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“The powers of a man’s mind are directly proportional to the quantity of coffee he drinks.” Taking this wise quote from Sir James Mackintosh, starting a mobile coffee truck business is powerful and worth it. There are around 150 million Americans who drink coffee daily. While people all over the world consumed 2.25 billion cups of coffee every day. Thus, busy people need a “quick coffee” to keep them going on their daily tasks. If you’re looking to grab this opportunity, here’s how to start a mobile coffee truck business.

 

Advantages of a Mobile Coffee Truck Business

Here are some benefits of starting a mobile coffee truck business:

• A mobile coffee truck business is flexible. You can open it part-time or full-time. You just need to know the rhythm of time when your customers are likely high.  As such, you get a work-life balance.
• A mobile coffee truck has lower start-up and operating cost. There’s no need to rent a costly building spot. You can start the business right inside your mobile truck.
• The demand for coffee is consistent. It’s not only favored in winter but a hot item in every season of the year. People never get bored drinking coffee at work, when meeting friends, and even while watching movies. 

 

How to Start a Mobile Coffee Truck Business

Here are the best steps on how to start a mobile coffee truck business:

Do market research

Know the ins and outs of the coffee market. Decide your mobile coffee truck location. This should be a spot accessible to early morning joggers, offices, food parks, farmers’ markets, etc. You might consider the coffee meccas like New York, Portland, and Seattle. But other cities can also be a good coffee market – Berkeley, SFO, Pittsburg, Cambridge, and Minneapolis. 

Design the Concept and Theme for Your Mobile Coffee Truck

This is the creative and fun part. Decide what type of truck you will use. It may be a cart, van, trailers, or truck. Then, think of the theme you’re going to use. You may want a rustic or vintage feel. Or you may consider a retro or modern look. You may also want to serve other products to complement your coffee offerings. Cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pancakes, and waffles can be a good addition. But they’re optional depending on what you wish to focus on. 

Fabricate a Business Plan

Fabricating a business plan starts with listing all the equipment and supplies you’ll need to start a mobile coffee. Typically, a mobile coffee truck business startup cost ranges from $115,000 to $100,000. The next step is to conceptualize your menu. According to the Coffee Channel, the most popular coffee flavors are caramel, hazelnut, highlander Grogg, peppermint, and pumpkin spice. With a cost of fewer than 0.50 cents, you can sell a cup of coffee for $3.00 to $5.00. 

Funding your mobile coffee truck business

Most businesses started from a loaned capital. Considering financing is a smart action. You’ll get to talk to financial advisors and legal professionals. From them, you can get valuable advice to make the right business decisions. 

Securing the Required Licenses and Permit

Every business needs an Employer Identification Number (EIN), health inspection clearance, local permit, safety inspection clearance, and a state tax certificate. You can either apply for these papers online or go to the state’s local government office. You may also need to check if you need to secure a parking permit for your mobile truck. 

Source from different suppliers

Look for local suppliers and compare quotes. You may also need to talk to these suppliers directly to strike a good deal. The main goal is to greet a steady supply of your coffee ingredients at a competitive price. 

Sort your marketing strategy

Advertising a mobile coffee truck business means a lot of activities. They can greatly contribute to your business’ success. Start by giving out business cards and flyers. Pitch to the local communities and companies. You can also take part in events, fairs, and gatherings. Also, consider creating a website for your business because everybody now is going digital.

Franchise Opportunities for a Mobile Coffee Truck Business

Another way to start a mobile coffee truck business is to take advantage of franchise opportunities. This means lesser startup costs and lesser work in making a business plan. Below are 14 of the best coffee shop franchises in the United States.

• Aroma Joe’s Coffee
• Biggby Coffee
• Brioche Doree
• Cafe Barbera
• Cafe2U
• Coffee Beanery
• Dunkin (Previously Dunkin’ Donuts)
• Dunn Brothers Coffee
• Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees and Smoothies
• PJ’s Coffee
• Scooter’s Coffee
• The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
• The Human Bean
• Xpresso Delight

In general, starting a mobile coffee truck business means hard work. But you’ll surely reap what you sow with a little patience. Keep in mind that what goes best with a cup of coffee is … another cup!