Ice cream trucks are known to buy their ice cream most times from wholesale distributors or suppliers instead of making it themselves.
This particular approach makes it a lot easier for them to provide their customers with a vast array of pre-packaged ice cream treats and guarantee consistency in terms of quality and flavor.
By making purchases in bulk from established brands, ice cream truck operators can adequately stock their inventory and meet the demands of their customers without the complexities and regulations that come with making the ice cream themselves.
Pros and Cons of Buying vs Making Ice Cream
Ice cream trucks for centuries have remained a very cherished and important part of summer, providing customers of all ages with mind-blowing refreshments that will leave them happy.
However, it is important to note that these businesses have two notable options when it comes to stocking their inventory: buying pre-made ice cream or making it themselves.
Ideally, both options possess their pros and cons, and you must take them into account when trying to choose the best option for your new business. Below are the top pros and cons of each option.
Pros of Buying Ice Cream
1. Consistency and Quality
Note that by leveraging this option, ice cream trucks can be assured they will be getting consistent quality and flavor, and this will in many ways work to cultivate customer trust and loyalty.
2. Variety
Wholesale suppliers are known to provide their clients with a vast array of pre-packaged products that make it a lot easier for these trucks to stock numerous types of ice cream.
3. Time-Saving
Also note that purchasing ice cream ensures that ice cream trucks can avoid the time and effort normally invested into ice cream production. They can instead channel their energy towards sales, marketing, and customer service.
4. Regulatory Compliance
The ice cream will more or less come from facilities that are fully in adherence with health and safety regulations, and as such reduce the amount or level of regulations and standards the business will have to conform with.
5. Cost Efficiency
Also note that buying in bulk will in most cases lead to discounts, and this will make it a lot easier for businesses to manage costs while also maximizing profits.
Cons of Buying Ice Cream
1. Higher Initial Investment
Deciding to work with this option would entail making significant upfront costs for inventory.
2. Limited Customization
Since you won’t be making the ice cream you sell, you have to only work or offer your customers the flavors and types made by suppliers, and this might not align with distinctive customer preferences or dietary restrictions.
3. Storage Needs
You will also have to invest in the right storage space. This will include a working freezer as well as other vital equipment that are costly as well as space-consuming.
4. Dependence on Suppliers
Also note that any issues with suppliers, including delays or shortages, will in many ways affect the truck’s ability to operate hitch-free.
5. Less Brand Identity
Keep in mind that carrying or selling popular brands might impede the growth of the ice cream truck’s brand, and this will make it very difficult to set itself apart in the already crowded market.
Pros of Making Ice Cream
1. Customization
One benefit that comes with making your own ice cream is that it gives you total control over vital things like flavours, ingredients, and recipes, ensuring that you can meet the unique preferences and dietary needs of your customers.
2. Brand Identity
Making ice cream is also a good strategy that will make the truck stand out in the already crowded market. Simply put, it provides the ice cream truck with a unique selling point as well as a strategy to bolster brand identity.
3. Potential Cost Savings
Note that making ice cream will in the long run prove to be beneficial since it will prove to be more cost-effective than purchasing it, especially if sales volumes are high.
4. Freshness
Another thing to note is that freshly made ice cream will also resonate with customers who want high-quality, artisanal products.
5. Flexibility
It also allow vendors to quickly align their products to current trends and seasonal demands by trying out new flavours and products.
Cons of Making Ice Cream
1. Time-Consuming
Keep in mind that the process of making ice cream can be quite labor-intensive and time-consuming, necessitating massive investment in terms of effort and resources.
2. Equipment Costs
Putting together a production facility will also necessitate massive investment in equipment, like ice cream machines, mixers, and freezers.
3. Regulatory Compliance
You will also have to pay attention as well as comply with very strict health and safety regulations, and this can be quite complex and expensive to maintain.
4. Quality Control
Also note that steadily making top-grade ice cream can be quite daunting, especially in a mobile environment and with limited resources.
5. Storage and Logistics
You will also want to consider the investment that will go into ensuring you have the right storage and transportation, as it might prove to be daunting and expensive.
Which Option is More Profitable?
Truth be told, the exact one that will prove profitable between both options will depend on the size and operational strategy of the business.
It is important to point out that buying pre-made ice cream will prove to be immediately cost-effective especially via bulk-purchasing discounts as well as reduced labor and equipment expenses, making it a more viable choice in the short term.
However, making ice cream might prove to be profitable and beneficial over time for trucks that prefer to build a brand. A strong brand identity will ensure that the business can draw in and retain a loyal customer base ever ready to pay a premium for homemade quality.
As such, it is recommended you take into account market demand, operational capacity, as well as brand differentiation strategy when considering the best and most profitable option.