3. Research Target Market and Locations

Make a list with street vending locations

Start by making a list of all the places with good vending potential in your area. The list should include include neighborhoods occupied by families, parks, shopping centers, swimming pools, beaches, fairs and festival locations, and other places where children and adults frequently go.

Remove those where street vending is restricted and highlight the ones that seem most attractive to you.

Brainstorm catering opportunities

After refining the first list, make a second one that addresses catering to private events and parties. An ice cream vending cart can be the center of attention at company picnics, community get-togethers, fairs, festivals, parades, fundraisers, birthday parties, engagement parties, weddings and more.

The idea of having soft-serve ice cream desserts at private celebrations and social events is a huge hit with the customers, and the best part is that parties always lead to more parties. Virtually every event you’ll attend could bring in future business, but this also means you’ll have to rise up to the occasion and be the best in what you do!

4. Research Your Competition

As a first time entrepreneur, you should thoroughly research all the aspects of your future business, and sizing up your competition is a crucial part of this stage. Who else sells ice cream in your area? Visit each one of them and observe how they’re operating their business. Pay attention to things such as:

• Vendor’s attitude;
• What are they doing right;
• What are they doing wrong;
• What are the things you could do better;
• What kinds of ice cream, toppings, and sides they’re selling;
• Unique flavours and combinations;
• Best selling products;
• Particular customer preferences;
• Marketing and branding.

Write all these things down as they will help you create your menu, your pricing structure, and your marketing strategy.

5. Create Your Ice Cream Cart Business Plan

This step is all about planning, since you can’t start and operate a successful business without a good business plan. Writing it down will give you a clear direction and keep you from making costly financial mistakes, especially in the beginning.

Your business plan should cover:

Budget

• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits;
• Ice Cream Vending Cart price;
• Insurance;
• Operational cost for the first 1-2 months;
• Initial stock costs ( 1-2 months);
• Incidental costs: napkins, plasticware, to-go containers, etc;
• Marketing and advertising expenses.

Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

How do you plan to market and advertise your business? You could:

• Throw opening party to let locals know you’re open for business;
• Engage in community events to sell your products;
• Advertise your products in your local media;
• List your business on local & online directories;
• Create a landing page for your business;
• Leverage the power of social media;
• Engage in direct marketing and sales;
• Encourage the use of Word-of-Mouth marketing (referrals);