Ice Cream Business

[domainguy]

I've recently considered buying an ice cream van but everyone I mention it to says, you can't pitch up anywhere decent, all the good plots are run by gangs and theres turfwars etc... Does anyone have any first hand knowledge on the subject? I'm not talking turning up where another van already is but there seems to be lots of space available for everyone.

 

[ethical PR]

What's making you consider having an ice-cream van?


1. They are right you can't just pitch up - you need to apply for a licence from your local authority. It's likely most if not all of the best pitches will have long gone. Even if you can get a pitch have you done your research to know what you would need to sell each day to turn a profit?

2. Alternatively you can carry out some market research and find out costs and viability of have your van at fairs and festivals.

 

[domainguy]

I'm aware of the LEGAL aspects and have done my research. It's the grey area i'm asking about. The so called Ice cream mafia.

 

[john1989]

I hear that there is something known as the Whippy Alliance.


The go around throwing their weight around to the newbies and if things get out of control, they take their sprinkles and sauce.


This a force not to be reckoned with.

 

[ethical PR]

I'm aware of the LEGAL aspects and have done my research. It's the grey area i'm asking about. The so called Ice cream mafia.

No need to shout Domain Guy - your original post asked about pitches and my response was within that context.

If you want to know about the so called Ice Cream Mafia (presume you must be based in Glasgow then ) - lots available online

 

[beasty]

Pretty competitive, i heard there are hundreds and thousands involved?

If the UK ever does get a real heatwave, learn how to make Granita done well it is better than Ice Cream, Lemon with a bit of zest is amazing on a hot day.

 

[Graham Tyers]

I heard about a dispute between ice cream vendors recently.

One of the operators was found dead in his van covered in raspberry sauce and sprinkles.

Police think it was set up to make it look as if he topped himself.

 

[Poppet2]

One advantage is, if you can't find a permanent pitch, parks etc. ice-cream van vendors are protected by a by-law that states they are allowed to stay at any pitch for 15 minutes and that includes stopping on all public highways etc. My local council told me this.

 

[Graham Tyers]

I've been trying to find a van to visit our place of work so I can treat all the staff on a nice day.

There's got to be a market for this. I've tried a few local owners and they don't return calls or emails.

 

[billmccallum1957]

I've recently considered buying an ice cream van but everyone I mention it to says, you can't pitch up anywhere decent, all the good plots are run by gangs and theres turfwars etc... Does anyone have any first hand knowledge on the subject? I'm not talking turning up where another van already is but there seems to be lots of space available for everyone.

Are you looking for a static site or will you be mobile?

Mobile rounds are where problems can arise, if you're seen as "poaching" someone's round (even though there is no such thing as a "round").

Static sites, parks and festivals can be expensive in terms of rent.

What research have you done? Where are you based?

 

[beasty]

If you want a unique and authentic style, get a van from Italy, they look way different
as far as giving you a brand identity goes, it would be an easy and low cost thing to do
Brioche would be good also

I live in Italy, but would love to find the Italian version of the Ice Cream van back in the UK

 

[TotalWebSolutions]

I've been trying to find a van to visit our place of work so I can treat all the staff on a nice day.

There's got to be a market for this. I've tried a few local owners and they don't return calls or emails.

We have a van that comes to our business estates most days in the spring/summer months. You never see it getting much custom but it continues to come. Suppose most businesses wouldn't want staff nipping out for a '99 every day!

 

[CompuGlobal-Hyper-MegaNet]

I saw one the other day that played its tune for over 16 seconds
seems like the blatant flouting of laws only organised cartels are capable of
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-23279302
in all seriousness though, i have heard about this, how people have their spots and can get violent over their turf, although i'm not sure how they enforce it if they're not allowed to reside anywhere longer than 15 minutes

 

[Pd_hendry]

Hi,

I have just finished my first season as an ice cream van owner.. And I would recommend going for it.... Depending on where you are of course. Don't expect to make millions but enough that you can live being your own boss.

Ice cream turf wars were really a thing of the past... Was more of dodgy dealings... However would say make sure the round you do isn't run already being worked by another.... I had a different van go down my round a few hours before me.... No one wen too see him, as people have loyalty...

If you got any questions... Message me

 

[Steph25]

Hi,

I have just finished my first season as an ice cream van owner.. And I would recommend going for it.... Depending on where you are of course. Don't expect to make millions but enough that you can live being your own boss.

Ice cream turf wars were really a thing of the past... Was more of dodgy dealings... However would say make sure the round you do isn't run already being worked by another.... I had a different van go down my round a few hours before me.... No one wen too see him, as people have loyalty...

If you got any questions... Message me

Any advice on suppliers etc for someone thinking of starting out,?

 

[marklew]

Duncan Bannatyne started out in ice cream vans and he stated he had a bit of the turf war issues in his book you have mentioned. As someone else said, maybe this was how it used to be, as this was 20+ years ago... cash only businesses are especially appealing to a certain sector of people who come with additional concerns, but to be honest those types don't really care about making real money, just getting rid of the cash that they have made through other means and making it legal