How to Start an Ice Cream Bike Business
Everyone has fond memories of buying a cold treat from an ice cream truck on a hot summer day, but have you ever bought from an ice cream bike? More common in warm-weather climates that tend to attract tourists, an ice cream bike business has a lower barrier for entry and some significant advantages over the more traditional ice cream truck.
If you’ve ever thought about starting your own ice cream truck business, and especially if you live in a warm climate, consider the benefits of an ice cream bike either as an alternative or just the first step on your path to sweet success!
In this article, we’ll cover what you need to get started with your own ice cream cart, what you could earn, challenges, and the advantages of using a bike instead of a truck. As always, DeConna is excited to serve ice cream entrepreneurs with all of their wholesale ice cream needs!
Why an ice cream bike business?
Trucks are definitely the norm when it comes to the mobile ice cream biz, so why consider a bike instead? Well, for one thing, you don’t need a driver’s license to ride a bike (in most jurisdictions). The cost of a bike & cart is also much lower than a truck with a freezer. In other words, starting an ice cream bike business is simply easier and less expensive, making it an attractive option to many entrepreneurs who are just beginning.
There are also cases where a bike & cart simply offer more mobility and flexibility than a motor vehicle, which is why you are more likely to see ice cream carts on a sandy beach, for example. But keep in mind, a truck is better for colder months and bad weather conditions. You don’t want to get caught at the beach on your bike in a downpour!
But if you live in a pleasant climate or are willing to only work the warm months, an ice cream bike is relatively easy to get started. It’s also great exercise! Thanks to lower overhead, fewer regulations, and less licensing requirements, just about anyone can launch their very own ice cream cart business!
What you need for an ice cream bike business
It shouldn’t surprise you that one of the first requirements of an ice cream bike business is a bicycle! While you can probably find a serviceable trailer for just about any bike, did you know that there are specially designed bikes for selling ice cream?
Depending on if you already own a bike, and what kind, you may opt to just buy a cheap trailer and cooler. Or you could upgrade to a quality bike and fancy trailer, or invest in an all-in-one bike/food cart combo! It is also helpful to have space for supplies at your base of operations, such as a chest freezer in your garage.
At the end of the day, you need a bike, trailer, and way to keep your products cold to get started. We’ll cover these options in more depth below.
Laws and licenses
One of the major advantages of an ice cream bike versus an ice cream truck is that you don’t need a driver’s license or auto insurance. In many jurisdictions, you may also be able to avoid an additional food truck license. Dodging these compliance needs significantly simplifies your legal requirements and monthly expenses.
You will still, however, probably need a peddler’s permit, business insurance, and possibly a food handling license. Let’s look at why these are necessary:
- A peddler’s permit allows you to conduct business in public places. Unlike a stationary storefront that you own and have a business license for, mobile businesses are usually required to have a permit for selling on public property. Rules can vary even within a city (such as NYC), so be sure to research local laws where you will be working.
- While your insurance needs will probably be considerably lower for a bike versus a motor vehicle, some sort of liability insurance for your business is a good idea, if not a requirement. For example, if you have a collision with your bike or someone trips over your cart and gets injured, insurance will protect you from potentially severe financial repercussions. In some jurisdictions, this will be a requirement for a peddler’s permit or business license.
- Depending on the type of products you sell, a food handling license may be necessary. In some cases, reselling prepackaged goods like single-serve popsicles doesn’t qualify as food handling. But if you have an ice cream machine pouring soft serve onto cones, that would qualify. Again, rules can vary according to local laws.
In some countries and cities, you may actually need to get a license and registration for a bicycle. Additionally, you may need a generic business license to start selling ice cream at all. Again, the rules and thresholds will vary by jurisdiction, so research laws in your area or contact the SBA (small business administration) or your local chamber of commerce for additional resources.
Necessary equipment
As we mentioned earlier, you will obviously need a bicycle to start an ice cream bike business. Additionally, a trailer or similar cart situation will be needed to carry your products. Within that trailer, a freezer or cooler is necessary to keep your ice cream stock cold.
A basic bike, compatible trailer, and cooler will be the easiest and most affordable way to get started. Coolers, however, have their limitations and require ice to keep ice cream from melting. A freezer can stay cold all day, but requires a power source which also makes it much heavier.
A smart move for those just starting out may be a cooler and cheap equipment, then consider investing in upgrades in the future if business is going well. You could always start with a high-quality bike, cart, and freezer, but it would be unfortunate to invest heavily and struggle to recoup those expenses.
Choosing a supplier
In addition to equipment, you obviously need stock to sell. The simplest solution is prepackaged single serve ice cream like popsicles, ice cream cups, and novelties like drumsticks and ice cream sandwiches.
Where you get your products is another major decision. Buying from a store at retail is going to limit your profit margin significantly. Partnering with a supplier like DeConna who can provide wholesale pricing can make a huge impact on profitability.
Additionally, DeConna has a large selection of premium products available at bulk pricing to small businesses. If you’re looking for quality ice cream products and reliable service in Florida and Southern Georgia, DeConna supports small business endeavors with great prices and over 75 years of professional experience.
Growth and marketing
Your first day on your ice cream bike is sure to be exciting. But having a plan can make or break your success. Where will you go? Will you set up at a fixed location like a park or beach? Will you ride around and play the traditional ice cream tune? Will you have a consistent route or travel all around?
Growing an ice cream bike operation takes persistence and planning. Keep records of routes and locations that worked best. Find ways to optimize your reach and increase sales. Stay tuned in to local events and traffic patterns to maximize your exposure to new and old customers alike.
Beyond that, some ice cream trucks and carts use marketing to build a brand. The goal here can be to get hired for private events like birthdays and outdoor concerts, or to just attract repeat customers. Letting your regulars know where you are, and vice versa, knowing where they are, is a great way to build your clientele.
Engage locally
A great way to get the word out about your new ice cream business is to engage with your target market. In the case of an ice cream bike, that is most likely your local community.
The good news is that engaging with your community is super easy on a bike! While riding around nearby neighborhoods, parks, and piers, be sure to put on a friendly face. Greet passersby, strike up conversations, and be ready to answer questions about your endeavor!
In addition to just being friendly, attending local events is a great way to gain visibility and become a staple in the local scene. For example, if you regularly attend outdoor concerts with your cart, before long people will expect to see you there. You’ll become “the guy or gal who sells ice cream at summer concerts.”
Social media
Some ice cream entrepreneurs take it a step further by building a social media presence. This is a great way to engage with your audience online and in the off-season, sharing information about yourself and your business.
Not only will this add a personal touch to your brand, but some folks might even use this as an avenue to contact you about special events or where to find you. Staying connected with your customers is always a wise move!
The importance of branding
Being present and friendly is great, but depending on how much competition you have, your brand may need even more. If you’re the only ice cream man or woman in town, that’s a blessing! You can be THE ice cream bike. But if you’re up against other ice cream carts and trucks, you may need a branding strategy.
In other words, what makes you the best option? Are you a persistent presence at busy events and high-traffic areas? Are your prices better than the competition? Do you have the best ice cream around?
Providing great service and products can lead to valuable word-of-mouth marketing that strengthens your brand. Another easy angle is to sell high-quality ice cream at a great price, which is exactly what DeConna allows you to do!
Hitting the road
Now that you know what you need to do, all that is left is to get started! Of course, it’s easier said than done, but your first day is likely to be one of your hardest.
Over time, you will learn the best routes, attract regular customers, and build up the endurance to cruise around your city. All you can do is keep at it and strive to keep improving until your dreams of running a successful ice cream bike business become a reality!
As we said earlier, DeConna is proud to partner with entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses, offering top-quality products at wholesale business prices. When you’re ready to place your first order, just give us a call at 800-824-8254.
