Mobile coffee cart or trailer business

Event-goers, market visitors, tradies and site crews, parents at sports grounds, and organisers who book you for weddings, school fairs and corporate days.

Price per cup, plus flat-fee or minimum-spend catering bookings for private events. Extras like milk alternatives, syrups and simple snacks lift the average sale.

• Making consistently good espresso coffee
• Customer service under a rush
• Planning stock and event bookings

• Food business registration with your local council, and possibly extra rules for mobile or temporary food premises, so check with the council where you will trade
• Permission to trade at each market, event or public site, since street trading often needs a council permit
• Public liability insurance, and check what market and event organisers require
• Gas, electrical and generator safety for your equipment, and vehicle or towing requirements for a trailer
• Weather and uneven event income, especially in the first few months

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on whether you choose a simple cart or a trailer, your coffee equipment and how much gear you need for events.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how often you trade, which events and sites you book and the weather. Income can be uneven, especially in the first few months.

Check food business registration with your local council, plus any extra rules for mobile or temporary food premises. Also check permits to trade at each market or public site, organiser insurance requirements, gas and generator safety, and towing requirements for a trailer.