Are you an aspiring mobile chef or food truck entrepreneur? If so, then maybe it’s time to make the switch and finally become your own boss.
And to make that transition a little smoother, startup platform Zen Business put together 5 of the best tips from successful food truck entrepreneurs.
Check them out!
Tip 1: Be unique
Ryan Carpenter, founder of smoothie truck company Moberi, has one piece of advice for all aspiring mobile caterers: Be unique!
“Do one item, ideally something unique, do it VERY well, and offer it at a good price,” says Ryan.
That’s why Moberi isn’t just any smoothie truck. Instead, it’s a plant-based smoothie truck that helps customers fuel their happy and healthy lifestyles.
The Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Food Truck Business
Tip 2: Financial planning
You’ll still need some startup capital and a little extra to cover any unexpected costs during the first few lean months. You’ll also need a plan on how to allocate your startup funds.
For Angela Petro, founder of Sweet Carrot Casual Cuisine, this is where many newbies go wrong. “Owners often lack operating capital, a true understanding of cash flow versus profit, and lack an executable plan,” says Angela.
In other words, having enough startup capital is essential. But knowing how to use it is the real key to success.
Tip 3: Build your online presence
A strong online presence is essential for any business in any industry.
Ben Goldberg, founder and CEO of the Frying Dutchman and the New York Food Truck Association, believes it’s almost impossible to succeed in today’s markets without embracing digital marketing.
“We put a ton of effort into our digital marketing strategy,” says Ben. “If you can’t be found online, it doesn’t matter how good your product or service is.”
Focus on creating an appealing website with menus, locations and dates. Then keep your customers updated via active social media accounts. Geo-fencing and location-based mobile adverts will get your messages out to local foodies.
Tip 4: Don’t cut corners
When startup cash is tight, it’s tempting to save money by investing in a secondhand food truck. However, buying cheap is often short-sighted. Any savings you make could soon be swallowed up by costly repairs and constant refurbishments.
BrewWings founder Stefano Enjem thinks it’s always best to pay a little extra for a new truck. “While you can save money and time going with a used truck, in the long run, it can give you more headaches and comes with many unknowns.”
Tip 5: Be in the right place
Prestige Food Trucks manager Alain Bergery urges new owners to think about location. And when you’ve found the right spot, stick to it. After all, you want those customers to keep coming back!
“If you’re not consistent with your location, how is the customer going to feel when they show up to eat and you’re not there!
These five tips will put you on the right road to success. So get trucking and get cooking!
