https://www.foodtruckfactory.cn/e/search/result/?searchid=58&lang=0If you've ever dreamed of hearing “I'll take two scoops, please!” while running your own business, you're in the right place.
The mobile ice cream business is booming across the U.S.—from sunny Florida boardwalks to busy California festivals, people love the nostalgia and joy of grabbing a cone from a cheerful cart.
And thanks to modern designs and accessible pricing, starting your own ice cream business is easier than ever. Whether you're looking for a push cart, bike-style vendor, or a mini trailer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — step by step.
Before you invest in your first ice cream cart for sale, think about what kind of business you want to run:
Classic ice cream vendor: Great for parks, fairs, and beaches.
Soft serve trailer: Perfect for events, carnivals, and food truck parks.
Gelato or rolled ice cream cart: Ideal for upscale outdoor markets.
Ice cream bike cart: Best for eco-friendly routes around campuses or downtown areas.
Example:
In Austin, Texas, a young couple started “Cold Creek Scoops,” selling soft serve from a small mobile trailer they park at weekend markets. They began with a cart under $4,000 — and now book weddings and corporate events every weekend.
Each U.S. city or county has its own rules for mobile food vendors. You'll likely need:
A Business License (issued by your city/county)
A Mobile Food Vendor Permit (especially for operation in public areas)
A Health Department Inspection (for food safety compliance)
A Fire Safety Permit (if you use electrical or gas equipment)
Tip: Start by contacting your local Health Department and Business Licensing Office — they'll tell you what's required in your area.
Example:
In Los Angeles, you'll need a Mobile Food Facility Permit through the Department of Public Health, while in Florida, it's handled by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Here's where things get exciting — picking your actual ice cream cart or trailer.
The right choice depends on your mobility needs, serving style, and budget.
| Type | Best For | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Push Cart | Parks, events, sidewalks | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Bike Cart | Mobile routes, campuses | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Small Trailer (7–11ft) | Festivals, fairs, private events | $3,000–$7,000 |
| Soft Serve Trailer (with machine) | Full-time business setup | $8,000–$15,000 |
All of these are available at factory-direct prices from ZZKNOWN — a leading ice cream cart manufacturer in China, trusted by over 2,000 entrepreneurs every month worldwide.
Their carts include:
Customizable color and logo options
CE certification for quality assurance
12-flavor stainless steel display freezers
Waterproof canopy (foldable, fabric color optional)
Factory price starting at $1,000–$5,000
Example:
A customer from Miami purchased a vintage-style push cart from ZZKNOWN with a 12-box freezer and logo decals for just under $2,000 — they now serve at beach events and food festivals year-round.
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Starting an ice cream business doesn't require huge capital. Here's a basic breakdown:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Ice cream cart or trailer | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Licenses & permits | $200–$800 |
| Insurance | $300–$600 |
| Supplies (cups, cones, toppings) | $200–$400 |
| Initial stock | $300–$500 |
| Marketing setup (flyers, signage, website) | $100–$300 |
✅ Total Estimate: You can start your ice cream business for under $6,000 — far less than a traditional food truck or cafe.
Location can make or break your mobile business. Consider high-foot-traffic spots like:
Parks and beaches (permits required)
Farmers markets
Outdoor malls or stadiums
University campuses
Corporate and private events
Example:
In California, a ZZKNOWN customer operates a compact trailer at the Santa Monica Pier — on sunny weekends, they sell out before sunset. Another in Chicago parks their cart near college dorms, making steady sales year-round.
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Keep it simple but attractive. Focus on 5–10 core products to start:
Tip: Offer a few seasonal or local favorites to keep customers coming back.
Marketing your mobile ice cream business doesn't have to be expensive. Here's what works best:
Social Media: Post photos of your cart and happy customers on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Local Partnerships: Offer event catering for schools, offices, and community events.
Google Business Profile: So locals can find you when they search “ice cream near me.”
Loyalty Programs: Hand out punch cards — “Buy 9 scoops, get the 10th free.”
Example:
A ZZKNOWN customer in Texas branded their small trailer with pink graphics and started posting on TikTok. Within two months, their video hit 100K views, and bookings doubled for private parties.
Once your business is running, keep up with inspections, renew your licenses annually, and maintain your equipment.
A clean, safe setup means happy customers — and better reviews.
Pro Tip:
ZZKNOWN's carts use stainless steel interiors and galvanized frame structures for easy cleaning and long-term durability — perfect for meeting U.S. food safety expectations.
Once you're established, consider scaling up your operations:
Add another cart in a different location
Upgrade to a larger ice cream trailer
Offer custom catering for weddings and festivals
Sell branded merchandise like reusable cups or T-shirts
With the low startup costs and high demand, many ice cream vendors expand to multiple units within a year.
ZZKNOWN isn't just a supplier — they're a manufacturer with over 15 years of export experience, specializing in customized food trailers and carts for the U.S., Europe, and Australia.
Here's what makes ZZKNOWN stand out:
✅ CE/DOT/ISO-certified for international quality
✅ Fully customizable designs — choose color, logo, layout
✅ Factory-direct pricing (save $2,000–$5,000 vs. local dealers)
✅ Global shipping with one-on-one support
✅ Free 2D/3D design drawings before production
When you buy directly from ZZKNOWN, you're working with a trusted partner who helps you turn your ice cream dream into a profitable business.
| Location | Cart Type | Daily Revenue | Monthly Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Beach, FL | Push cart | $300/day | $4,500+ |
| Austin, TX | Small trailer | $500/day | $7,000+ |
| New York City | Ice cream bike cart | $250/day | $3,000+ |
| Los Angeles, CA | Soft serve trailer | $800/day | $10,000+ |
Q1: Can I legally operate an ice cream cart in public areas?
Yes, but you'll need local permits. Always check with your city or county health department.
Q2: Does ZZKNOWN offer electric-powered or bike-style ice cream carts?
Yes! You can choose from manual push, bicycle-style, or motor-assisted options.
Q3: What's the average delivery time to the U.S.?
Around 25–30 working days after confirming your custom design.
Q4: Can I add my own logo and color design?
Absolutely — ZZKNOWN's design team provides 2D/3D previews to match your branding.
Q5: Do the carts come with freezers?
Yes. Standard models include 12-box stainless steel freezers; size and voltage can be customized for U.S. standards.
Starting a mobile ice cream business in the U.S. in 2025 is one of the most fun and affordable ways to become your own boss.
With the right cart, permits, and marketing plan, you can turn a small investment into a full-time income — and spread a lot of smiles along the way.
Whether you're looking for a cute push cart, bike-style setup, or custom ice cream trailer, ZZKNOWN can help you bring your idea to life with factory-direct prices and professional support.
Explore our latest designs and find your perfect ice cream cart for sale today!
