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How to Start a Food Truck Business 1-2-3



What are some of the benefits to starting a food truck or lunch truck business? You don't need previous food truck experience and the start-up cost is low. This type of operation is virtually recession-proof, so this also minimizes start-up risk.

In addition to the start-up benefits, many entrepreneurs start a catering truck business for the freedom that it offers. Business owners can typically choose the hours they work and even where they operate. With all this - food trucks also provide a high profit potential.

If you have a background working in the food industry, or have a popular family recipe that always pleases a crowd, you'll have an advantage going into this field.

What is the Downside?

All that said, the mobile vending business can be tricky. Whereas a traditional restaurant has an interior space where they can sell through an atmosphere they can control - food trucks don't have that. They have to create an amazing customer experience through their product and service alone. It means paying more attention to things like food presentation, convenience and staff friendliness (things you can control).

And just because a food truck is cheaper to start and operate than a brick-and-mortar restaurant, it doesn't mean you can't be concerned about costs. It's important to be aware of areas in your business that may be wasteful, and do cost-cutting accordingly. The more wiggle-room you give your business as far as profit margins - the better off you'll be when times get tough.

Mobile Vending License and Permits

License and permit requirements vary by city. In some cities, a vendor needs a mobile food vendor license and the vehicle needs a mobile food vending unit permit. Some cities put a cap on the number of permits given out at one time, so it's important to contact your local city office before you start purchasing equipment and supplies.

Food Trucks & Equipment

The smaller the truck, the less the cost. If you are on a budget, consider a smaller truck, a used vehicle or even a cart to get started. You can find food trucks for sale at Vendingtrucks.com and used vehicles at Cateringtruck.com/used.html.

Does your city require that the vending truck be stored in a special facility? Where can you legally park your vehicle? These are all questions you want to ask your local city office.

Mission Restaurant Supply is a huge resource for restaurant supplies, catering equipment and concession supplies. They let customers rate their products, which is helpful for shoppers, and they also give "web special" pricing.

How to Accept Payments from CustomersAccept Credit Cards with Intuit's GoPayment

Intuit GoPayment is a cheap and easy way for food vendors to accept credit card payments from customers. You don't need to buy any fancy equipment - in fact you can accept payments using your iPhone, iPad or Android.

Intuit provides you with a free card reader, which you attach to your wireless device. A small fee is charged each time a credit card is swiped. This means that you don't have to spend lots of money to get started - and you can start attracting more customers right away who don't have cash on hand.

Lunch Truck Business Plan

Lunch Truck Business PlanThe first step to starting a lunch truck business is putting together a plan because you then have a step-by-step outline to follow as you grow your food service.

As useful as a business plan is (especially at obtaining funding and partnerships), putting together a business plan can be time coming and expensive. However, there is a simple, low cost solution.

This business plan template is specifically for starting a lunch truck business. The fill-in-the-blank format makes the business planning process much easier. Here is a downloadable version.

 

Food Truck Business Tips from Mike Carter @ LearnCatering.com

Mike Carter has owned and operated numerous catering truck businesses of his own. Actually, Mike attributes his own success to advice he received from other food truck operators - already earning $100,000-$200,000 a year.

With his knowledge and experience, he stuck everything into a condensed start-up guide for people wanting to start their own food truck businesses. Visit the LearnCatering website and click on "Start a Food Truck Business".

He shares...

  • Step-by-Step: How and where to get financing, insurance, licenses, permits, mobile catering units and more
  • Insider Tips: Secrets to passing food inspections, how to find profitable "hot spot" selling locations, how to get access to events, what are the best foods to sell and more
  • Getting Lots of Customers: How to actually sell more by increasing prices, how to duplicate your operation and virtually double profits - plus a 10-step action plan

Not sure you can start your own food truck business? Misa and Jennifer started their own Vietnamese food truck business when they were just 25 and 26 years old. After 2 years in business, they had already grown their business to 15 employees and 2 trucks!

Marketing Your Food Truck Business

Many food trucks have been successful using social media to advertise daily specials or their location throughout the day. This is great news, because it's free, it's easy and it's instant.

Food trucks are also needed at community events, festivals, concerts, farmers markets, parties and corporate functions. When you're getting started, make yourself available for these events where you can connect with more customers and get the word about your business. Besides being profitable money-making opportunities, this can be another form of free advertising as well.

Food Truck Business Resources: 

2013 Home Business Start-up Checklist!

Home Business Start-up ChecklistGet the complete checklist free! Follow step-by-step ...from choosing your niche to bringing in customers.

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