According to industry reports, ice cream trucks in the United States tend to charge around $8 – $20 per person, with a minimum headcount of 100 eaters for every 2 hours of catering.
For a party with less than 100 eaters, while they may still agree to contract, these businesses will expect the per-person cost to increase.
As such, on average, the minimum cost for ice cream truck catering is $800. An ice cream cart will cost less, most often around $5-$10 per person, with a rental minimum of about $300-$600.
Ice cream trucks are for rent whenever a client intends to set up a business or provide ice cream at events. People who seek the services of ice cream trucks are usually looking to do that for events.
Ice cream trucks help make the event a lot more enjoyable. Most often, these events include birthdays, concerts, music festivals, parades, marches, and many more.
Factors That Determine the Cost of Renting an Ice Cream Truck for a Party
In this line of business, you have to understand that no two businesses are the same. As such, there are pertinent factors you need to consider prior to fixing your rates for parties and other events. Those factors include;
1. Location
The exact amount you charge to offer these services will depend on the city or region. For instance, happening cities with higher living costs will mean that you have to charge more to keep up and this is in contrast to running your business in rural areas.
2. Duration
Most often, businesses that offer ice cream truck rentals are known to charge by the hour. This simply means that the duration of the rental, regardless of whether it is by the hour or for the entire event, will have a very vital role to play in the exact amount you bill clients. Also note that longer durations will in some circumstances come with lower hourly rates.
3. Ice Cream Selection
The possibilities are endless when it comes to the sort of flavor, combinations, or varieties an ice cream truck can offer to customers.
As such, you have to understand that the variety and quality of ice cream products you provide will impact the exact amount you charge clients. Clients who want premium or specialty options will have to pay higher rates.
4. Guest Count
Ice cream trucks in the United States tend to charge around $8-20 per person, with a minimum headcount of 100 eaters for every 2 hours of catering. For a party with less than 100 eaters, these businesses will expect the per-person cost to increase.
5. Time of Day
Most often, events that will be held in the evening or late into the night will cost more owing to things like the need for lighting as well as extended hours.
6. Special Requests
When putting together parties, you will find that people with the means are always willing to add their own personal touch to the décor and coordination.
You will find clients who want the truck to be decorated with a particular color or the menu designed with their business logo or the face of the couple. As such, extra services like custom branding, specific ice cream flavors, or unique truck decorations will mean higher rates.
7. Seasonal Demand
Even though ice cream is consumed throughout the year, warmer months tend to witness more sales especially since consumers are eager for cold refreshing treats. However, you have to understand that with increased demand comes the need to increase your rates.
8. Competition
It is always recommended that you find out all you can about local competitors so you can make adjustments to your own pricing.
9. Truck Size and Amenities
This is another factor you will want to consider especially if your truck features other services and amenities that others don’t offer. You need to understand that bigger trucks with more amenities (such as music systems or seating) will most definitely charge higher rates.