So you are shopping for a concession trailer or a food stand.  I have some information for you to consider before you purchase.

First, consider the product you are going to sell and all the equipment you are going to need to prepare that  product.  That will give you an idea as to the space you are going to need in your trailer or cart.

Second, please know that there are regulations from the health board, fire marshall and bureau of motor vehicles in which your trailer will need to be up to code.

     You can contact your state health department and ask them the type of permits necessary for your trailer or cart.  Some states require employees  to get a food handlers permit also.Your stand will also need a certain amount of sinks, water heaters, thermometers, and other equipment required by the health board.  Please be sure to get all the information you can when you call them.

     You will also need to know the fire marshall code.  You can contact your local or state fire marshall to get the requirements for your state.  They will be able to tell you the number of fire extiguishers needed,  electrical and ground requirements and other information required by your state.

     Once you get the basic idea of your equipment, health board and fire marshall requirements you will have a better picture of what type of trailer or stand will meet your needs.

     Some other information you may want to consider for your trailer are:

1.  If the serving windows have screens to minimize pest.

2.  If there is adequate window and vents...so if you are using a deep fryer you are not overheating yourself.

3. Also consider the height of the serving window.  Is it adequate for your patrons to approach.  Is there an awning to keep them out of the rain. (You will get sales when it rains because people use that awning to keep dry).

4. Another thing to consider about the serving window is the height inside the trailer.  Are you having to bend way down to serve people?  Some trailers have what is called a well floor.  That is a floor that has been lowered in the middle of the trailer to keep your  height accurate for the serving window. Some cargo and camper trailers transformed into concession trailers do not have well floors and can be very uncomfortable to work in.

5. Another thing that is important to consider is the size of the trailer.  There a few things to consider here.  Make sure you have a vehicle that can safely tow the trailer or cart.  The department of Motor Vehicles can tell you requirements for towing the vehicle such as trailer brakes and lights.  The DMV can also inform you of titles and types of registration fees you will incur upon purchase of your trailer or cart.

Another reason to consider trailer size is some "spots" or fairs you may set up in charge you a set up fee based on the length of your trailer.  For example if you have a spot at the county fair they may charge you 100 dollars per foot.  therefore a 14 foot trailer would then cost 1400 dollars just to set up at that fair. 

6. With that in mind .  You should call potential spots and ask what set up fees are.  So you can calculate that in before you buy your new trailer or cart.

7.  Some other information you will need to run your business:

  1. You will need to look into state and federal taxes.

2.  You will need vehicle and liability insurance.

3. You will need to make contact with your potential suppliers.

Hope this helps and....

 Good Luck with your new Business Adventure!