Coffee beans


The Ultimate Mobile Coffee Business Plan: On a Budget

1 June 2017
Have you ever thought about starting your own mobile coffee business?
Are you interested in being your own boss and have a passion for working with the public?

Our downloadable guide will help you understand how to operate a mobile coffee business from the ground up, including everything from buying initial stock to accruing repeat business. Each section is split into manageable chunks, so you can tick off each step as you go, or come back to it later on.

Running your own mobile coffee business, of course, has its perks; the combination of low-cost stock and minimal overheads makes it extremely cost-effective. Plus, you won't be sat behind a desk all day.

Don't worry if you are yet to decide on a coffee van business plan; this guide provides plenty of guidance on getting started, courtesy of Premierline.

This resource has been made into a downloadble PDF for you to save, print or share. Use the download below to save this guide.
Infographic thumbnail

Business Status

One common question asked by prospective coffee cart owners.

  • Deciding how to trade

Licences

Obtaining the correct licence(s) for your mobile coffee business will depend on where you want to trade, and what you want to sell.

How to obtain a licence to trade

  • Trading in public places
  • Trading on private land
  • Obtaining a licence from an agency

Buying stock

To operate a successful mobile coffee business, you will need to consistently source stock and sell it for a profit.

Sourcing stock from wholesalers

  • How much stock to buy

Equipment

While high-end coffee machines can run into the tens of thousands, it is possible to bag a bargain. 

Things to consider:

  • How to power your equipment: An inverter generator or a leisure battery
  • Coffee machine hire
  • Van, bike or coffee cart hire

Taking payments

As a mobile coffee business, you need to make sure your customers can pay for your service quickly and securely.

  • Considering card payments

Marketing

Tips for marketing your mobile coffee business on a shoestring budget.

  • Generate word-of-mouth
  • Social media

Getting a website

Most small businesses require a professional-looking website, as this is a shop window into what you can offer the customer. 

  • A virtual shop window

Insurance

Taking out the right insurance for your mobile coffee business is crucial.

Protect your business against the unexpected

  • Covers to consider
It is important to make sure that you have the right insurance in place to protect the business that you have built. Every business is different and has its own business insurance needs, which is why we work with some of the UK’s most well-known insurers to ensure that you are getting the right insurance cover for your business.
The information and tools contained in this guide are of a general informational nature and should not be relied upon as being suitable for any specific set of circumstances. We have used reasonable endeavours to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the contents but the information and tools do not constitute professional advice and must not be relied upon as such. To the extent permitted by law, we do not accept responsibility for any loss which may arise from reliance on the information or tools in our Insight Hub.