Burger vans and fast food vans are on the increase. A mobile kitchen area can prove to be a very valuable asset as it allows you to travel to many different events, whether it is held outdoors or indoors. Since a van is pretty much an essential item for any catering business, when in search of a for sale food truck, look for it across the country to get the best deal. Even with collection/delivery across state, which makes it easier to get the truck, sourcing it from across the country may still work out cheaper than buying closer to home. Another way of saving money on a for sale food truck is to find a vehicle that either has dated equipment or none at all but can be easily upgraded.
There are many things to consider. Having a frozen and refrigerated area is essential and if you are serving food out of the truck then you will also need a serving hatch, oven and sink with a running water hook up. Trucks will also need to be secure. There should be a provision to lock up each fridge, freezer, cupboard and cooker safety and security reasons. The last thing you want is to arrive at a destination and open the truck only to find that everything has come open and all of your stocks are strewn across the inside, not to mention the utensils and equipment.
Trucks will need to be kept scrupulously clean. After all, when food is involved the dangers of food poisoning are very real. And if customers are happy with the cleanliness of the truck and the service they received then word of mouth will spread making you more likely to pull in plenty of new customers. All trucks will also need to be equipped with a fire extinguisher, fire blanket and a first aid kit.
Even experienced caterers will need to do their research when interested in a for sale food truck. It helps to have experience and knowledge of the industry and this will allow you to choose a truck which is most suited to your needs. You need to consider the amount of space to move around in, including the storage space for all of your stocks and equipment. It is definitely a good idea to consult with your staff about food trucks for sale.
Take staff members along with you when viewing suitable trucks and take their opinion into account. After all, they need to be happy with their working environment too.
Visit other caterers and food vendors to see what types of truck they have and how they position everything, what works for them may also work for you too.
At the end of the day, there is a risk involved when starting up any sort of business but spending time doing your research can be invaluable. Looking for different food trucks for sale, examining your needs along with the needs of other staff members and customers, and choosing the correct vehicle for you can help give you the kickstart you need to having a successful business.