What an ice cream van costs in Australia
Ice cream vans are having a search-demand moment, and the real costs are scattered across builders who mostly quote on application. Here is what is actually published.
The vehicle paths
| Path | Cost | Financed, per week |
|---|---|---|
| Turnkey soft serve trailer (machine, refrigeration, compliance) | ~$50,000 plus GST | ~$250 |
| Fitted van body (fridges, benches, sinks), before machine | $26,500 to $33,000 plus GST | $130 to $165 |
| Van plus full fitout including soft serve machine | $80,000 plus | from $395 |
The strongest published figure in the market is the turnkey trailer at $49,990 plus GST: three-flavour twist machine rated at 330 cones an hour, dual commercial refrigeration, sinks, hood and compliance included. The van path costs more because the base vehicle, a used mid-size van runs around $35,000, comes before any fitout.
The machine is half the budget
Commercial soft serve machines run $10,000 to $16,500 for entry units, $25,000 to $35,000 mid-range (Taylor class), and up to $55,000 for premium twin-twist machines. Used units trade at $6,000 to $7,700, and rent-try-buy programs exist from about $58 a day, a sensible way to test a site before committing capital. Single versus twin barrels, pump feed and output per hour drive the price.
Financing it
Vans, trailers and machines all write as business equipment on one facility. Property-backed borrowers generally price around 6% to 9% p.a. and non-property-backed deals around 9% to 13%, with approvals commonly back in 24 to 48 hours. A $50,000 turnkey trailer runs about $250 a week over five years; at typical event pricing that is a weekend's cones. Run your build through the repayment calculator, or see food vehicle finance.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an ice cream van cost in Australia?
A turnkey soft serve trailer runs about $50,000 plus GST. Van builds cost more: a fitted van body is $26,500 to $33,000 plus GST before the soft serve machine, putting a full van build at $80,000 plus.
How much is a commercial soft serve machine?
Entry commercial machines run $10,000 to $16,500, mid-range Taylor-class machines $25,000 to $35,000, and premium twin-twist units up to $55,000. Used machines trade around $6,000 to $7,700.
Can I rent a soft serve machine instead of buying?
Yes, rent-try-buy programs run from about $58 a day, which is a sensible way to prove a site or event calendar before buying the machine.
Can an ice cream van be financed?
Yes. The vehicle, fitout and machine write as one equipment facility with one repayment, new or used.
Price the van, then the repayment
Tell us the build and we will come back with the weekly number, usually within a day.
This article is general information only and not financial, credit, or tax advice. Ventas Asset Lending is a finance broker, not a lender. Approvals are subject to lender assessment. Consider your own circumstances and speak to a qualified professional, including your accountant for any tax questions.