How to Start a Food Truck?

 

Many entrepreneurial people love food but cannot afford to start a brick-and-mortar restaurant. However, they can kick start with a food truck business. It is economical and sounds fancy because you can move around the globe with free will.

A food truck comprises a large vehicle with a kitchen for making and serving food. Countries like the United States seem to follow this trend across the globe. Moreover, many entrepreneurs prefer a food truck because purchasing a restaurant is out of their budget.

You need to know here about the little details like costs, funding options, and other things before you forge ahead of the food truck business.

Food truck startup costs:

Several factors go into determining the startup expenses for a food truck business. Some prices vary location along with one-time cost plans.

One-time startup expenses include buying a truck, point-of-sale or a register, website design, a truck wrap, advertising, office supplies, PR, and any legal, professional, or consultation fee. It gives potential food truck owners an idea of some significant expenses; however, this list is not comprehensive yet.

Then comes recurring costs like equipment rental, payroll, fuel, and credit card processing. Every food truck business needs a license and proper permit, depending on its location.

The expense of starting a food truck business differs according to the situation, cost range, and other particular things to get the company off the ground.

According to the Food Truck Empire, these are some additional startup costs that you can expect while launching a food truck business, including:

•       Insurance:$2,000 to $4,000 per year
•       Initial product inventory:$1,000 to $2,000
•       Payment processing:$200 to $1,000
•       Commissary fees:$400 to $1,200
•       Permits and licenses:$100 to $500

Options for food truck funding:

One of the biggest challenges you will face while starting a food truck business is to acquire funding. It would be best if you started with a solid business plan, and for this, you require good personal and business credit to increase the chance of getting a business loan.

However, more creative ways exist to get funding for your new food truck business. Anyhow, there are some ways to start your business with lesser funding.

1. Henceforth, communication is the key; ask someone who already has a food truck and negotiate a rental or lease agreement.
2. Start with a low budget with a used trailer or cart.
3. Start selling at a fair booth, farmer’s market, or a pop-up.
4. Ask for tips from a successful hotel owner regarding running a food truck related to the business.
5. Look out for the sponsors if your truck idea has a public service or can benefit the community.
6. You can also qualify for an advance loan if you already have a payment processor.

Make a food truck business plan:

Every truck owner must make and maintain a business plan which should be the first concrete step you take while you make up your mind regarding starting the food truck business. Your business plan must include the following elements:

1. An executive memory is an introduction to your business and must provide an overview of your business plan.
2. Company description: This part must explain who you are and your company.
3. Market analysis: according to this, define who your target customers are and what their needs are.
4. Management and organization: this section will explain how your business must be organized as a legal business entity.
5. Product or service line: your first product is the food you serve for a food truck business.
6. Sales and marketing: expound your marketing strategies and explain how to plan to spread the word about your business by identifying all the marketing platforms.
7. Funding requests: this part has the requirements for food truck business owners seeking business funds etc.
8. Financial projections: especially for a new business without any economic history, it can be difficult to detail financial projections and calculate the money spent on the market in the coming years.
9. Appendix: although not every business demands a postscript, it is a better place to add extra information that adds worth.

How to find food trucks for sale?

There are specific resources out there with which you can easily find a food truck for sale.

1. Local online classifieds: used trucks are cheaper.
2. National online classifieds: get as many details as possible
3. New custom trucks: this is an expensive option
4. Leasing and franchising: you can avail of local trucks.

However, some other places can help you to hunt your food truck, such as:

1. Roaming hunger
2. Used vending
3. Food truck empire