Though starting a food business in 2021 might be frightening because of the classic restaurant industry’s crash in 2020 due to COVID-19, it might surprise you to know that food trucks are the perfect solution and compromise for food-lovers who long for the experience of dining out. This is especially true as most brick and mortar restaurants nationwide have stayed closed or half-open.
So you want to start a mobile food business in 2021?
Here are four things you should consider before buying a truck for your mobile food business:
1. Financing Options
Money is the first thing to consider when selecting the right truck for your mobile food business because it’s the one thing that will help limit your selections and help you avoid decision paralysis.
Be aware of your budget and how much interest and monthly payments will cost. Some commercial truck and trailer dealerships offer various financing options that you could consider. A commercial medium-duty truck is a huge investment, so it’s crucial to get this part right.
When in doubt, go to the best and most trusted truck dealer Oklahoma city can offer. You can never get wrong with that.
2. Gas Or Diesel?
The next thing you need to consider is the fuel type of your truck. Many delivery services prefer diesel trucks, but they might not be the best choice for your mobile food business. The reason for their popularity is their fuel efficiency, especially for traveling long distances.
The downside of diesel trucks, though, is their fumes which are more intense and more lingering than their gas counterparts. So that’s also something you might want to keep in mind.
In the end, it all depends on the frequency of travel and the distance. Some food trucks never leave the city, but some drive for hours for catering gigs or festivals. If you’re the former, then a gas unit is the preferable choice since you’re not going to drive far enough to reap the mileage benefits that come with diesel trucks. Don’t forget to factor fuel cost into your budget.
3. Size
It is crucial to plan out exactly what food you’ll be serving and the equipment you’ll need, as these things will help you determine the perfect truck size for your mobile food business.
If you’re going to prepare hot foods on-site, you should consider shopping for a large truck that can fit a flat top grill or a stove, as well as a cooler or freezer for storing ingredients. On the other hand, if you’re preparing food in advance at home or a commercial kitchen, then a smaller truck will do just fine. Smaller food trucks are also easier to maneuver and cheaper to gas up.
Popular vehicles used as food trucks are small step vans about 12 feet, but they can be as long as 20. One final tip before finalizing your truck size choice is to be aware of your city’s zoning restrictions. For Oklahoma City, you can ask the city staff who will be performing the zoning verification.
4. Used Or Brand New?
New trucks come with warranties that can save you from a lot of repair costs along the line. This means having more financial security and peace of mind that your truck has never needed any repair, and you’re starting at close to zero mileage. The only obvious downside to buying brand new trucks is that they can be costly, especially for those just starting out. Moreover, you’ll still need to have enough money for outfitting your truck.
On the other hand, used trucks are more affordable, but some of them could potentially come with additional repair costs, especially if you’re not familiar with the seller. To be safe, make sure to take a mechanic with you to help you inspect the vehicle before making the purchase. Or better yet, you can always reach out to a commercial truck and trailer dealer that many OKC locals trust.
Final Takeaway
Converting a truck into a mobile food business can be a very daunting task. If you want to skip all of that, some OKC dealerships offer a wide range of new and used food truck models that can help you get started on your food-on-wheels business right away.
When in doubt, reach out to the most reliable truck dealer Oklahoma city has to offer.
