Ice Cream Vending Carts

What you need to get your own ice cream vending carts rolling
By Kristina Seleshanko Few things stir fond memories in the minds of men and women more than the sights and sounds of ice cream vending carts. Of course, ice cream carts aren't just for adults--kids adore them, too. Few business ventures succeed in pleasing so many customers.

But before you start your ice cream vending carts business, you'll need a few things. In addition to checking out your area's business and mobile vending regulations, you need to find just the right equipment. You will need:

1. An ice cream vending cart--either purely practical or fun and colorful,

2. Ice cream cart accessories for practical and aesthetic reasons,

3. And lots of ice cream and novelties.

Select the perfect ice cream vending cart

Although push carts are the most commonly seen type of ice cream cart, tricycle-moved carts are unique, attention-grabbing and hearken back to simpler times. Also consider a cart that includes music or bells to announce your ice cream cart business to customers. There are lots of options, so be sure to check out several ice cream cart manufacturers or distributors.
Try:  All A Cart Manufacturing Inc. offers custom vending carts, including those suitable for selling ice cream and other desserts. For unique and colorful ice cream cart design, check out ALL STAR CART & VEHICLES and Cart Concepts International. Worksman Cycles provides a nice variety of ice cream carts, including those that you can push or drive by trike.

Purchase useful and attention-grabbing ice cream vending cart accessories

Your ice cream vending equipment wouldn't be complete without accessories. These may be practical (like battery systems and tub holders) or eye-catching add-ons that will help you attract more customers (like lights and vivid umbrellas).
Try:  Magnolia Carts sells umbrellas in a wide variety of colors, from bold to subtle, plus ice cream tub holders, cup holders, cart covers and more. Carts and Grills Inc. also offers umbrellas, ice cream baskets, battery power systems and lights for umbrellas.

Stock your mobile ice cream cart with ice cream

Of course, your ice cream novelties vending cart won't be ready to roll without ice cream. The choices may seem endless here, but keep in mind that a basic variety of ice cream is the heart of it all. Choose a great-tasting brand, then supplement it with fun add-ons like chopped nuts and syrups.
Try:  Ice Cream Warehouse has a large selection of novelties, including wafers, syrups, sprinkles and cookies. Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company, Inc. offers quality ice cream at wholesale prices. Moxley's Ice Cream offers a good variety of ice cream flavors, and will make custom flavors just for your business. The Ice Cream Club, Inc. also sells wholesale ice cream, including low carb flavors and sherbets, in addition to ice cream cones, toppings and much more.

• If you won't be pushing your ice cream cart (or driving it by trike) to vending locations, you'll need a trailer to tow it; these are often available from cart distributors, but make sure the trailer meets your state's licensing requirements.