How to Buy a Coffee Truck (And Save Money)

Tips on How to Buy a Coffee Truck

(And Save Money)

Buying a coffee truck can be exciting and rewarding and open up some worthwhile possibilities for your coffee business.

However, buying a coffee truck or trailer can also be risky and overly expensive if you aren’t adequately prepared. Potentially, there may be a lot of mobile coffee options for you. So, deciding the best choice before buying the first can save you money.

Deciding to start a coffee truck business can be exciting, but it can also start on the wrong foot if you buy the wrong unit. Let's discuss some key points to consider before you set out to buy a coffee truck. (I will interchangeably use the terms coffee truck or coffee trailer – although there are some significant differences).

Read our post for information on starting a coffee trailer here.

Buying Your Coffee Truck:

Acknowledging Our Emotions

Emotions play a big part in what we buy. Buying a coffee truck is no different.

Searching for a coffee truck for sale or wanting to buy a coffee trailer can be heavy with positive and negative emotions.

At times, these emotions can propel us into action. Other times, these emotions can cause us to make hasty decisions that we may later regret.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Buying a coffee truck should be exciting and fun, as well as a pragmatic investment. Being prepared, knowing what you want, and understanding your plan can make you a better negotiator. 

Know Your Mobile Coffee Business Concept

Before you buy a new coffee trailer or used coffee truck, I would strongly recommend understanding what type of mobile coffee business you want.

Do this first!

Developing your coffee shop business concept and creating your coffee shop business plan before you spend money on a coffee truck or coffee trailer will help you better prepare for buying something that suits your needs. 

Coffee Truck Business: Knowing your menu plans

I strongly recommend having a general idea of what kind of menu items you would like to sell from your coffee truck. Write down the items for a few days, then develop your mobile coffee menu, including the coffee beverages you want to offer your customers.

A mobile coffee truck may have limitations due to space, power, location, and water, so menu priorities will need to be developed. 

When it comes to your menu, dig deeper into the reeds. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What ingredients will I need?
• What kind of storage capacity do I require?
• Which coffee equipment will be necessary?
• How will I prepare my menu options? (Will I use a commissary?)
• What vendors will I work with?

How you answer these questions should give you a better idea of what type of mobile vehicle you will need to get.

Your Coffee Truck: Buying Used and Buying New

When you set out to buy something big, like a coffee truck or trailer, you should consider the pros and cons of buying a new or used one.

Indeed, there are advantages and disadvantages to making either choice, depending on your unique situation. 

Let’s go over a few of them now.

Buying a New Coffee Truck or Trailer

Pros:

• You may customize your truck to suit your needs with the manufacturer or seller (If you buy it directly as a made-to-order purchase).
• There are fewer issues with breakdowns or faulty parts.
• With planning, you can have the manufacturer meet all the necessary requirements for your jurisdiction.

Cons

• Often more expensive.
• You may need to add customized equipment to suit your menu.
• You will need to get permits from local agencies.

Buying a Used Coffee Truck or Trailer

Pros

• It is often less expensive than buying a new coffee trailer.
• I may already have the necessary permits.
• We may have all the equipment and fixtures to get started fast.

Cons

• Coffee equipment may need repair or better maintenance.
• Faulty wiring, damaged structure (dry rot), or vehicle may be challenging to discover without a mechanic and deeper inspection.
• Structure and equipment may need to be cleaned and upgraded/replaced to suit your needs.

These are just a few sample pros and cons of each option. You will find both in your specific situation. Write them down and be aware of those cons when looking at potential mobile coffee vehicles to buy.

Further Reading: Do Coffee Trailers Make Money?

Shopping For Your Mobile Coffee Business

In addition to examining the pros and cons of buying a coffee truck, it’s also a good idea to consider some of the challenges you will face before launching your mobile coffee business.

Before you head out to buy a coffee trailer, look at your regional agencies and departments in your area. If you are unsure what to connect with, call your local health department and ask to be pointed to their specific permit requirements.

Ensure that the concept, menu, budget, and type of coffee truck you are looking for align with each department.

Consider the following before your purchase:

• Buildings Department
• Health Department
• Structural Considerations
• Street Legal Items

Review each of these areas before heading to the sales lot and buying your mobile coffee vehicle.

Developing a true understanding of what you need, what is required, and what you can put you in a better negotiating position.

Negotiating your coffee truck purchase will be an essential element that you should be prepared for.

Understand Your Coffee Truck Build-Out

Before you purchase a coffee truck, you should understand your build-out design plans. How will you physically construct your mobile coffee business to serve coffee?

The practical ability to serve coffee, insert equipment, store beans, and cups, and have an ergonomic workflow station will be essential to consider before buying your coffee truck or coffee trailer.

You may like the coffee truck, but will you have to spend thousands of dollars to completely retrofit your truck or trailer before selling coffee?

Considering your building and health departments' requirements, your coffee truck or trailer should have room to keep your potable and gray water tanks.

Coffee Truck Signs For Sale

If you see an advertisement that says:

• Small coffee truck for sale
• New coffee truck for sale
• Used coffee truck for sale
• Coffee trailer for sale

…your job is to be prepared before you buy any of these options. To be well prepared for buying, you need to:

• Develop your concept and menu
• Know your budget limits
• Understand your needs for your anticipated locations
• Determine the regulatory requirements

By doing these simple steps, you will be able to:

1. Negotiate a better deal
2. Avoid spending (wasting) money on a coffee truck you may regret
3. Pass inspection smoothly and start selling coffee much faster

Get the Help You Need

Coffee Shop Startups is the premier coffee business reference in the world. We’ve helped thousands of coffee entrepreneurs set up their coffee businesses. For more information, visit our coffee business blog. 

If you are interested in starting a mobile coffee business but looking for other low-cost business ideas, read our blog post, Low-Cost Ideas for Starting a Coffee Business.

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