Food trucks remain one of the most popular types of eating places in this day and age. It’s no wonder lots of foodies still dream of having their own and taking their mobile kitchen on the road to spread their recipes to curious and hungry bystanders.
It’s not unheard of to go for second-hand if you’re on a budget. But there are some important things you need to check to make sure you’re getting bang for your buck. Make sure you answer these questions before picking your truck of choice.
Does it have a good make?
Having a good make on your food truck is important because this determines its efficiency as a vehicle and a kitchen. You want to ensure that you’re getting a model from a manufacturer that is mindful of the purpose and durability needed for a successful truck.
Do your research on the model you’re eyeing and get into the nitty-gritty of even the smallest parts. Even if a second-hand unit needs to be souped-up, it’ll be an easier process if you have something good to start with and you’re familiar with the base parts.
What you’ll want to look at are the engine and the build inside. Stainless steel coil suppliers, who often provide cold and hot rolled coils and sheets for the food and medical industry, can be reached out to, so you can ensure that the stainless steel within your truck is still up to par with your needs. From there, you can determine whether you need to replace some important sections, do some repairs, or simply do a deep clean. Doing this can give you a spick and span unit when all’s said and done.
Is the equipment right for your specific menu?
Food trucks’ popularity not only stems from how convenient and accessible they are but also from the rise of niche brands that serve a specific set of items that are worth following and lining up for. Because of this, you need to make sure you are getting a unit that has the right kitchen and storage equipment that suits your type of dishes.
For instance, a barbecued ribs truck would not have the same cooking requirements as one serving ice cream. This can help you determine whether it’s better to build your vehicle or simply get a unit that hits your needs and add some specifications if necessary. This is an important part of the choosing process that can save you a lot of time and money.
Is there a return policy?
The thing with getting used or second-hand vehicles is the buying process may be different from getting a brand-new unit from a manufacturer or seller. Make sure you cover a warranty or return period if any issues arise, especially if you’re dealing with paperwork with an individual as opposed to an authorized reseller.
Either way, you should ensure that your unit does not have underlying issues and that you have a safeguard for your purchase so that you’re not left with an unusable piece of junk.
Once you’ve covered these essential factors when choosing a food truck perfect for you, you can finally focus on launching your brand and setting out towards the road to spread cheer and good food.
