how to run an ice cream van in northern ireland?

Question

i live in northern ireland and have just came into a few extra pound,i have been thinking of investing it in an ice cream van,but i have no idea what it takes to run one.eg machines, insurance costs and trading licences.

Answer 1

I have just started to read Duncan Bannatynes biography.
He's the self made millionaire from TV's Dragons Den.
He started out his business empire selling from ice-cream vans.
Excellent read, and tells you exactly how he did it, from seeing off the competition through to getting highly profitable concessions.
He made his millions in just 5 years..... Good luck!

Answer 2

I lived in southern California, US and had an Ice Cream business for 15 years including 6 separate trucks. It is a business with a lot of needs but very profitable.
When purchasing the van, the best choice you can do is find one that the freezer installed is with cold plates. This may be more difficult to find worthy repairmen, but it is the best option for ice-cream. You plug the truck to electricity at night, and it will stay cool ALL day long. In addition, you want to make sure it is comfortable for you to stand inside, even if it costs more money. You would be standing for hours and days, so it is a worthy investment.
Regarding regulations and insurance: Find out about registration in Ireland regarding alder models of vehicles, there may be some things that are not required of older models such as smog check, etc. With these trucks, that is a major issue. Insurance...simply shop around. The most important part is in case you hit someone...do not save money on that. You can save money on your own van repair. Licenses...there are different kinds, reseller, vendors, city, health, etc. Check with your local chamber of commerce, or city hall to see the list and the offices to get those at. To pass the health test and lower weight...remove everything from the truck (excluding freezer)...wash it with a hose, and have it weighed and inspected.

I would recommend having a large chest freeer in your residence (or where you would keep the truck at nights). This is to store inventory and back up the truck in case ice-creams melt, etc.

Next...find a good wholesaler (internet, phone book, ask other ice-cream vendors)...hopefully one that wuld deliver to your home.

Lastly, it is a business of buy low sell high. it depends on the different ice-creams, but it teh price we offered was usally 3-5 times the cost.

Ireland...does the weather permit opening an ice-cream business?

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Just looked at your answers so far.

I would suggest that if you want your own business selling ice-cream, you keep hold of your money, and try and get a job working for a well established company for at least two years. This way you will gain experience in all matters related to running your own van, and will give you the opportunity to change your mind without loosing your capital.

Hope this advice is of help. Good luck.

Answer 5

Sell Guiness. It's all good craic!