Food truck season is open again! Are you already well prepared or thinking about starting a food truck? In this blog, we explain all the things you need to arrange to successfully start your own food truck.
What is a food truck?
A food truck is actually a mobile restaurant. It is a vehicle specially equipped to prepare and sell food. You often come across food trucks in public places, such as events or festivals. They are hugely popular and ideal for serving a unique meal quickly and easily. For entrepreneurs, food trucks offer a relatively affordable way to start your own catering business.
What do you need to arrange before starting a food truck?
To get started with your own food truck, you obviously need to arrange a number of things.
1. Register at the KVK
Every (starting) entrepreneur needs to register at the KVK (Chamber of Commerce). Once you are registered you can officially call yourself an entrepreneur.
After you have registered with the Chamber of Commerce (CoC), you will be assigned a VAT number. This number is essential for all business transactions, including filing tax returns and issuing invoices to your customers. It is an important part of your food truck's financial records.
2. Arrange permits and insurance
Start by finding out what permits are needed to run a food truck in your area. These permits often vary by municipality and depend on factors such as where you want to be located and the type of food you will be selling. Common requirements include a health permit and a mobile food vendor permit. If you also want to sell alcohol, you may need an alcohol license.
Also, don't forget to get the appropriate insurance. Consider food truck insurance, liability insurance, and insurance for your inventory. These insurances will help you cover unexpected expenses
3. Put together a marketing plan
When you start a food truck, an effective marketing plan is very important. Branding is an important part of this. A strong brand identity makes your food truck recognizable and appeals to your target audience. Consider an attractive logo, an eye-catching truck and using your corporate identity colors.
A smart way to reinforce your branding is to use printed disposables. For example, by using printed cardboard cups or sugar cane trays with your logo, you not only leave a professional impression with customers, but you also contribute to environmental awareness. With this, you will make a positive impression on clients who value sustainability. In addition to making your food truck stand out, printed disposables also set you apart from your competitors.
Want to learn more about what impact printed packaging has on your brand identity? We wrote a blog about it!
4. Set a budget
Starting a food truck involves several costs. It is therefore important to map out these costs. Think about costs such as renting or buying a food truck, fuel, insurance, permits, inventory ect.
5. Opt for sustainable disposables
When setting up your food truck, it is important to consider Single-Use Plastics (SUP) legislation. These regulations restrict the use of certain disposable plastics. Choose sustainable disposables that are less harmful to the environment and comply with these new rules. For example, choose our sugar cane snack trays or our paper napkins, which are both practical and environmentally friendly. This not only helps the planet, but also shows that your company is being socially responsible. View our full range of sustainable disposables here.
