Hot dog stall at markets and events

Event visitors, shoppers and families who want a quick, hot, affordable meal or snack.

Price per hot dog, with extras such as upgraded sausages, toppings and drinks. Income depends on how many pitches you get and how busy each event is, minus pitch fees and ingredients.

• Basic cooking and food hygiene
• Fast, friendly customer service
• Planning stock and logistics for each event

• Register as a food business with your local council, ideally at least 28 days before you start trading
• Public liability insurance, which most organisers will ask to see
• Gas and fire safety for cooking equipment, and a food hygiene rating inspection
• Pitch fees and weather can make some days unprofitable
• You may need an allergen plan and clear allergen information for customers
• Check whether you need a licence if you want to trade on the street rather than at private events

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on whether you use a gazebo or a small trailer and what cooking equipment, stock and insurance you need. Treat these as estimates and price your own setup carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £3,500, depending on the events you book, pitch fees and the weather. Some days can be unprofitable, so it helps to plan which markets and events to trade at.

Check that you register as a food business with your local council, ideally at least 28 days before trading. Also check public liability insurance, gas and fire safety, allergen information, and whether street trading needs a licence.