Ice Cream Vending Carts Pricing and Costs

Learn what it costs to set up a mobile ice cream cart

In 2006, sales of ice cream and frozen desserts reached $23 billion, making it tempting to give a serious look at ice cream vending carts pricing and costs. Americans spent $13.9 billion on ice cream and frozen treats away from home...And, besides, who doesn't love to see an ice cream cart on a summer day?

There are a variety of types of ice cream vending carts available and lots of ways to set up your ice cream business. To begin, look at the following areas:

1. Do you want a nostalgic or modern ice cream cart design? A push vehicle or a bicycle-run cart? A machine with dry ice or a battery?

2. What sorts of accessories do you want for your ice cream vending equipment?

3. What are the ongoing costs of running an ice cream cart business?

 

Explore a modern push ice cream vending cart

A modern 8 cubic feet push-style ice cream vending cart of stainless steel runs about $1,000 to $1,800. A cart that's 12 cubic feet costs around $2,000 to $4,000, depending on whether it uses dry ice or mechanical refrigeration.
Try: 800BuyCart.com carries stainless steel push carts for ice cream in a variety of sizes All Star Carts and Vehicles offers ice cream vending carts in nearly every imaginable size and type.

Consider an old-style mobile ice cream cart

Ice cream and nostalgia go hand in hand. Play up on your customers' childhood memories by using a vintage-style ice cream vending cart. Carts pulled by bicycle run about $2,000 to $2,500 (not including the bike). Carts with bikes built in them cost about $3,000 to $3,600.
Try: Worksman Trading carries several types of bicycle-pulled ice cream carts. For carts with built in bikes, see World's Best Hot Dog Carts.

Select ice cream cart accessories

Umbrellas keep you cool while catching customers' eyes. Plain umbrellas (without your logo on them) run about $80 to $100. Add a logo and expect to pay $200 to $300 total, depending on whether you use a custom logo or a generic logo. Chiming bells to make your cart more noticeable are $70 to $85, and ice cream baskets are $90 to $115.
Try: Magnolia Carts sells a wide range of umbrellas for ice cream carts. Fasttrac Carts offers umbrellas and other ice cream cart accessories.

Remember the ongoing costs of ice cream vending carts

In addition to the cost of ice cream, cones and disposables like napkins, you'll need to consider the cost of keeping your cart cold. Block dry ice generally sells for $1 to $2 a pound. Replacement batteries for ice cream carts sell for $1,000 to $2,000.
Try: Airgas carries dry ice in just about any form you'd like. Carts and Grills sells replacement batteries.

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