Ice Cream Truck Business - Worth It?

[tjrockcrawler]

I stopped to get gas today and I picked up a frozen snickers bar. While browsing the ice cream; before selecting Snickers, I started to think back to my childhood. The hot summers, running in the sprinkler, going down the slip-n-slide then stopping dead in my tracks when I heard the jingle of the approaching ice cream truck.

I think it would be so cool to have an Ice Cream truck. I like ice cream. I like kids. Especially kids whose parents have the disposable income. :cool:

Seriously, what are your thoughts about starting an ice cream truck business in todays economic landscape?

[Adurbin]

I can soooo see you driving an ice cream truck. But you have to have the white uniform and 1960s wedge hat

[Gubni]

If you want to do it for fun, then yes I think it would be great, but I'm not sure how much profit you can make.

[jham]

Put a spin on the truck so that "todays" kids will think its "wicked". A boring ice cream truck with a bell might not attract todays kids that are used to much more. But an ice cream truck with flare and style is a different story. If you want to make a little money, you will want it to be the cool thing to do to come buy from you. This is also a great excuse to lift an ice cream truck, lol.

[scubawinger]

I saw an ice cream truck in jonesborough today



I agree with all of the above

[Hadfield4WD]

I know where you can get one. I think he was asking $1500. I bet you could get it for $1000. It's a 4x4 ambulance van converted to an ice cream truck. Side window and all.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k51/hadfield4wd/Tow%20rigs/icecreamvan2.jpg

I would have bought it for a tow rig had it not been for the window.

[Gordon]

From a business perspective, I think that it would prove to be a money pit. It isn't just a truck and the goods - it's insurance, fuel, upkeep, and time. Lots of $1 ice cream would need to be sold. Plus, if it really was a money maker, the big boys would already be doing it.

[Thumpszilla]

there is one that runs in Greeneville and the only thing you can get for a buck is a look at the ice cream. most ice creams were $2.50 up to about $4. But even at those prices I agree with Gordon major money pit.

[Horton]

i had one for a few years...if you have alot of big apartment complexes you make some bucks...just drive around in the complex and then on to the next...if you do the street thing you will be doing good to break even

[tjrockcrawler]

You all have given me some great feedback and plenty to think about. I don't think the world is ready for an ice cream truck on 50's.....yet. ;)

[Jeep07]

Your thinking all wrong. An ice cream truck on 37's and take it to harlan on the hot days when people are broken down.. they will buy lots :)

[SamuraiGuyTN]

I've seen a few ice cream companies up close, and they always seem like they are barely getting by.

I think the idea of selling at off road events is a great idea. could tow your jeep too. ALong with that you could advertise on the side of your rig while you wheel.

[SamuraiGuyTN]

http://blogs.abc.net.au/photos/uncategorized/2009/02/08/melted_ice_cream_truck.jpg

http://www.northrup.org/Photos/athol/low/jeep-ice-cream-truck.jpg

[MudHunter]

We have a truck that runs our neighborhood on saturdays. Never purchased anything because we had no kids old enough to enjoy it. Just last weekend out 17mo old had a fit over the truck with the music playing! Maybe we'll stip him next time round???