Start a mobile espresso cart or van

Market and event visitors, tradies and site crews, office workers, sports families and event organisers.

Coffee and snack sales per cup, plus set-fee or pre-paid catering for private events and workplaces. Income depends on choosing busy locations and times.

• Making espresso quickly and consistently
• Planning routes, stock and event bookings
• Friendly, fast customer service

• Mobile food vendor registration and street trading permits, which differ by council and state, check before buying equipment
• Vehicle or trailer standards, gas and electrical safety for fit-out, check your state's requirements
• Public liability insurance and cover for the vehicle and equipment
• Weather, quiet days and event fees can make income uneven
• Early starts and heavy lifting when setting up

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $15,000 to $80,000, depending on whether you choose a cart, trailer or van and how much equipment you fit out. Check vehicle, gas and electrical requirements before you buy anything.

Things to check include mobile food vendor registration and street trading permits, which differ by council and state. Check these before buying equipment. Also check vehicle or trailer standards, gas and electrical safety rules, and public liability and vehicle insurance.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on where you trade, event fees and the weather. Income can be uneven, and you would typically need at least around 15 hours a week, often with early starts.