Hot dog cart or trailer on a regular pitch

Passing shoppers, office and site workers, students and people leaving venues or nightlife.

Price per hot dog and drink, with a steady daily flow of customers. Lunchtime and evening trade matter most, and your pitch costs and stock reduce what you keep.

• Cooking and keeping to food hygiene standards
• Handling queues and cash or card payments
• Negotiating with landlords and councils for a pitch

• Street trading often needs a council licence or consent, and rules vary by area, so check with your council first
• Private land needs the landowner's written permission
• Public liability insurance, plus vehicle insurance if you tow a trailer
• Gas safety checks for cooking equipment
• Late-night trading may involve extra licensing, so check before you plan evening hours
• Trade is weather-dependent and can be slow in winter

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on whether you choose a cart or trailer, your cooking equipment and insurance. These are estimates, so price your own setup before you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on your pitch, trading days and the season. Trading usually takes around 20 hours a week or more. Trade is weather-dependent and can be slow in winter.

Street trading often needs a council licence or consent, and rules vary by area, so check with your council first. Private land needs the landowner's written permission. Also check public liability and vehicle insurance, gas safety for cooking equipment, and late-night licensing.