Hot dog cart or trailer on a regular pitch

Office workers, tourists, beachgoers, students and people out at night or at events.

Per-item sales through the day, with a steady regular spot building repeat customers. Catering bookings for parties and corporate events can add extra income.

• Safe food handling
• Good at spotting busy trading times and places
• Basic bookkeeping
• Handling long days on your feet

• Council permits for trading in public places, which can be limited or competitive and differ by council area
• Mobile food vehicle registration and inspections, which vary by state
• Public liability insurance, plus cover for the cart or trailer
• Gas safety and compliance of your equipment
• Trading hours restrictions and rules on where you can park or set up
• Weather, seasonal trade and quiet days affecting takings
• ABN, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold
• A new custom-built trailer can cost well above the lower end of the range, so get quotes before committing

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on whether you buy a cart or trailer, new or used, plus equipment, permits and insurance. A custom-built trailer can cost well above the lower end, so get quotes first.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your pitch, trading days, pricing and the season. Weather and quiet days can affect takings, and revenue is not profit. The idea assumes at least about 20 hours a week.

Check council permits for trading in public places, which can be limited and differ by council area. Also check mobile food vehicle registration and inspections in your state, gas safety, trading hours and parking rules, public liability insurance, and ABN and GST registration.