Start a mobile ice cream cart or truck

Event-goers, families at parks and beaches, festival and market crowds, and hosts of parties, weddings and school or company events.

Sales per scoop, cone or novelty item, plus flat fees or minimums for private events. Lower fixed costs than a shop, but income depends on weather and event bookings.

• Customer service
• Driving or towing a vehicle safely
• Event planning and booking
• Food safety habits

• Mobile food permits, health inspections and vending or street-use rules, which vary a lot by city and county
• Where you can legally park and sell, and any commissary or storage requirements
• General liability and commercial auto insurance, plus event vendor insurance requirements
• Freezer power, melting stock and hot-weather safety
• Sales tax registration with your state and any local business license

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $50,000, depending on whether you choose a pushcart, trailer or truck and how much freezer equipment you need. Treat these as estimates and get quotes before buying.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on where you sell, how many events you book and the time of year. These are revenue estimates before costs, not profit.

Check mobile food permits, health inspections and vending or street-use rules, which vary a lot by city and county. Also check where you can legally park and sell, any commissary or storage requirements, and event vendor insurance requirements.