Mobile coffee cart for markets and events

Market and festival visitors, plus event hosts, companies and schools who book you to serve their guests.

Per-cup sales at public events and markets, plus flat fees or minimum guarantees for private bookings. Milk alternatives and specialty drinks raise the average ticket.

• Making espresso drinks consistently
• Customer service under a rush
• Planning stock and setup for each event
• Basic bookkeeping

• Health department permit and rules on water, handwashing and food storage, which vary by county and state
• Many events and markets require vendors to carry general liability insurance and sometimes name them as additional insured
• Check whether you need a temporary event permit for each event or a mobile vendor license from your city
• Business license and sales tax registration with your state
• Weather and uneven event schedules make income unpredictable

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on whether you choose a cart or trailer, your espresso equipment and your permits and insurance. These are estimates, so get quotes before buying.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many events you work and how busy they are. These are estimates, and weather and uneven event schedules make income unpredictable.

Check your health department permit and rules on water, handwashing and food storage, which vary by county and state. Also look into temporary event permits, mobile vendor licenses, business license and sales tax registration, and event insurance requirements.