How to Start A Business As A Mobile Snack Concession Vendor In Texas

By Doodlebugs, eHow Member
I want to do this! What's This?
Start A Business As A Mobile Snack Concession Vendor In Texas
Start A Business As A Mobile Snack Concession Vendor In Texas
How to Start A Business As A Mobile Snack Concession Vendor In Texas
User-Submitted Article

In these tough times you might want to try to make your own job by starting a mobile concession stand or snack vending service. Here is how to get started.
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

1. Starting your own mobile food concession business can be a lucrative way to earn extra or even full time income. When starting your own business as a mobile food vendor or snack concession stand there are some important things to consider. This article contains information that is relevant to most areas of the United States but is specific to the laws of the State of Texas.
The first step is to consider what kind of mobile food concession you are most interested in. Those dealing with food prepared from scratch, such as hot dogs or hamburgers, require the most equipment and food safety procedures, as well as the most expensive trailers. Mobile food trailers that have full kitchens must have the proper ventilation equipment, waste drains, fire protection, etc, to be legal in Texas and most other states. Concessions that require only a minimum of preparation, such as snow cones or popcorn do not have to have such expensive and highly regulated trailers. Those that sell prepackaged snacks require the least regulations.
2.Think of a good business name. When starting your own food concession business in Texas you should first file for a DBA or "doing business as" name in each county you plan to operate in. Next you need to apply for an EIN or Employer ID Number, from the IRS by contacting them through the link in the resources section below. Next, for Texas at least, you need to apply for a Sales Tax ID number from the state comptroller's office through the link below.
3. Getting a health permit is essential. When you start your own mobile food or snack vending business in Texas you will be required by law to have a health permit. These are obtained from whatever city you will be operating in. Otherwise, if you are not regulated by one city you will have to apply through the Texas Department Of Health, who will also inspect your mobile food trailer before licensing. You may also need a city license to operate as a vendor on public property.
4. Choosing a suitable mobile concession trailer may seem like a daunting task. You can often find used trailers that have already been set up to conform to state laws regarding ventilation, waste storage, fire code, etc. Search on eBay and sites such as Craigslist. You will need a full sized truck in most cases, since food concession trailers may weight over 6000 pounds. You will need commercial liability insurance both for the trailer and for your business to protect you from lawsuits. Keeping your equipment safe and sanitary are job number one.
When looking for locations to set up your mobile snack concession trailer look at calendar of local events and apply to the organizers as early as you can in the year. Many of the prime spots at local fairs and events are reserved a year or more in advance. Getting in with a company that puts on fairs around the state is another good way to stay busy. Although you will be traveling a lot, it is a good way to turn mobile snack concession into a full time job, since there is rarely enough business in one city to keep you busy full time. Make sure you have a willing spouse or helper, since mobile snack concession businesses are hard to run with just one person. You may want to consider purchasing a franchise to sell a trademarked snack. Franchises will restrict your competition and offer you support in getting started, plus provide customers with a recognized snack brand.



Read more: How to Start A Business As A Mobile Snack Concession Vendor In Texas | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4988170_start-snack-concession-vendor-texas.html#ixzz0zQZbjMyv