How to Start a Juice Truck

The Perfect Business – minimal start-up costs and low barrier to entry

The average person in the US doesn’t get enough fruit and vegetables in their diet. So they are looking for ways to increase their nutrient intake in an efficient, affordable, and tasty way. That is why mobile juice bars are one of the booming businesses in the health and wellness niche.

This business is one that primarily sells juices that are freshly made. These juices might also contain add-ins such as herbal or nutritional supplements. The truth is, most juices that are sold in the market are usually packed with preservatives, and due to changing preferences of the masses, more people prefer to consume juices that they know are freshly made.

Starting a juice truck business is an extremely viable option if you are thinking about a new venture with a minimal start-up budget, high-profit margin, and minimal food prep. It also has a low entry barrier because you don’t need prior catering experience to get into the business.

Starting a mobile juice bar truck business is not just a way to generate revenue and turn a profit. It’s also a way you can help people live a healthier life.

What is the best way to start up a Juice Truck to decrease your risk and increase your profits?

• Do your Market Research

The laws differ significantly between regions and states, no matter what country you live in. Some countries are strict and have many caveats to understand before you jump in. Other countries are lax and don’t have many regulations.

The easiest and best way to learn about the health regulations that govern your areas is to contact your local health department or small business center. They will be able to direct you to the relevant information.

• Find a Location……or locations

When starting a juice truck, although mobile, you must consider the location. You need to consider questions such as – will there be enough footfall in the area? Is this the right demographics for the type of products I want to sell? However, there are plenty of markets and festivals around now, so finding the right spot should be easy.

Where I live, there is one food truck business that moves between three places. Everyone knows where they will be on the given day, and if there are any changes, they update everyone via social media. The outcome, everyone gets fresh, healthy food at a great price, and you are supporting a truly local business.

• Consider all Costs

Even though this venture is cheaper than starting up a brick and mortar business, you need to consider the costs involved. There is the truck fit-out, taxes, temporary rental fees (if you choose to go to markets), and other expenses such as acquiring the correct licenses for your area.

Most of the juice truck costs will be spent either acquiring a second-hand juice truck or fitting out a truck suitable for the job. That is usually in the area of $10K to $25K.

These are start-up costs and don’t include the day to day running expenses, such as staff, stock, and utilities.

• Start-up Equipment

You will need a great quality commercial juicer/s, fridges, freezers, stainless steel surfaces, handwashing facilities, large containers for fruit and vegetables, and prepping knives.

• Licenses and Certificates

The type of permits you will need to run a mobile juice bar will differ from country to country and state to state. But consider the following:

1. Insurance Policies
2. Food Safety and Handling Certificate
3. Business license and permit
4. Federal and State Tax documentation

• Packaging

You will not get away with using single-use plastics with most of this crowd. They are health-conscious and well aware of the environmental impacts of our packaging decisions. Make sure your cups, lids, and straws are compostable or biodegradable.

• Branding

You want a name and logo that is both edgy and clearly states what you sell. This name will go a long way in determining how your intended customers will perceive your business.

Your name has to be unique, memorable, easy to pronounce, and doesn’t leave the potential customer perplexed at what you sell. Mica’s Mobile Juice Machine leaves no ambiguity about what is sold.
When you figure out your name, jump onto Fiverr. It’s a great platform to get a logo design at an incredible price.

• Menu Ideas

This is the fun part. There are endless combinations, so you will never get stuck for juice ideas. But keep the menu simple and easy to edit as, over time, you will work out what sells and adapt it accordingly.

It’s best to have between five and eight options. If you have too much choice, it can lead to customer paralysis. Having a smaller menu also helps with stock control. Otherwise, you end up with wasted ingredients if one juice doesn’t sell as well. Let alone the potential nightmare of ordering over 50 ingredients. Keep it a manageable 10 to 15 different ingredients. Juice Guru Institute can show you how to formulate juices according to therapeutic value. Become a Certified Juice Therapist and you’ll be able to hit the ground running as an accredited expert.

• Marketing

If you are looking at the long game, it will be useful to build a website and have a digital marketing plan to take you to the next level. This is how the public will know where you are and how you will secure private and corporate gigs. But to start, all you need is an Instagram and Facebook page. You can also consider marketing directly to event and wedding suppliers and consultants.

The juice bar industry is one that is thriving and is experiencing steady growth as well. This is attributed to the growing fitness and wellness industry as customers are increasingly becoming more health and wellness conscious, especially about what they consume.
Juice bars, including mobile juice bars, are ripe and ready to take advantage of this health and wellness movement.