vehicle is that at the end of the term, your truck must be turned back in, and unless you plan to pay it off or can put together a lease agreement that has a purchasing option, you’ll basically have to shut down your business until you’re able to find a replacement truck.
Purchasing a new truck is what most start-up food truckers whom I’ve spoken with prefer. The high prices of buying new ($75,000 to $300,000) are their only source of hesitation. Being able to set up your truck the way you want with all the right kitchen equipment and options is very desirable. This scenario is similar to buying a new car: You don’t have to worry about how the last owner drove it or how they maintained the kitchen.
An additional advantage to buying new is the warranty. Be sure to ask salespeople about the warranties they offer and what each covers. Another question you should ask is whether the dealer supplies a loaner truck should issues arise that take your truck off the road. The longer you’re off the road, the longer you’ll need to rely on an alternative plan to sell your product.
Finally, if you decide to purchase from a dealer, be sure the asking price is fair. Research similarly equipped vehicles in similar condition. If you don’t have any skills in haggling, either learn how to haggle or take someone with you who can. In many cases, sellers are willing to accept offers as low as 15 percent off their asking price. Saving money on the front end can only help you in the long run.
❯❯ Nissan: www.nissancommercialvehicles.com
❯❯ Sprinter: www.sprintervansusa.com
If you can’t find a new truck with the proper equipment configuration, customizing a vehicle is an option. The main advantage, of course, is having the truck setup of your dreams (instead of having to deal with a poor kitchen layout or a kitchen that isn’t equipped for the style of cuisine you plan to sell), but this is by far the most expensive route and can take the most time before the truck is ready for delivery. Although most timing quotes are from four to six weeks, be sure to talk with the shop’s previous customers to see whether the seller followed through on his promises or whether it took much longer. Missing a proposed opening date because you received your truck one to three months late will make you look quite unprofessional. Reneging on timing can hurt any positive word of mouth you may have already received and can be very difficult to recover from.
Here are a few companies that can help you build the truck of your dreams (or at least get you started with one that will deliver your concept and cuisine):
❯❯ AA Catering Truck: www.aacatertruck.com
❯❯ Bens Carts: https://store.benscarts.com
❯❯ Creative Mobile Systems: www.cmssystem.com
❯❯ Cruising Kitchens: www.cruisingkitchens.com
❯❯ Food Cart USA: www.foodcartusa.com
❯❯ Northwest Mobile Kitchens: www.northwestmobilekitchens.com
❯❯ Prestige Food Trucks: www.prestigefoodtrucks.com
Buying a used vehicle is by far the most economical way to purchase your rolling kitchen (costs range from $15,000 to $99,000), but at the same time, it carries the most issues. If you decide to purchase a used truck, be sure to have a certified mechanic conduct an inspection. Your vehicle is the largest investment you’ll have when starting up your business; you can’t afford to purchase one that’s consistently in the shop. In addition, even if a vehicle meets the health department codes in one area, it may not meet them elsewhere. When you buy a truck, you’re responsible for bringing the vehicle up to all current standards of the cities you plan to be licensed in.
Check out the following for dealers that sell used vehicles:
❯❯ eBay: www.motors.ebay.com
❯❯ craigslist: www.craigslist.com
❯❯ Commercial Truck Trader: www.commercialtrucktrader.com
❯❯ Road Stoves: www.roadstoves.com
❯❯ Used Vending: www.usedvending.com
Naming Your Food Truck
Although your food truck’s name may not make or break your business, having the right name can have a huge influence on your success, especially in your business’s early stages. Coming up with a memorable name is one of the first steps in branding your mobile business, and a great name is the beginning of a great brand. Your food truck’s name should be memorable and create a certain feeling in those who hear it.
The name you choose is truly the first impression people have of your mobile business. If you’re