FAQ Cluster: Pricing & Costs

Permitting costs depend on the city, the location type (public street vs. private property vs. event venue), and the duration of the activation. NYC, LA, and Miami have distinct permitting processes and fee structures. At FTP, we handle all permitting as part of our location procurement service — our team manages the applications, fees, coordination with local authorities, and compliance requirements. Permit costs are included in the overall activation proposal so you have full visibility. Our 35-city Food Truck Associations network gives us established relationships with permit offices across the country, which often streamlines the process.

Branded packaging is an add-on that varies based on the items, quantities, and level of customization. Custom-printed cups, napkins, bags, and boxes typically range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on order volume and design complexity. Branded merchandise (t-shirts, totes, stickers, custom treats) scales similarly based on quantity. FTP handles the design, sourcing, and production of all branded packaging in-house — so you get a single point of coordination rather than managing separate print vendors. We’ll include packaging costs as a line item in your proposal if it’s part of the scope.

Staffing is typically included in FTP’s activation packages. Our team handles brand ambassador recruitment, training, and on-site production management. This includes the production crew that manages setup, teardown, and logistics, plus brand ambassadors who engage directly with guests during the activation. If your brand has specific staffing requirements — like team members from your own organization or specialized culinary staff — we coordinate around that. We can also scale staffing up or down depending on the activation’s foot traffic expectations and the number of engagement touchpoints.

We understand that plans change. Our cancellation policy is outlined in the activation contract and varies based on how far out the cancellation occurs relative to the activation date. Cancellations well in advance of the event typically incur less cost than last-minute cancellations, since FTP invests in wrap production, fabrication, permitting, and staffing commitments as the activation date approaches. If you need to reschedule rather than cancel, we work with you to find alternative dates — rescheduling is often easier to accommodate than outright cancellation. The specific terms are covered during the proposal stage so you know exactly where you stand.

Costs vary by vehicle size, capability, and visual impact. As a general rule, food carts and Tuk Tuks sit at a lower price point — they’re compact, require less wrap material, and are ideal for focused sampling or guerrilla-style activations. Food trucks offer the largest mobile canvas and a fully equipped kitchen, making them the most versatile but also the most substantial investment. Airstream Bambis and Glass Box Trucks carry a premium because of their distinctive aesthetic and immersive showroom potential — brands like Victoria’s Secret and Spindrift choose these specifically for the visual statement they make. Citroens and Chevy P10s fall in the mid-range with their vintage appeal. The right vehicle depends on your goals, your brand aesthetic, and your budget.