Mobile dessert van or stall

Market and festival visitors, event organisers, and hosts of weddings, parties and corporate events.

Sales per item at markets and events, plus fixed-fee or minimum-spend catering bookings for private functions.

• Dessert making and fast plating
• Customer service under pressure
• Organising stock, bookings and event logistics

• Mobile food vehicle and temporary event registration, which differs by council and state, check before buying
• Food safety supervisor and handling rules, check with your local council
• Public liability insurance, which many markets and events require as a condition of entry
• Gas, electrical and fridge compliance on vans and trailers
• Weather and cold-chain risks for ice cream and cream-based items
• Stall fees and event costs can eat into margins
• The cost range assumes a second-hand trailer or van with fit-out, equipment, insurance and registration; a basic market stall setup would cost less

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $55,000, depending on whether you buy a second-hand trailer or van with fit-out, equipment, insurance and registration. A basic market stall setup would typically cost less.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $10,000, depending on how many markets and events you trade at. Stall fees and event costs can eat into margins, so treat these as revenue estimates, not profit.

Check mobile food vehicle and temporary event registration, which differs by council and state, before buying. Also check food safety supervisor rules, insurance that markets may require, and gas, electrical and fridge compliance on your van or trailer.