How much will it cost to start up?

There are lots of amazing perks to being a mobile caterer: working at fantastic events, getting to cook delicious food and then watch people enjoy it. But one of the best is the low start-up costs.
 
You can start up a mobile catering business with minimal investment. You can get yourself up and running and make good money at smaller events and markets, and later down the line, when you have more experience and money, plenty more opportunities will be available for you to increase your profits.


Buying Equipment

You’d be surprised at how many people spend tens of thousands on equipment when they start up, and they really don’t need to.
 
There are different ways to cut equipment costs to keep your finances in good shape. Lending from friends to get things off the ground is always great if you know others in the business. Most importantly, buying second hand is not always the best option. Remember, there’s a reason an item is up for sale!
 
We always advise our members: buy cheap, buy twice. Your equipment must meet legal requirements (e.g. gas kit must be CE marked and include a flame failure device) and you need it to be able to stand the test of time. If you find yourself having to replace equipment every year or two, you’re going to waste a lot of money. Always buy the very best you can afford.

Different types of food require different types of equipment. And some need lots.

Want to see our dedicated equipment website? Click here

Not sure what to cook?

It’s important to decide early on whether you want to sell burgers, pizzas, paella etc. Some dishes require less equipment than others. The food types that require the least equipment are crepes, waffles, toasties and sandwiches.
 
Limiting your menu to avoid the need for excessive pieces of equipment is crucial.
If you’re just setting up and have a minimal amount to invest, it makes more sense to cook food that requires a small amount of kit, than to design an elaborate menu requiring multiple pieces of equipment which you’ll have to buy, clean and maintain.

The Checklist

Here’s a realistic list of things that you will need to spend money on to start up and run your street food business.
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  • Unit: gazebo/tent/marquee/build-up stall/van/trailer/bike/ca
  • Cooking equipment: griddle, Bain Marie, chaffing dish etc
  • Food storage equipment: refrigeration, cool boxes etc.
  • Insurance: public & product liability, employer’s liability, vehicle, trailer etc.
  • Hand washing unit and pot washing facilities
  • Wages should you require staff
  • Stock: you’re going to need a lot of stock to cook your dishes
  • Cleaning equipment and schedule
  • Pitch fees for events
  • Licences: selling alcohol? You’ll have to pay for a personal licence course before you can apply for your licence
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  • Safe LPG set up & gas safe certificates
  • First Aid kit, including blue caterer-type plasters
  • Risk Assessments: these are a legal requirement and are essential for your customers’ welfare
  • Temperature probes: you’ll need to make sure your food is cooked to legally-required temperatures
  • Fire safety equipment: fire extinguishers and fire blankets etc.
  • Training: you and your staff need to be trained to certain levels in food hygiene & other matters
  • Transport: you’ll need a vehicle to get your gazebo or stall to site
  • Food Safety Management System: this system includes all the processes you need to trade legally and safely. 

The investment brackets

Depending on how much you have to invest in your business, you may be able to purchase the following

Under £5,000
​- Small 2nd hand catering trailer in good condition for roadside / industrial estate trading
- A 2nd hand Victorian baked potato oven
- New market stall and basic catering equipment
- New hog roaster

£5,000 - £10,000
- Small new trailer for shows / events
- Mid size new trailer for markets / car boots
- 2nd hand van conversion 
- 2nd hand sandwich snack truck
- 2nd hand ice cream van
- 2nd hand kiosk for licensed pitch/ town centre
- Refrigerated vehicle for delivering buffets

£10,000 - £20,000
​- New mid range trailer for shows / events
- New large trailer for markets
- New small van conversion for roadside
- New kiosk for town centre pitch
- Good 2nd hand ice cream van

Up to £50,000
- New high quality high output trailer for large shows / events
- New large van conversion for events
- New top of the range kiosk with coffee machines etc
- New sandwich delivery truck
- Delivery / vending franchise

£50,000+
​- New large van converted for events 

Easiest way to minimize costs

NCASS membership packages can save you money on starting up in street food. With unlimited guidance and support over the phone, a full Food Safety Management System, discounts on insurance and specialist training courses, exclusive cashback deals, a free work opportunities service and a dedicated equipment website, the easiest and most secure way to start a food business is with NCASS.
 
Caterers stay with NCASS year after year because being a member is the cheapest way to make a food business safe, legal and profitable. And we'd love to help you too. 

Call us on 0300 124 6866. or click here to join NCASS and equip your business for success.

@Copyright 2016 - NCASS. The Nationwide Caterers Association