10 Things You Must Know Before Starting a Food Truck

Thinking about opening a food truck business? Before you hit the road, make sure you’re fully prepared. In this essential guide, Flores Food Group shares the top 10 things every aspiring food truck owner needs to know—gleaned from years of hands-on experience in both building and operating successful food trucks.

1. Know What You Want

When purchasing a food truck, you are the customer. Know what you want. Have a clear vision for your business. Be open-minded and listen to the manufacturer, but don’t let yourself get talked into compromises because they can’t deliver what you want.

2. Know Your Competition

Do your homework. Research which food trucks already operate in your area. If your town already has multiple coffee and donut trucks, consider a unique twist or a different niche to stand out. You certainly have to deliver what people want, but some markets are too crowded to enter. A unique focus, as long as there’s demand, will often be a better way to start.

3. Used Doesn’t Always Save Money

A used food truck is probably for sale for a reason. Repairs and updates can quickly add up and surpass what you saved by going used. Also, if a food truck was designed and set up for a different type of service than you want, you may be making compromises that will hamper your success.

4. Choose a Trusted, Experienced Builder

Use a manufacturer that has been there before. Partner with a manufacturer that truly understands the food truck business. A trailer company cashing in on the trend of food trucks might be experienced at manufacturing, but they won’t have the experience operating a food truck. That hands-on experience is invaluable when designing the food truck that’s perfect for you.

5. Support After the Sale Matters

Your relationship with the manufacturer shouldn’t end at delivery. Choose a company that offers ongoing support—whether it’s business advice, maintenance, or troubleshooting. Great after-sales service can make all the difference.

6. Know the Rules & Regs

Every state (and even city) is different. A knowledgeable manufacturer can help you navigate these requirements and avoid costly mistakes. Know your state and local laws and regulations. Know where you can operate and what is required from the health department. Again, a manufacturer that has actually run a successful food truck business will be invaluable. A company that has already done what you dream of doing can save you from making a lot of costly mistakes.

7. Understand Your Costs

Cost of Goods, or COGS, is an important part of your food truck business. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the food truck build and forget about the business side of your new business. One of the first things you’ll want to figure out is which vendors you’ll be using. Warehouse membership stores might offer convenience and some value, but doing your homework will payoff in the long run. Finding the right vendors can make a big impact on your margins.

8. Get the Right Insurance

A food truck and a business are big investments. You’ll need insurance to protect both and yourself. You can start by talking to your current auto or homeowner insurance company. See what options they have and what they recommend, and, as you should with any expense, shop around. It’s always best to get at least three quotes.

9. Marketing For Longterm Success

Just like traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants, food trucks often see a curiosity-driven rush when they first open. Being hot out of the gate is great. It builds confidence and helps put a quick dent in recouping some of your initial investment. But what about after the opening? For a lot of food service businesses, the inevitable happens, the showdown. It’s called the “boom and bust.” The solution is marketing. Come up with a plan. Make sure marketing is part of your business and not a reactive afterthought.

10. Plan for Storage

Where are you going to put your food truck when you’re not using it? You’d be surprised how many people don’t consider this important aspect of food truck ownership. Your driveway is fine, as long as you don’t have an HOA. A covered garage is the absolute best solution. Just make sure it’s a pest-free garage. Rodents and insects are going to be attracted to a food truck, and both can do a lot of damage if left unattended. Don’t store food in your truck to reduce risk and make sure the garage is clean. Another option is a storage facility. These work but it’s best to avoid parking on grass or dirt.