Food trailers are trending. In most cities in the United States, you can see different food and beverage trailers serving customers in line in every business district. The mobile catering business has been growing rapidly in the past decade. Of these food trailers, coffee trailers are undoubtedly the most popular. Every morning is the busiest time for the coffee trailer, which provides breakfast to most of the commuters.
Advantages of a coffee trailer or truck
Coffee trailers have become many people's first choice for breakfast. Because of the many advantages of coffee trailers, many owners who want to enter the coffee business choose coffee trailers as a starting point.
A coffee trailer is a lower investment than a traditional coffee shop. This allows many bosses with limited budgets to start entering the coffee catering industry right away.
The business location can be moved at any time. You can change your business location at any time according to customer needs. You go to find customers, not let them come to you.
Lower operating costs. You probably only need two or three employees to start your sales. A barista, a cashier. Best of all, you don't have to pay monthly rent.
Participate in a variety of highly profitable events. Various sporting events, food carnivals and festivals are places to earn high profits. Your coffee trailer can sign up for these events.
How much does it cost to start a coffee trailer?
The cost to start a coffee trailer can range from $8,000 to $30,000. Small coffee carts or coffee kiosks cost less, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. Coffee trailers come in different sizes and cost differently. In addition, the installed coffee equipment or other cooking equipment can also lead to changes in cost.
The investment cost of a coffee trailer
Coffee trailer. A brand new coffee trailer can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000. It depends on the size of the coffee trailer you want. If you're on a budget, we recommend buying the largest size possible.
Coffee equipment. Coffee equipment costs between $2,000 and $10,000. Coffee equipment mainly includes espresso machines, coffee grinders, water purifiers, water filters, water pumps, etc.
Other devices. Other equipment may cost $1,000 to $5,000. Mainly include ice machines, horizontal refrigerators, and baking equipment you may buy.
Sales System. A reliable, fully functional point of sale system cabinet can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500. Not everyone carries cash. The POS system will greatly improve the customer experience of coffee trailers.
Daily operating cost of mobile coffee shop
Coffee raw materials and food. Before starting your coffee business, you need to buy raw materials like coffee beans. If your coffee trailer also sells baked goods like desserts, you'll also need to prepare their ingredients. You may need to prepare 500-2000 US dollars to buy raw materials and ensure sufficient inventory.
Employee salary. Employee wages include expenses such as wages, benefits, taxes and possible employee training. Employees are your most important assets, and good employees can bring you greater sales opportunities and profits.
Consumables: paper cups, lids, stirring straws, sugar packets, packing boxes, paper towels, etc. It is recommended that you buy in bulk at one time and store it in the warehouse, which can reduce the purchase cost.
Parking Fee. There may be a parking fee for catering at some business office areas, festivals or sporting events.
Promotion. For a greater chance of selling, you may want to set a promotional fee to advertise your trailer. Social media promotion or local traditional media promotion is a good way.
Website. You need a website to promote your brand as well as update your routes and menus. Usually you need to pay a fixed annual fee for your website service.
Licenses and Permits. In order for your coffee trailer to operate normally, you will usually need a license and permit. This fee may vary by state and city. You can check with your local business administration or ask for experience with the owner of a food trailer that is in operation.
Other costs. Your trailer needs maintenance every month or quarter. It's also possible that your coffee maker is malfunctioning. These all come at some cost.
These are the main costs you need to start your coffee trailer. You can calculate according to local laws and regulations and market conditions. You need to reserve at least half a year for the normal operation of your coffee trailer.
Got other questions about coffee trailers?
ETO DEVICE is always at your service to help you start your mobile coffee business. Any questions about coffee trailers, you can always consult our professional engineers.
