Buying a food truck: what does it really cost?
Introduction
A food truck is the dream of many entrepreneurs: mobility, "reasonable" investment, direct contact with customers. But how much does buying and operating a food truck in Switzerland really cost? The answer is rarely what you imagine.
The purchase price of the vehicle is only the visible part. Behind it, there's professional equipment, municipal permits, paid locations, insurance, maintenance. Not to mention the fixed charges that fall every month, rain or shine.
This guide details the real costs of a food truck: purchase, operation, permits. It also presents the profitability figures to know before launching. And if you're considering the takeover of an existing food truck rather than starting from scratch, we address the advantages and pitfalls to avoid.
Whether you're looking to create your own street food concept or take over an established business, this information will help you budget your project correctly. To explore opportunities for business takeover in the restaurant sector, Leez connects qualified sellers and buyers.
📌 Summary (TL;DR)
The price of a new food truck varies between 60,000 and 150,000 CHF depending on equipment. Monthly operating costs (location, goods, insurance, maintenance) represent 8,000 to 15,000 CHF. Municipal permits and strategic locations often constitute the real hidden costs. Profitability depends on daily turnover: count on a minimum of 800-1,000 CHF/day to be viable. Taking over an existing food truck reduces start-up risks but requires rigorous verification of actual figures.
📚 Table of contents
The purchase price of a food truck
Buying a food truck represents a substantial investment in Switzerland. For a new equipped and approved vehicle, expect between 80,000 and 150,000 CHF. A second-hand model ranges between 30,000 and 80,000 CHF, depending on condition and equipment.
The price varies greatly according to several factors: kitchen equipment (professional fryer, plancha, oven, refrigeration), FEDRO approval, condition of the base vehicle, and brand (Mercedes, Fiat, Citroën). A food truck approved according to Swiss standards costs 15,000 to 25,000 CHF more than a non-compliant vehicle.
For an existing business takeover, add the goodwill: clientele, location, reputation. Total price: 40,000 to 120,000 CHF depending on performance. Businesses for sale sometimes include food trucks with permits already in place.
Monthly operating costs
Beyond the purchase, monthly charges determine the project's viability. Here are the main items:
- Location and permits: 500 to 2,000 CHF/month depending on canton and city
- Insurance: liability, vehicle, stock: 200 to 400 CHF
- Fuel and travel: 300 to 600 CHF
- Raw materials: 30 to 35% of turnover
- Salaries: if you employ staff
Often forgotten costs: vehicle maintenance (500-1,000 CHF/year), mandatory health inspections, equipment replacement, accounting.
Realistic total: 3,000 to 6,000 CHF/month minimum for an active food truck, before your own salary. This fixed cost base requires stable turnover.
Location and permits: the real hidden cost
Location represents the main challenge and recurring cost. In Switzerland, you must obtain:
- Itinerant trading permit: varies by canton (Geneva: 500 CHF/year, Vaud: 200 CHF, Zurich: different categories)
- Cantonal health authorisation: inspection and compliance
- Public domain occupation permit: by municipality, often time-limited
Private locations (festivals, markets, commercial zones) cost between 200 and 1,500 CHF per day or event. Some owners request a percentage of turnover (10-15%).
The real problem: no guarantee of a fixed location. Competition is fierce, permits are precarious. A food truck without a stable location doesn't generate regular income. This precariousness directly impacts profitability.
Real profitability: the figures to know
The profitability figures for a food truck vary greatly depending on location, concept and season.
Average turnover: 5,000 to 15,000 CHF/month. A good urban location can generate 20,000 CHF in high season. A mediocre location: 3,000 to 4,000 CHF.
Realistic net margin: 10 to 20% after all charges. On 10,000 CHF turnover, you keep 1,000 to 2,000 CHF. The break-even point is around 8,000 to 10,000 CHF/month.
Major problems: seasonality (difficult winter in Switzerland), weather dependency, market saturation in large cities. Return on investment time: 3 to 5 years in the best scenario. Many give up before.
Takeover of an existing food truck: advantages and pitfalls
Taking over an existing food truck can accelerate the start. Advantages: proven equipment, potential clientele, permits already in place, tested concept.
Takeover price: 40,000 to 120,000 CHF depending on performance and reputation. The seller charges for goodwill: secured locations, customer base, local reputation.
Critical points of vigilance:
- Demand the accounts for the last 3 years (not just tax returns)
- Verify the actual condition of equipment (technical inspection)
- Confirm the transferability of permits and locations (often personal)
- Understand the real reason for the sale
Use the valuation tool to estimate the real value. The Leez expert network can carry out thorough due diligence.
Questions to ask before buying
Before investing in a food truck, ask yourself these concrete questions:
- What is the real cost of the location? Monthly, seasonal, guaranteed or precarious?
- Are the permits transferable? Check with cantonal authorities
- What is the condition of the vehicle and equipment? Independent technical inspection
- What are the real figures? Certified accounts, not just declared
- Are there any debts or disputes? Suppliers, employees, authorities
- What is the local competition? Market saturation
- Do I have the culinary AND commercial skills? Both are essential
For a takeover, use the Leez expert network (fiduciaries, lawyers) for complete due diligence. Investment in professional audit can save you costly mistakes.
Buying a food truck represents an initial investment of 30,000 to 120,000 CHF depending on condition and equipment. To this are added monthly costs of 3,000 to 6,000 CHF (location, stock, insurance, maintenance). Permits vary greatly by municipality and can limit your flexibility.
Profitability depends directly on your location, your concept and your ability to generate regular turnover. Taking over an existing food truck can reduce risks: established clientele, permits in place, proven equipment. But beware of pitfalls: verify the actual condition of equipment, reasons for sale and transferability of permits.
Are you looking for a food truck to take over in Switzerland? Browse available opportunities on Leez and access verified listings with transparency on figures and takeover conditions.
