Investing in a food truck is a big step in business. The right financing method can affect not only the initial cost, but also the long-term financial stability of your business. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the three main financing options for buying a food truck:
Self-financing – direct payment of the amount without a loan or lease
Business loan from Tatra banka – classic financing with gradual repayment
Operating lease from Grenke – trailer rental with the option to buy
Finally, you will find a detailed comparison of these options, including the advantages, disadvantages and recommendations on which form is the most advantageous for you.
1. Self-financing
Self-financing means that you buy the food truck with your own funds without the need for a loan or lease.
In the case of Gastronova, the payment structure is as follows:
60% of the price is paid upon signing the contract
40% of the price is payable on delivery of the trailer
Advantages:
✔ You do not incur any interest costs or liabilities to financial institutions
✔ Food truck immediately belongs to you
✔ You have no restrictions in using the trailer
Disadvantages:
❌ Sufficient capital is required, which may limit your liquidity
❌ May slow down other investment activities or business development
2. Business loan from Tatra banka
If you do not have enough cash for self-financing, you can use a business loan from Tatra banka. This loan allows you to spread the cost of buying a food truck into long-term instalments.
Types of business loans:
Installment loan
Classic loan with fixed monthly repayments
Loan amount: from EUR 5 000 to EUR 50 000
Maturity: 1 to 6 years
Overdraft facility
Ability to draw funds below your account balance
Flexible repayment – you repay the money as you need it, no fixed repayments
Repayment period: 12 months as standard with the possibility of renewal
💡 The main difference: an instalment loan means you pay the same amount each month, while an overdraft can be taken out and repaid according to your current income and needs.
More information about business loan from Tatra banka
Advantages:
✔ Ability to finance the entire food truck purchase without an initial investment
✔ Flexible repayment (especially with overdrafts)
✔ Option to repay the loan early without penalty
✔ Food truck is yours from day one – you own it as soon as you buy it
Disadvantages:
❌ Interest costs increase the total cost of the investment
❌ Need to provide proof of business statements and ability to repay the loan
3. Operating lease from Grenke
An operating lease means that you rent a trailer from Grenke for a certain period of time and do not pay the full amount at once. At the end of the lease period, you can choose one of three termination options.
Lease Terms:
Minimum funding amount: from 500 EUR excluding VAT
Lease length: from 15 to 60 months
Deposit: 0 % by default
Lease approval decision: within a few hours
Lease termination options:
Buying a trailer for the residual price – you become its owner
Lease extension – you continue to pay on more favourable terms
Trailer return – the trailer remains Grenke (we do not recommend this option)
More information about leasing from Grenke
Advantages:
✔ Does not burden cashflow – no high initial investment required
✔ Fixed monthly repayments make financial planning easier
✔ Tax benefits – Lease payments are often a tax deductible expense
✔ Inclusion of repayments in costs – repayments are charged directly to operating costs, which simplifies accounting
Disadvantages:
❌ You are not the owner of the trailer during the lease period
❌ Total costs may be higher than self-financing
Comparison of financing options
Parameter | Business loan (Tatra banka) | Operating leasing (Grenke) | |
Ownership | Immediately your | Yours after repayment | Grenke during the lease (option to buy) |
Initial costs | High | Low or no | Low or no |
Monthly instalments | No | Fixed repayments (loan) or flexible (overdraft) | Fixed instalments |
Length of repayment | – | 12 – 72 months | 15 – 60 months |
Interest costs | No | Yes | Yes |
Early repayment option | Not necessary | Yes, without penalty | Not always possible |
Tax benefits | No | Interest is tax deductible | Repayments are tax deductible |
📩 Want to know more? Contact us and let us help you find the perfect financing for your food truck!
