How Much Will You Spend to Start a Food Truck in South Carolina
Starting a food truck in South Carolina means budgeting for truck costs, permits, equipment, and insurance. Cities like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville are home to thriving food truck markets, particularly during festivals and at local breweries. Whether you’re purchasing a new or used truck, customization for Southern staples like BBQ or seafood can add significantly to your budget. Commissary kitchen availability may vary between urban and rural areas, so it’s important to plan accordingly. This guide breaks down the costs to help you prepare for a successful start in South Carolina.
Truck or Trailer Costs
Low Estimate:
$30,000
High Estimate
$90,000
Additional Year One Start-up Costs
Low Estimate:
$7,000
High Estimate
$25,000
How Much Should You Budget for Marketing in South Carolina
Making Smart Marketing Investments For Your Truck
• Pop-Up Collaborations: Partnering with local businesses in Charleston or Columbia for pop-up events can cost $150 to $500, with potential revenue-sharing agreements.
• Loyalty Incentives: Launching a loyalty app program or printed punch cards costs $50 to $150 and encourages customers to return.
• Truck Visibility: Investing $3,000 to $6,000 in a truck wrap ensures your branding stands out at South Carolina’s busy food truck festivals.
How Much Should You Budget for Marketing in South Carolina
Making Smart Marketing Investments For Your Truck
• Pop-Up Collaborations: Partnering with local businesses in Charleston or Columbia for pop-up events can cost $150 to $500, with potential revenue-sharing agreements.
• Loyalty Incentives: Launching a loyalty app program or printed punch cards costs $50 to $150 and encourages customers to return.
• Truck Visibility: Investing $3,000 to $6,000 in a truck wrap ensures your branding stands out at South Carolina’s busy food truck festivals.
Often Forgotten Operational Costs in South Carolina
The start-up costs for a food truck in South Carolina should include vehicle maintenance, which costs $800–$1,500 annually for oil changes and repairs. Propane and generator fuel expenses average $1,200–$2,500 annually. Commissary kitchen rentals typically range from $400–$1,000 monthly.
Fast Track to Six-Figure Food Truck Profit in South Carolina [2025 Bundle with Guides, Calculators and Full Business Plan]
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The True Cost of Food Truck Insurance in South Carolina
Understanding the true cost of food truck insurance in South Carolina starts with knowing what coverage you need to protect your business and comply with state regulations.
General Liability Insurance Purpose: Protects against third-party bodily injury or property damage claims arising from your food truck operations. Requirement: Not legally mandated in South Carolina but highly recommended to safeguard your business. Estimated Cost: Approximately $300 to $700 annually for $1 million in coverage.
Commercial Auto Insurance Purpose: Covers your food truck vehicle in case of accidents, property damage, or bodily injury. Requirement: Mandatory in South Carolina, with minimum liability limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Estimated Cost: Between $1,200 and $3,000 per year, depending on factors like vehicle type and driving history.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Purpose: Provides medical and wage benefits to employees injured on the job. Requirement: Mandatory in South Carolina for businesses with four or more employees. Estimated Cost: Approximately $1,000 to $1,800 annually, varying based on payroll and job risk classifications.
Product Liability Insurance Purpose: Covers claims related to foodborne illnesses or allergic reactions caused by your products. Requirement: Not legally required but essential for food service businesses to mitigate potential lawsuits. Estimated Cost: Often included within general liability policies; additional coverage may cost between $100 and $300 annually.
Equipment Coverage Purpose: Protects your kitchen equipment against theft, damage, or loss. Requirement: Optional but advisable to protect valuable assets. Estimated Cost: Ranges from $200 to $500 annually, depending on the total value of the equipment insured.
What It Costs to Start a Food Truck in South Carolina: Sample Budget
📄Licenses/Permits
$500 - $1,500
🚚Truck/Trailer
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🍽️Inventory/Supplies
$3,000 - $5,000
$30,000 - $90,000
📢Marketing
$3,000 - $8,000
💼Insurance
$2,000 - $4,000
How to Budget for Labor Costs When Starting a Food Truck in South Carolina
How to Pay Yourself as a Food Truck Owner in South Carolina
South Carolina’s expanding food truck market, especially in hotspots like Charleston and Columbia, offers immense potential for entrepreneurs. Many owners form a South Carolina LLC, which operates as a pass-through entity, meaning the business’s income or losses flow through to their personal tax return. By paying yourself a modest hourly wage, such as $15 an hour, you ensure you can cover personal expenses and value your time. This approach balances your financial needs with the growth of your business during the critical first year.
Fair Wages for Food Truck Employees: South Carolina Pay Rate Guidelines
In South Carolina, food truck owners can attract workers by offering fair pay based on benchmarks like Cook Out or Zaxby’s, typically $14–$16 per hour. Unified starting wages promote flexibility, with raises rewarding effort or loyalty.
Understanding Payroll Taxes for South Carolina Food Truck Owners
In South Carolina, food truck entrepreneurs are responsible for federal payroll taxes, including Social Security, Medicare, and federal unemployment taxes (FUTA). Additionally, South Carolina requires employers to withhold state income tax from employees' wages and to pay State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) taxes. New employers typically start with a SUI tax rate of 0.55% on the first $14,000 of each employee's wages, with rates adjusted annually based on the employer's experience rating. To comply, register with the IRS for an EIN and with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce for state withholding and unemployment accounts. Budgeting for payroll taxes is essential, as they can add approximately 10–15% to wage expenses. Utilizing payroll software or professional services can streamline compliance and ensure timely filings.
Budgeting for a Food Truck or Trailer in South Carolina
Used Food Trucks and Trailers in South Carolina:
Food Trucks: Pre-owned food trucks in South Carolina typically range from $28,000 to $75,000, depending on age, condition, and equipment.
Food Trailers: Used food trailers are generally priced between $22,000 and $50,000, influenced by size and amenities.
New Food Trucks and Trailers in South Carolina:
Food Trucks: A new, fully equipped food truck in South Carolina can cost between $85,000 and $175,000, depending on customization.
Food Trailers: New food trailers typically range from $50,000 to $100,000, influenced by size and specific build requirements.