Food Trucks for Sale (2024)

FAQs

How profitable is a food truck? ›

A food truck is considered to be a high-profit business idea. However, it typically takes two years for this business to become profitable. On average, the profit margin is around 6.2%.

An average food trucks costs about $100,000, which includes equipment, fabrication, design and insurance. About $700 to $2,000 in certifications and permits also are needed, depending on the municipality.

Typically, owners will take a salary of less than half the food truck's profit, with pay ranging from $24,000 to $153,000 per year. If you can quickly build a successful business, earning $153,000 per year on a startup cost of $100,000 or even less seems like a good investment.

According to research, food truck failure rates correlate with the restaurant industry average. This means that 50% to 60% of all food trucks will go out of business within 5 years after establishing their service window. Starting a food truck business is a fun undertaking, but it is not without problems.

Food Truck Park Parking Costs – Monthly food truck park rental rates are typically between $500 - $1000 depending on the city. While food truck parks offer daily rates, they are higher than what you pay for a monthly lease. Food Truck Event Parking Costs – Food trucks can expect to pay $75+ per event.

The truck can be stored wherever the local zoning ordinance allows for the overnight storage of the vehicle. Before parking a truck in a residential neighborhood, be sure to check with your municipal zoning officer.

Three of the most important permits that let you sell food to your community include the food handlers license, food facility health permit, and seller's permit.

Cons of a Food Truck Business

Food trucks are confined compared to restaurant cooking. You may be in a space as small as 10×12 feet, and share that room with your storage and cooking surfaces. If you get claustrophobic, starting a food truck business may not be the best choice for you.

Why are food trucks so successful? ›

You no longer have to go to a gourmet restaurant to get quality food on the go. Food trucks are a hit with people because the food they serve is unique and better tasting than your everyday fast food. Food selections are also more affordable because a truck doesn't have all the overhead costs of a typical store.

Food Truck Owner's Salary

Nationally, food truck owners make between $24,000 and $153,000 per year. Typically, the owner's salary for a food truck is less than 50% of the profit. In a small food truck, your salary might be a higher percent of your profit, relative to how much labor you put into the business.

Millennials have been great supports of food trucks. According to an article by Statista, the National Restaurant Association reported that consumers ages 18-34 were the most likely to purchase a meal from a food truck, followed by those ages 35-44.

A business in a high-growth industry with low startup costs, less competition and a good long-term outlook is most likely to be profitable. Examples are financial services, personal services (like personal training or pet care), pet and baby supplies and well-positioned retail stores.

The various licenses required for the food truck are business license, food handler certification, fire certificate, and health certification. Then there are state-administered licenses for different cities which add to the costs according to the aspirations of the food trucker of the radius he/she wants to cover.