Are you thinking of starting a new career? Become an itinerant ice-cream maker and make the most of your business acumen while developing your skills in a field that interests you. Before setting up your own range of flavors, find out all about the concept, the steps to follow and the equipment you’ll need.
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What does it mean to be a travelling ice-cream maker?
As the name suggests, the itinerant ice cream vendor travels the city streets selling his ice creams. Set up in a refrigerated truck, his business can be parked in public squares. Whether franchised or self-employed, the ice-cream salesman knows his products inside out and masters the necessary sales techniques.
Since he’s the one who provides the service in his itinerant truck, the itinerant ice cream maker needs to be able to prepare and serve his ice creams quickly. To do this, he equips himself with a fully equipped catering truck. In this space, hygiene regulations and standards must be imperatively respected.
Many itinerant ice-cream makers only operate during the summer months. The rest of the year, they devote themselves to another professional activity.
Why become a travelling ice-cream maker?
There are a number of reasons why would-be travelling ice-cream makers should embark on this highly original adventure. First and foremost, you don’t need a diploma to sell ice cream. You only need one if you make your own recipes. The second major advantage is that you don’t need to find premises. With your truck, you’ll make the city your playground. You’ll be able to get close to festive events all summer long. Fairs, markets, village festivals – you’ll seize every opportunity to multiply your sales.
Since you won’t have to set up a catering space, you’ll have far fewer expenses to plan for. Unlike a pastry chef or chocolatier who welcomes his customers in a tearoom, you won’t have to spend thousands of euros on furniture.
As an itinerant ice-cream entrepreneur, you have the option of working alone or with the help of employees. But you’re also free to define your own working hours. You can offer your ice creams for a few months a year, or all year round. You can work all day or just in the afternoon.
This means you can make this profession your main or complementary activity.
What skills do I need to become a travelling ice-cream maker?
As we mentioned earlier, you don’t need a Bac or CAP to sell ice cream. On the other hand, the title of artisan ice-cream maker and confectioner can only be obtained with specific training. In fact, this title is regulated. To become an ice-cream maker, you need to obtain one of the following three diplomas:
- The BTM: Brevet Technique des Métiers glacier fabricant ( technical diploma for ice-cream makers)
- The title of Best Craftsman of France in the ice cream category
- A CAP in ice-cream making
Once again, these diplomas are only required to obtain the title of artisan ice-cream maker. You don’t need them to assemble and sell ice creams that you buy ready-made from a supplier. However, you do need to possess certain qualities and skills.
A holder of a “B” driver’s license, the mobile ice-cream salesperson enjoys working outdoors. In constant contact with customers, they have excellent interpersonal skills and genuine commercial aptitudes. Organized and rigorous, they manage their business in compliance with the standards imposed by the DDPP.
To increase the chances of success, it’s in the traveling ice cream salesman’s best interest to undergo professional training in sales techniques appropriate to this type of business. What’s more, they need to have a thorough knowledge of the products they sell, so as to be in a position to advise their customers.
To sell your ice creams from your truck, you need to obtain an itinerant merchant’s card and an authorization to occupy the public space. Finally, you need to register your business with the Registre National des Entreprises.
Administrative steps and a business plan to get your business off the ground
To become a mobile ice cream parlour owner, you need more than just a good sense of business. Before your customers leave the patisserie next door and flock to your large selection of ice creams, you need to follow these essential steps.
Market research
It’s out of the question to launch a new business without assessing its potential for success. You need to take this step to find out whether ice cream can really attract customers in your community. During this study, you’ll observe the consumption habits of your prospects. This data will help you determine the best locations.
This analysis also covers potential competitors.
Drawing up a business plan
This stage consists of carrying out a costed study, taking into account forecast fixed and variable costs, profit margins, sales, break-even point, investments… All these data must be properly evaluated to determine your financing needs. What’s more, the business plan can help you convince potential investors.
For free business plan templates, contact your local Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Obtaining financing
Before you can get started, you’ll need to purchase or lease a refrigerated truck and a host of other equipment. To do this, you’ll probably need a bank loan. Banks will only grant you a loan if you have a personal financial contribution of at least 20% of the sum needed to launch your business.
Don’t hesitate to contact several banks to negotiate the best loan conditions. The better your business plan, the greater your chances of convincing future investors.
Setting up a company and choosing a legal status
Once you have the funds, you can move on to the next stage: setting up your company. To do this, you need to choose a legal status. Micro-entreprise, EURL, SAS, SARL – the choice depends on your needs and constraints.
To help you make this decision, you can seek advice from your local Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Obtaining authorizations
To carry out this professional activity, you need to obtain an itinerant merchant’s card and an authorization to occupy the public space. Like the chef who has just opened his restaurant, you’ll need to register with the Direction Départementale de la Protection des Populations. This body will then be able to carry out health checks to ensure that you are complying with hygiene standards.
Purchasing equipment
If you’re making your own artisanal ice cream, a large truck equipped with a turbine won’t be enough. You’ll need to set up a real laboratory in dedicated premises. Ice machines, refrigerated cabinets, scales, molds, blenders and much more will be essential to produce your recipes. On the other hand, if you simply sell ice cream from carefully selected suppliers, your investment will be reduced to :
- A mobile ice cream truck
- A freezer to store ice cream and sorbets
- Payment terminals
- Ice cream dispensing machines
- Utensils
- Packaging
- Communication tools
- Specific hygiene products
Choice of suppliers
Whether you make your own ice cream or not, it’s vital to choose the right suppliers. If you make your own recipes in your own laboratory, you’ll need to find high-quality raw materials. Would you like to please your customers with sorbets? Be demanding when it comes to fruit quality.
If you’re just buying ready-to-go ice cream, take the time to talk to several suppliers. More than that, you need to find a real partner. To work in excellent conditions, you need to establish a relationship of trust.
Whether you’re an artisanal ice-cream maker or a franchised distributor, don’t hesitate to offer original flavors to set yourself apart from the competition and please your customers. No one will tell you otherwise, but it’s by putting all the chances on your side that you’ll multiply your chances of success.
Communication
Last step before opening: get the word out. Communicating is essential to attracting gourmands. Prepare for your opening by distributing flyers, putting up posters or creating a community on social networks. You can also get your name in the press, or create your own website and make sure it’s visible to all your potential prospects.
Keep in mind that good communication is also essential later on to build customer loyalty and develop your mobile business. Use your imagination to reflect your brand image in the way you communicate.
How to choose and equip your ice-cream truck?
To attract the maximum number of customers and boost your sales, you need to take great care in choosing and fitting out your truck. In addition to the refrigeration function, you’ll need sufficient space to fit out your work surface and install a large freezer. You also need to plan a configuration that will enable you to welcome your customers.
Turn to a food truck specialist to find and fit out your ideal vehicle. At Ecomag, you can customize your vehicle. With an ice cream truck that’s unlike any other, you’ll have every chance of attracting plenty of customers.
Lettering, paintwork, stickers – your partner Ecomag customizes your refrigerated vehicle to reflect your brand image. On the inside, this Food Truck specialist will carry out your customized fittings. Ice machines, cold rooms, worktops and ventilation systems are installed according to your needs. In addition to this personalized service, you benefit from a high level of quality, with top-of-the-range finishes and responsive after-sales service. Convinced by the advantages of being a travelling ice-cream parlour owner, you can get started right away. You can count on the expertise of the Food Truck specialist to create your own custom-built, approved ice cream van. Request a free quote online today from Ecomag France!