Buying a food truck is exciting. Designing the kitchen interior, planning menus, thinking about branding, location of trade, considering business growth strategies and preparing for success. As with any business planning, doing the research and paying attention to detail is key, so here are some tips to help.
- Where is the unit manufactured and built? Typically, the custom-built units in Australia are more robust, reliable and enjoy high quality materials and components and are built with local conditions in mind making them heavy duty, reliable workhorses.
- Remember the investment is in a business, not just a vehicle. A mobile catering unit is a commercial kitchen on wheels, designed to withstand the rigours of daily business operations. Understand the budget needs to cover the vehicle (cab chassis) AND the commercial kitchen attached to it and plan accordingly. Read more about custom food truck costs here.
- An important addendum to the above point is that Bella Manufacturing have access to fleet discounts across a range of vehicle suppliers, so talk to your provider about any applicable reductions that may be available.
- As with any purchase, quality costs more and when it impacts how the business makes money, the investment is worth it. We understand everyone has a budget…but spending money on sub-par equipment typically ends up costing more when codes and standards are not met and must be upgraded.
- Has the unit been built to current food code to be passed by local council for your permit? Check the requirements to receive a permit from council to trade and ensure the unit purchased will pass inspection. Units built by Bella Manufacturing are guaranteed to pass inspection.
- Has the unit been built to current gas and electrical standards? Ask your manufacturer about electrical and gas compliance and ensure both are fitted by professional, commercial personnel. Domestic suppliers are not always familiar with the codes and standards that apply to commercial operations so carry out due diligence in this important area.
- Be aware of equipment warranties – typically warranties will be for when equipment is standing still in a kitchen, not always being on the move. Ask questions about what the warranties cover.
- Weight allowances in the code dictate the need for spare capacity for stock and staff once the unit is in operation. Bear this in mind when assessing the required licence to drive the vehicle, it might be worth moving up a licence class depending on the equipment required within.
- Who can I call if I have any issues with the unit or simply need advice? If you want to know you have access to any assistance or follow up service after trade has started, check to ensure this is something your provider offers.
As the largest food vehicle manufacturer in the country, Bella Manufacturing units are built to code and ensure the quality of our units is high. Our team understand that if your vehicle is not on the road and trading then it’s not making money. Talk to us today about your project.