- 1). Budget sufficient funds. A commercial ice cream maker typically costs several thousand dollars. Obtaining credit to buy some of your equipment is always possible, but if you have none established, you will likely have to pay upfront.
- 2). Obtain the licenses required in your area to operate a retail business, if you do not already have them. You will need this documentation to open wholesale accounts to purchase the ice cream machines at a discount. You may also need a resale permit, fictitious name certificate (DBA), Employer Identification Number (EIN) or sales tax and use permit.
- 3). Make a list of wholesale ice cream machine suppliers you can potentially tap. Groups such as the National Ice Cream Retailers Association (NICRA) can provide you with a list of its equipment-supplying members.
- 4). Compare the equipment and shipping costs of your potential suppliers. For example, suppose Company A offers free shipping, and Company B charges a $45 shipping fee. If Company A's machines are 30 percent more costly than Company B's, you will probably save more money buying from the latter, though it charges for shipping.
- 5). Establish a wholesale account with your chosen ice cream machine suppliers. Simply contact them and provide the required documentation. You may have to complete a credit application or place a minimum order.
- 6). Buy your ice cream machines after your wholesale account is activated.
- 7). Browse online classified ads, such as craigslist, to see if any local ice cream shops are going out of business. Though you can save money buying used machines, you must be sure the equipment is still fully functional; thus, test the equipment before finalizing your purchase.
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