How to Start an Ice Cream Van Business

How to Start an Ice Cream Van Business

The profit margins in How to Start an Ice Cream Van Business can reach a staggering 99%. You could sell between 400-600 ice creams when the sun shines bright. This classic mobile business still draws entrepreneurs even though fewer than 5,000 ice cream vans operate in the UK today. Source 

Your journey into the ice cream van business needs solid planning and industry knowledge. The right ice cream van could cost anywhere from £20,000 used to £85,000 new. You’ll need to get your ice cream van license and create a detailed business plan – these are vital steps to think about. The business’s cost structure shows promising numbers. Just 12 liters of soft-serve, priced at £15-£18, can produce over 900 ice creams. See ice cream vans for sale

This piece walks you through each step to launch your ice cream van business. We cover everything from picking the perfect vehicle to understanding regulations and boosting profits across seasons. The mobile ice cream industry offers great potential for anyone looking at a summer side hustle or a full-time business venture. Our guide helps you create your path to sweet success.

Step 1: Plan Your Ice Cream Van Business

Your ice cream van business’s success starts with solid planning. You need a clear vision of how your mobile ice cream enterprise will work before you buy equipment or apply for licenses. This vital first step will determine everything from how much you invest to who your customers might be.

Decide your business model and location

Let’s start with a vital decision – choosing your business model. Industry experts suggest several approaches:

• Street trading model: Driving through neighborhoods playing your chime
• Events-focused model: Attending festivals, fairs, and private functions
• Fixed location model: Operating from a permanent pitch on private land
• Seasonal vs. year-round operation: Determining your operating schedule

Your choice of business model shapes how much money you can make. To cite an instance, see events – they might charge pitch fees but give you lots of customers in one place. Street trading gives you more freedom but needs regular routes to keep customers coming back.

Picking the right location matters just as much to your ice cream van business plan. The spots that make the most money usually include:

• Busy shopping centers with lots of people walking by
• Tourist spots where visitors want something cool and refreshing
• Parks full of families, especially in warm weather
• Schools and universities (at the right times)
• Areas where lots of families live

Good locations need  How to Start an Ice Cream Van Business plenty of foot traffic and easy visibility. Look at your competition too – it’s harder to succeed in areas that already have many ice cream vendors. You might find better opportunities in neighborhoods that don’t have many vendors or where your unique treats can really shine.

Choose between van, trike, or trailer

Your choice of vehicle will be your biggest original investment and most important business asset. Each option comes with different costs and features:

• Traditional ice cream van: A new one costs about £60,000, while a five-year-old model runs around £15,000. These vans give you the most storage, room for equipment, and protection from weather.
• Ice cream trailer: Usually costs around £17,000. Trailers strike a nice balance between space and mobility, but you’ll need another vehicle to pull them.
• Ice cream trike/cart: Prices start at about £3,000. These budget-friendly options work great in crowded spaces but don’t hold much and can’t travel far.

Think about these points when you choose:

1. How much money you have to spend
2. Where you plan to operate (some places don’t allow bigger vehicles)
3. How much storage you need for different products
4. Whether you’ll sell soft-serve (which needs more equipment) or pre-packaged items

Identify your target customers and events

Ice cream vans attract more than just kids these days How to Start an Ice Cream Van Business. Knowing who might buy from you helps you plan your menu and marketing:

Families with children still make up your main market. You’ll want to park near playgrounds, parks, and family events to reach them.

Tourists love treats while they’re on holiday. Tourist attractions, beaches, and vacation spots offer great selling opportunities.

College students and young adults can be steady customers, especially near campuses and popular hangout areas.

Corporate events bring reliable income. Many businesses book ice cream vans for staff appreciation days, and business parks across the UK hire vendors to thank their tenant companies.

Schools often want ice cream vans for end-of-term parties, sports days, and student rewards.

To make money all year round, you might:

1. Build relationships with event planners for regular bookings
2. Create special deals for business clients
3. Run seasonal promotions during holidays and local events
4. Work with charities and fundraisers to build your reputation and help good causes

Take your time to research your local market, learn about area regulations, and write a complete business plan that covers all these key points. The choices you make now will guide your ice cream van business’s success for years to come.

Step 2: Choose the Right Vehicle and Equipment

Your biggest investment in How to Start an Ice Cream Van Business from picking the right vehicle and equipment. This choice shapes your running costs and the ice cream products you can sell.

Types of ice cream vans and their costs

The market gives you several vehicle options to choose from:

Traditional ice cream vans come with bright colors and eye-catching designs that pull customers right in. These vans play those familiar jingles and have serving windows built in. They strike a perfect balance between old-school charm and practical use, and people spot them right away.

Soft serve ice cream vans mainly make fresh ice cream on the spot. These vans pack special machines that whip up ice cream right there, so you can serve that classic Mr. Whippy style ice cream. A new van like this can dish out about 150-200 Mr. Whippy ice creams every hour.

Vintage vans bring character and nostalgia that engage customers of all ages. The classic Bedford model stands out as a favorite – its retro look makes it a hit at events.

Tricycles or “trikes” are a budget-friendly choice that starts at £2,000. These small units work great in areas where cars can’t go and add an old-time feel to events.

Prices change quite a bit based on what type you choose:

• New ice cream vans: £60,000-£85,000
• Five-year-old used vans: £12,000-£15,000
• Ice cream trailers: Around £17,000
• Converted food trucks: £20,000 plus conversion costs
• Ice cream trikes: Starting from £2,000

Essential equipment for serving and storage

You’ll need specific gear beyond just the van to run your business properly:

Freezers and storage solutions keep your products in top shape. Professional vans need freezers that keep temperatures between 12°C and -25°C. Your van’s size determines whether you go for big commercial chest freezers or smaller units.

Soft-serve ice cream machines are another big investment. The Carpigiani Furgoni machine tops the list for many vendors because it pumps out up to 600 cones every hour. These machines cost anywhere from £1,000 to £20,000 based on what they can do and how much they produce.

Serving utensils and accessories you’ll need include:

• Ice cream scoops, spades, and portioners
• Cone holders and displays
• Sauce bottles and topping dispensers
• Tubs, lids, and napkins
• Handwashing stations (portable sink or sanitizer dispensers)

A good Point of Sale (POS) system helps track your sales, payments, stock, and records. You can find many affordable options, like Square Point of Sale, which you can set up quickly and use for free.

Buying new vs. second-hand vans

This choice affects your startup costs and how How to Start an Ice Cream Van Business

New ice cream vans let you customize everything and give you reliable mechanics. Whitby Morrison builds these vans exactly how you want them, usually taking about six weeks. You get warranties and newer tech, including greener options. The price starts at £60,000, which makes it a big upfront investment.

Pre-owned ice cream vans give you great value for money, costing nowhere near what new models do. A five-year-old van runs about £12,000-£15,000 and usually works just fine. These vans tend to keep their value better than new ones, making them a smart money choice.

Some business owners choose to convert vehicles instead. They buy a used food truck (around £20,000) or convert a van themselves. This costs less but you need to know what you’re doing to install everything properly and meet all the rules.

Look at these things when buying used:

• How well the mechanics and electrics work
• The state of freezers and ice cream machines
• Whether it meets current health and safety rules
• What needs fixing or replacing

Your final choice should match your business plan, budget, and where you plan to work. This sets up your ice cream van business the right way from day one.

Step 3: Understand Legal and Licensing Requirements

The right legal setup makes or breaks an ice cream van business. You could face hefty penalties, fines, or even jail time without proper compliance. Let’s look at what you need to know before you start selling those sweet treats on the streets.

Registering your food business

The first step is to register your ice cream van as a food business with your local authority. Anyone who sells, cooks, stores, handles, prepares, or distributes food needs this registration. The process is simple:

• Submit your application 28 days before you plan to start trading
• Registration costs nothing, and authorities accept all applications
• Register when you’re almost ready to start your business
• Each location needs separate registration with its local authority

Your business will get a food hygiene rating after local authorities inspect it. This rating can make or break your customer’s trust, so you should prepare well for the inspection.

The law takes unregistered food businesses very seriously. You could end up with big fines or spend up to 2 years in prison. This makes registration more than just paperwork – it’s a must-do legal requirement.

Getting an ice cream van license

You’ll need a street trading license on top of your food business registration. Each UK council has its own rules:

• Ask your local council about their specific requirements
• Tell them where and when you want to trade
• Have two photos of yourself ready
• Set money aside for application fees – they vary a lot between areas

Remember that councils can say no to your application. They might give you fewer trading days or times than you asked for. Popular spots often have long waiting lists, so plan ahead.

Breaking these rules comes at a high cost. Trading without a license could cost you up to £1,000 in fines. Breaking license conditions might get your license suspended, taken away, or result in more fines.

A pedlar’s certificate might work in some areas, but rules differ. Private land operations might not need a street trading license, but you’ll need the owner’s permission and must stay away from public roads.

Street trading and chime regulations

The government’s Code of Practice on Noise from Ice Cream Van Chimes sets clear rules for those familiar ice cream van tunes:

• Play chimes only between noon and 7 pm
• Keep sound below 80 decibels
• Limit each chime to 12 seconds
• Use chimes once when approaching and once when stopped
• Wait 2 minutes between chimes
• Play chimes once every 2 hours per street
• Don’t play when you see another trading van

The rules also ban chimes within 50 meters of:

• Hospitals or similar institutions
• Schools during class hours
• Places of worship during services

Most councils have specific rules about where vans can operate. Some only allow designated pitches or private land trading, while others permit roadside sales. Breaking location rules can cost you up to £1,000.

These legal requirements build the foundation of your business success. The right paperwork and licenses protect your investment and help you earn trust from customers and authorities alike.

Step 4: Set Up for Food Safety and Hygiene

Food safety is the life-blood of customer trust in your ice cream van business. Good hygiene practices protect your customers and reputation beyond legal compliance. Here’s a full picture of the food safety requirements you need to put in place.

Food hygiene training and certification

Training serves as your first defense against food safety incidents. The law requires all food handlers in your ice cream van business to receive proper supervision, instruction, and training in food hygiene matters. A formal certification isn’t legally required, but it helps prove compliance during inspections.

The industry recognizes three training levels suitable for ice cream van operations:

• Level 1 – Introduction to food hygiene, appropriate for staff handling only pre-packaged ice creams and wrapped products
• Level 2 – Basic food hygiene certificate, essential for operators preparing soft ice cream with toppings or hot food
• Level 3 – Intermediate certificate, recommended for business owners, supervisors, and those developing food safety management systems

You should aim for Level 2 certification as the minimum standard for anyone selling ice cream. The training takes 1-2 hours and costs start from about £20. Your business’s specific risks determine how often you need refresher training.

HACCP and allergen labeling

HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) are the foundations of food safety management in your ice cream van. This internationally recognized system identifies critical points where food safety hazards could arise and implements preventive measures.

Your business needs written food safety procedures based on HACCP principles. The Food Standards Agency provides simplified models like “Safer Food Better Business” and “Safe Catering” specifically designed for mobile food businesses. These practical tools help you:

• Comply with hygiene regulations
• Document safe food preparation procedures
• Train staff effectively
• Protect your business reputation

Allergen awareness has become crucial alongside HACCP. Natasha’s Law requires proper allergen labeling for pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS) items since October 2021. Food packaged before being ordered, including prepacked ice cream tubs, must show:

• The name of the food
• A full ingredients list
• Emphasized allergens within that list

Your products must highlight any of the 14 major allergens present, including milk, eggs, nuts, and cereals containing gluten.

Cleaning protocols and temperature checks How to Start an Ice Cream Van Business

Good cleaning routines stop contamination and bacterial growth. Your ice cream van needs:

• A “clean as you go” approach instead of just end-of-day cleaning
• Regular cleaning of all equipment, surfaces, and serving utensils
• Proper handwashing facilities with warm water and soap
• Food-grade sanitizers meeting standard BS EN 1276:2009 or equivalent
• Color-coded or disposable cloths to prevent cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat areas

Temperature control plays a vital role. These safety measures are essential:

• Ready-to-eat foods should stay below 8°C, ideally between 0°C and -3°C
• Freezers must stay at -18°C or below
• Staff should check and record freezer temperatures regularly
• Ice cream that has defrosted should never be refrozen
• Hot food (such as hot dogs) must reach at least 75°C at the center

Use a properly sanitized and fine-tuned probe thermometer to monitor temperatures. Transport ice cream in food-grade containers with lids and insulated boxes with ice packs to keep safe temperatures.

These food safety measures protect your customers and business. Showing evidence of proper training and protocols builds customer confidence and helps secure a high food hygiene rating during inspections.

Step 5: Calculate Costs and Create a Business Plan

The financial side of your ice cream van business is vital for long-term success. You’ll need accurate cost estimates and a solid business plan to turn your ice cream venture into a money-making operation.

How much does an ice cream van cost?

Your original investment in an ice cream van will vary based on what you choose:

• New ice cream van: A brand-new van with all equipment costs upwards of £60,000
• Used ice cream van (5 years old): Around £15,000
• Pre-fitted ice cream van: Between £5,000 and £13,000
• Custom ice cream van: From £3,000 to £39,000 based on specs
• Ice cream trailer: Around £17,000
• Ice cream trike/cart: Starting at £3,000

You’ll also need to buy freezers, ice cream dispensers, and other essential tools. A premium setup could cost up to £100,000.

Ongoing costs: fuel, stock, insurance

Your ice cream van business has several regular expenses:

Stock: Wholesale soft-serve ice cream costs £15-£18 for 12 liters and makes over 900 ice creams. Adding ice lollies, drinks, and confectionery to your menu increases stock costs but creates more revenue streams.

Insurance: An average yearly insurance policy costs £1,108.80, substantially more than regular van insurance (£729.31). You’ll need:

• Vehicle insurance
• Public and product liability insurance
• Legal indemnity insurance

Maintenance: Set money aside for vehicle servicing, MOT costs, and equipment upkeep. Your fuel costs will depend on your routes and schedule.

Additional expenses include:

• Pitch fees at events (£150-£200 per event)
• Advertising (aim for 10% of revenue)
• Utensils and accessories replacement

Creating your ice cream van business plan

A complete business plan guides your venture forward. Here’s what you should include:

• Financial projections: Work out your revenue, costs, and profit estimates for the next few years
• Break-even analysis: Figure out how many ice creams you must sell to cover costs
• Cash flow statement: Track expected income and spending patterns through seasons
• Startup costs: List all your initial expenses and funding sources
• Product selection: Choose your ice cream menu and pricing strategy

Note that seasonal changes affect your income. To boost revenue, think about adding hot food during winter months. A full financial plan helps avoid surprises and sets your ice cream van business up for steady growth.

Step 6: Start Trading and Grow Your Business

Your ice cream van business needs great locations and solid growth plans right from day one. The path to success depends on finding spots that make money, smart marketing, and dealing with changing seasons.

Finding pitches and event opportunities

Getting profitable spots is tough but vital for your ice cream van business. You can sell on streets, make deals for private land, or book events. Street trading needs specific spots where you can legally sell. The competition gets fierce—sunny days bring crowds to popular places, and you might ruffle some feathers if you move into areas where other vendors have been for years.

Here’s how to find good spots:

• Sign up with premium site managers like Retail Concessions
• Look for busy places near parks, beaches, and schools
• Talk to landowners about setting up near high-traffic spots
• Get space at festivals, company events, and fundraisers

Marketing your van and building a brand How to Start an Ice Cream Van Business

A good marketing budget should be about 10% of what you expect to make. Summer brings a 25-30% jump in ice cream sales compared to other times, so smart promotion makes a difference.

Your brand needs a clear voice that uses words like “refreshing” or “summery”. Social media helps show off your products and connects you with customers through great photos and behind-the-scenes stuff. Some vendors boost their visibility with van decorations—from window stickers to full wraps—but this costs more money and takes time.

Mutually beneficial alliances with companies can bring extra money, as businesses often book ice cream vans for staff appreciation events. Event catering makes up about 30% of yearly mobile vending income.

Handling seasonality and expanding offerings

Ice cream sales hit their lowest point in January. You can balance these seasonal shifts by:

• Adding hot food in cold weather
• Going after corporate events and weddings
• Making special ice cream cakes for holidays like Valentine’s Day
• Selling warm drinks like hot chocolate or coffee
• Creating winter flavors and seasonal deals

Varying your menu and adapting to market needs helps keep your ice cream van business profitable all year while building customer loyalty.

Conclusion How to Start an Ice Cream Van Business

An ice cream van business can be a money-making venture with profit margins soaring to 99% in peak seasons. This piece has shown you the steps to turn your ice cream business dreams into real profits.

Your success depends on good preparation. The business model you choose will affect your earning potential, whether you pick street trading, events, or a fixed location. Your choice of vehicle will also shape your original investment and what you can do. Options range from basic trikes at £3,000 to new, fully-equipped vans at £85,000. See ice cream vans for sale

You must take legal requirements seriously. Operating without food business registration or street trading licenses could lead to big fines or jail time. Food safety standards protect your customers and your reputation. The right HACCP procedures will keep everyone safe from potential risks.

Smart financial planning makes all the difference. You should know your costs—from buying your vehicle to stock, insurance, and pitch fees—to project realistic profits. Product variety and targeted marketing help stimulate year-round profits and curb seasonal ups and downs.

The UK has fewer than 5,000 ice cream vans today, yet people just need these nostalgic treats. This six-step approach will help you succeed in this classic mobile food sector.

Quality products and the right growth strategy will help your ice cream van business thrive. Your consistent service builds customer loyalty, and staying flexible will give you staying power. Sweet treats for your customers mean sweet profits for you.

FAQs How to Start an Ice Cream Van Business

Q1. How much does it cost to start an ice cream van business? The initial investment can vary widely. A new, fully-equipped ice cream van can cost around £60,000-£85,000, while a used van (about 5 years old) might cost £12,000-£15,000. There are also more budget-friendly options like ice cream trikes starting from £2,000. Additional costs include equipment, stock, insurance, and licensing fees.

Q2. What licenses do I need to operate an ice cream van in the UK? You’ll need to register your business as a food business with your local authority. Additionally, you typically need a street trading license to operate legally. Some areas may require a pedlar’s certificate. It’s crucial to check with your local council for specific requirements in your area.

Q3. How can I make my ice cream van business profitable year-round? To combat seasonal fluctuations, consider diversifying your offerings. During colder months, you could add hot food options, warm beverages, or winter-themed ice cream flavors. Targeting corporate events, weddings, and creating special holiday promotions can also help maintain profitability throughout the year.

Q4. What are the food safety requirements for running an ice cream van? Food safety is crucial. You should obtain appropriate food hygiene training (Level 2 certification is generally recommended), implement HACCP principles, properly label allergens, maintain strict cleaning protocols, and regularly check and record freezer temperatures. It’s also important to have proper handwashing facilities and use food-grade sanitizers.

Q5. How do I find good locations for my ice cream van? Look for high-traffic areas such as parks, beaches, schools, and shopping centers. Many areas require specific pitches for street trading. You can also register with specialist websites that manage premium sites. Consider private land options (with owner permission) and explore opportunities at events, festivals, and corporate gatherings.