Preparation and planning is key to success and the more research you do ahead of starting, the better you can manage the challenges and exploit the opportunities.

 The following points outline a number of key considerations to help you get started:

 Buying the Right Vehicle for the job

 Jiffy Trucks have been developing mobile food trucks for over 35 years and over this time have developed a range of vehicles to suit every business, from materials that last well and with a practical layout which makes business from a Jiffy Truck quick and easy.

 The vehicle you choose will make a statement about your business. The cleaner, tidier and more professional looking your vehicle, the better the impression you will create in the minds of your customers.

 Practicality and ergonomics are all important factors to consider and will help make daily trading swift, efficient and more profitable.

 Maintenance of your vehicle is vital to ensure hassle-free trading and minimum down time. Support and service from the Jiffy Trucks are valuable benefits to help you to manage issues and vehicle problems.

 NB Ensure you have suitable insurance to cover the vehicle you use. Work with a specialist agent who understands the format of your vehicle. Standard vehicle insurance does not cover mobile retail catering vehicles due to the specialist equipment or modified chassis.

Location research

How many businesses are nearby which may be interested in your delivery services?

How far will you have to travel to each, and over all, and how long will this take?

What types of customers might you expect from these businesses, what spend might they make and how many per call?

Products

What range of goods will you carry?

Will you prepare them all yourself, buy in or both?

What will make your product offer different or more special than any other competitor in the area?

How will you vary the product range seasonally, and how will you cater for a broad range of customer tastes and preferences?

Hot food can really drive good margins, such as soups, baked potatoes etc. 

Pricing

What rsp can you achieve, and does this net a profitable return, taking into account all of your costs?

Is there a benchmark competitor who you feel can be a good reference point for what your products could sell for? (e.g. multiple supermarket/local baker/takeaway).

Will you offer incentives and offers – can your cost structure bear this?

Promotion

Canvassing a round and targeting specific businesses in a professional manner with leaflets and menus will help to build up your round.

Smart, courteous presentation in person and a well considered menu and product lest will win favour.

 Leaflet drops, websites and personal visits will all help to raise awareness of what you do. Get a positive word of mouth campaign going amongst your customers.

Often you can achieve a better presentation of company literature by having leaflets and flyers created by a professional printer, who may also generate a cost effective design. Worth checking rather than doing yourself.

People

The people in your business set the standard. If you are employing someone to work with you, take care to train them in the values and company style you’d like to portray.

The success of the mobile round lies in the rapport and good relations established by your sales person. Perhaps important to highlight that the person who drives your vehicle is not just a driver – they are the face of your business and your sales force.

Branding and packaging

If you already have a company with a known name in the area, being mobile can be a great way to spread the word, with a vehicle or fleet driving around, re-inforcing this.

If you are starting from scratch, try to establish a memorable, quirky or clever company name that your customers can easily remember and recognise. Ideally try to reflect your company values whatever they may be – fresh, tasty, quality, value for money etc

Competition

Undoubtedly there may be other businesses in the area where your customers can buy food.

Consider why they will want to buy from you, and what makes you different or better?

If your experience a situation where more than one mobile food retailer is calling on a business, best practice through courtesy and manners will always win out, because the customer will always choose.

If you’re confident your products are better and that you are the preferred choice, consider how can communicate this and arrange advantageous call times.

The customer will always choose in the end, and minimising conflict will work in your favour. (This may take a few visits to establish, but better in the long run).

Operational issues

Running costs, maintenance and cleanliness are key, however you will also need to research your local requirements for trading licences, hygiene certificates and environmental health requirements.

The more professional and clean you vehicle, the easier you will find all of the food hygiene management. Jiffy Trucks design features into the vehicles and utilise anti-bacterial materials in the construction of their materials to help mobile operators achieve high standards.

Finances and Management

Keeping good, up to date records will help you not only manage the demands of tax add and operational costs, but will help you understand the profitable parts of your business.

VAT does apply to some hot products. Take the advice of an accountant who can help you make provision for this, as being caught later can be costly. VAT claims can be backdated 6 years.

Keeping a close eye on waste products and portion control will help to maximise your business’s potential.

Simple spreadsheets of sales and daily returns will show you what is working and what is not.

Summary

Considering all of the previous areas will help give you a good foundation in running a mobile business. There are lots of opportunities, and creating a point of difference will help you be recognised for something special.

Consult as many businesses you can to help you in the early stages and have fun developing what can be a highly rewarding way of life.

Remember – it’s all about the customer!

For further information on Jiffy Trucks, please contact 01274 596000 or visit www.jiffytrucks.co.uk