner and employee responsibilities, and your route plan. Compose a preliminary menu and prices, which will force you to focus on one concept. [18] X Research source Finally, tabulate any costs for permits, supplies and payroll. [19] X Research source
Obtain permits for the truck to park, which often requires additional zoning permits. [21] X Research source Your route plan can help you get your zoning permits. Contact your local health department with your plan. Apply for a health permit and licenses to operate as a mobile food unit. [22] X Research source The health department can generally give you all of the information you need to get started and operate. [23] X Research source Requirements for licenses and permits vary from state to state, but in general, you will probably need: proof of ownership, license for the vehicle, proof of food manager identification, food purchase record storage and record-keeping, that your service support facility meets your food truck’s operation needs and a copy of the facility’s license and recent inspection report. [24] X Research source Contact the Small Business Administration with questions in addition to local authorities. [25] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source
Be aware that cost of insurance can vary depending on the company that insures you, but it should not be much higher than regular vehicle insurance. [27] X Research source Let the underwriter know about any risks your food truck might present. For instance, if you plan to store propane tanks on the truck, your insurance underwriter can incorporate this into your policy. [28] X Research source
Check with local authorities about construction requirements for food trucks, as they vary from state to state. [31] X Research source Shop around for the best deal. The exact cost will depend on the condition of the truck and how much equipment it already. Consider buying or renting a used food truck to save money. Before you make the final decision to buy such truck, ask a mechanic to check it out as there might be issues that you cannot see. You will need sufficient space for your kitchen, supplies, and serving customers. [32] X Research source
Get basic storage supplies including a refrigerator, freezer, and cupboards for ingredients and utensils. Buy basic preparation and cooking supplies such as an oven, fryer, countertops, cutting boards, and utensils like plates and silverware. Consider renting commercial kitchen space if you want to prepare the food off-site. [33] X Research source If you can find an affordable kitchen to rent and a cheap, basic truck, this might be more cost-effective.
Call multiple vendors and discuss your food truck. Ask the vendor questions about quality and pricing. Check the vendor’s references. Find out their current customers and if those restaurants or food trucks are satisfied with the vendor’s performance. Make sure that the quality of the product is good, as well as the quality of the service. Verify that any meat, dairy, or perishable food items are shipped in a timely and sanitary manner. Ask to see health inspection reports and permits. Limit your vendors. Keeping track of a large quantity of invoices can bog down your business. Consider sticking with a couple of key vendors for your needs. Negotiate any aspect of the contract you like such as delivery schedule and payment.
Shop at retail warehouses that sell food in large quantities. Be aware that the supply of fresh food is limited through warehouses, however. Consider buying in bulk from a catalog. Bulk food catalogs buy food from vendors and producers before turning around and selling that food to businesses or consumers. However, it may be difficult to get fresh, perishable food through a catalog.
Check with your local authorities about specific regulations and procedures for parking your truck. Check that your depot or commissary offers power to store the truck overnight, fresh water, and a place to fill up your propane. [35] X Research source
Offer several different dishes that you cook and sell well. [37] X Research source Make sure your food matches the time of day that you’re selling. For example, ribs probably won’t work in the morning. [38] X Research source Make sure your foods can be easily carried around. [39] X Research source Think about foods that are cost-effective. [40] X Research source
Figure out range of prices and then set a final price once you’ve had a chance to research what other trucks charge for similar dishes and calculated your own costs. Gauge your prices are commensurate with similar trucks in your local area.
Open separate bank accounts for your business and personal finances. [42] X Research source Have separate credit lines for your business and yourself. [43] X Research source Keep your pricing and billing transparent for customers and vendors.
Interview people and make sure they have some experience with food trucks. Make sure the potential employees have any necessary food preparation licenses, certificates, and permits.
Paint your truck with your name and logo. This can attract potential customers. Use an ad agency or design your own ads and website by researching other food trucks. Keep your brand simple, distinctive, and attractive to your customers. Make sure your ads complement your brand. Use similar color and design schemes that match the painting job on your truck. Attract customers through referrals and maintaining strong business relationships with your clients. Set up an active presence on social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter. [46] X Research source Use these sites to announce deals and offers that can attract customers. Consider placing an advertisement in the newspaper or in bulletins and other local publications. You can also post advertisements on an online classifieds website. Put flyers up on community bulletin boards, often located in libraries and coffee shops. Partner with other businesses or trucks. Talk to local businesses about displaying your menu in exchange for referring them to your clients or displaying their business cards. Get involved in community activities, which is a type of free marketing. Donate food or make a contribution to a charity to get your truck’s name out in the public.
Be flexible without changing your entire concept. For example, if you sell gourmet cupcakes but you find customers turning away because you do not have traditional flavors, compromise by having a selection of traditional and gourmet flavors. Ask customers what they like and why they like it. Chatting with your customers can bring a lot to your business. Hang up a suggestion box on the side of the truck and check it daily.
