How Much Does It Cost to Start a Coffee Truck?

Setting Up Your Mobile Coffee Business

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Coffee Truck?

If you are thinking about starting a coffee truck, one of the first questions is: how much does it cost?

Starting a coffee truck is a potentially profitable coffee business that often enjoys lower startup costs than your traditional brick-and-mortar coffee shop. But starting a coffee truck still requires funding.

The more prepared you are to handle the necessary expenditures, the better. The better you budget, the far likelier you’ll save money.

So, let us look at a detailed breakdown of the elements involved when starting a coffee truck in the American market.

I know a few of you just want the straight-up answer – how much does a coffee truck business cost?

The base cost for starting a coffee truck ranges between $15,000 – $100,000. Let me explain below.

Additional Read: How to Start a Coffee Truck Successfully

Costs of Starting a Mobile Coffee Truck

Let's look at some very general cost estimates for starting a coffee truck business in the United States. Keep in mind that these estimates vary from region to region and city to city and depend on several other factors.

New Coffee Truck or Coffee Trailer – Base Vehicle Cost

Small:       $15,000 – $35,000

Medium:   $20,000 –  $60,000

Large:      $30,000 – $100,000

Used Coffee Truck or Coffee Trailer – Base Vehicle Cost

Small:       $8,000 – $20,000

Medium:   $15,000 -$50,000

Large:      $25,000 – $75,000

Used Truck or Trailer to be Refurbished for Serving Coffee – Base Vehicle Cost

Small:      $0 – $10,000

Medium:  $0 – $15,000

Large:     $0 – $ 25,000

Why do I add zero ($0) to the cost of a used truck? I have known people who have gotten free trailers or trucks simply by removing them from their owners’ property! There may be a cost in towing or updating the vehicle title, but essentially, they have gotten their base vehicle free. Most of the time, there is a strong reason why the owner is giving these trailers or trucks away – they require a lot of work and investment!

Other Mobile Coffee Truck Costs

The cost of a mobile business isn’t just the financial impact of purchasing a truck or trailer. There are many other relevant and essential costs.

Let’s take a look at some of the potential costs for starting a coffee truck business below.

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Coffee Truck Cost Factors:

1. Market Research and Business Planning

Your initial research and taking the time to analyze the market will require some nominal but essential funding. Investing in developing your knowledge and getting help with initial consults can vary. This could mean anything from investing in our affordable Mobile Coffee Business Guide or utilizing our coffee truck consulting services. You may decide to attend seminars, live in-person courses, or events.

Market Research and Business Planning: $500 – $3,000

2. Coffee Truck Purchase

Obtaining your mobile coffee truck (or unit) can take up a significant portion of your budget.

As listed above, you have options for the type and size of coffee truck you’ll want to obtain. You may likely spend additional funds on the buildout to fit your needs and the requirements of your local buildings and health departments.

If you buy a new truck or trailer, you may not need to spend initial money for it to get “up and running.” However, you will likely need to pay for any customized equipment installations, contract work, and inspection fees.

Coffee Truck Purchase or Lease: $15,000 – $100,000

Of course, buying a used truck could be cheaper (around $20,000 – $40,000), while a new customized truck might cost upwards of $75,000 – $100,000. Additionally, leasing options vary widely.

Your coffee truck buildout can cost anywhere from $3,000 – $20,000.

3. Coffee Equipment and Supplies

Your coffee equipment will be a significant cost category. Espresso machines aren’t cheap, and finding the right one to fit your specific mobile coffee needs may require you to spend a little more.

Whereas in a brick-and-mortar café, you might have more wiggle room with the type of coffee shop equipment you choose, you might have to be more selective with your mobile coffee equipment. Things like weight, size, and ability to secure it properly are all just as important.

Further Reading: How to Start a Coffee Trailer Business

Essential Coffee Equipment to Purchase

• Espresso machine
• Coffee grinders
• Refrigeration units
• Water filtration systems
• Additional Supplies
• Cups, lids, straws, napkins
• Coffee beans and ingredients
• Point of Sale (POS) Systems
• Cash registers or digital POS systems
• Payment processing fees

Essential coffee-making equipment, refrigeration, and initial inventory of consumables.

Equipment and Supplies: $10,000 – $20,000

4. Coffee Truck Licensing and Permits

It will be necessary to budget for your licensing and permits. This will include the following for mobile coffee businesses:

• Business Licenses
• General business license
• Food truck-specific permits
• Health Department Permits
• Health inspections
• Food handler’s permits
• Other Permits

Utilizing the help of a consultant or a contract worker to help ensure you can pass your inspections may add up to several thousand dollars.

Estimated permit and license costs: $500 – $2000

With estimated contractor labor: $500 – $5,000

How Much Does a Coffee Truck Business Cost?

5. Initial Mobile Coffee Business Inventory

Your initial inventory can be more expensive to get you fully stocked and ready to go. Investing in syrups and cleaning supplies may initially take up a more significant portion of your inventory cash, but it will set you on the path to making money. After all, your inventory is where you’ll make your money.

Some mobile coffee inventory examples include:

• Coffee Beans and Ingredients
• Various types of coffee beans
• Milk, syrups, flavorings
• Consumables
• Cups, lids, sleeves, stirrers
• Cleaning supplies

Initial inventory: $1,000 – $3,000

6. Mobile Coffee Marketing and Promotion

Marketing and promotion should be included in your mobile coffee starting and operational budgets. However, you will have some initial marketing that will add to the upfront cost. These costs aren’t frivolous. You’ll need to invest in your marketing and promotion from the get-go.

• Brand development
• Logo and branding materials
• Exterior paint or truck wrap
• Website development
• Social media marketing
• Local advertising (flyers, local media)
• Launch events
• Opening day promotions
• Partnerships with local businesses

Marketing and Promotion: $2,000 – $10,000

Read our post, How to Promote Your Coffee Shop Business, for more information.

7. Mobile Coffee Operational Costs

It will be necessary to budget for your mobile coffee operational costs. We list them below. Securing enough cash and having a realistic budget ahead of time will help you manage the costs.

• Staffing Costs
• Barista salaries or wages
• Training programs
• Fuel and Transportation
• Fuel costs for the truck
• Insurance for the vehicle and business

Operational Costs: $5,000 – $15,000 (first three months)

Ongoing Mobile Coffee Inventory Costs

While you will have to pay for your initial inventory cost, you’ll have to use inventory daily and replace those used up in sales.

• Regular restocking of coffee beans and supplies
• Miscellaneous Costs
• Utilities (electricity, water for the truck)
• Unexpected expenses

How Much Does a Coffee Truck Business Cost?

8. Mobile Coffee Financing Options

Starting a coffee truck takes money. As mentioned earlier, the first question is how much money it takes to start a coffee truck. But the investment you make can also give you a healthy return on investment and become a profitable coffee business. The second question is, where will you get the money?

You will have several ways to develop your coffee business funding mix. Still, nearly all of them have a cost unless they are a financial gift or part of a partnership. Even partnerships have costs, as profits will need to be split.

• Personal Savings
• Business Loans
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loans
• Bank loans
• Investors and Partnerships
• Crowdfunding Options

Financing Costs: Varies

Interest rates and fees associated with loans, if applicable.

Coffee Truck Cost – Conclusion

Starting a coffee truck business involves a significant investment, but mobile coffee can become a profitable venture with careful planning and smart budgeting. From market research and business planning to purchasing or leasing a truck and from acquiring equipment to managing operational costs, each step requires detailed attention and strategic thinking. Ensuring you have the necessary licenses and permits, creating a solid brand, and effectively marketing your business are crucial for success.

By understanding the comprehensive cost breakdown—ranging from $30,000 to $159,000—aspiring coffee truck owners can better prepare for the financial commitment involved. With dedication, passion, and a robust business plan, your coffee truck can meet the growing demand for specialty coffee and carve out a niche in the competitive coffee truck industry.

Remember, thorough research, wise investments and continuous learning are vital to turning your coffee truck dreams into a thriving reality.

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Mobile Coffee Business Coaching

Starting a coffee truck is a great option for many would-be coffee entrepreneurs. Yet, starting a coffee truck requires you to consider several important factors before spending significant money.

We offer you an affordable mobile coffee consulting service that can help get your coffee truck off the ground. To get a consultation, contact us at contact@coffeeshopstartups.com.

The best way to start your mobile coffee business is to invest in learning all you can about retail coffee and learning from real-world coffee managers, coffee business owners, and business experts.

Our Complete Coffee Shop Startups Kit provides you with multiple coffee business guides, a business plan template, and 15 hours of audio interviews. Our interviews provide a wide breadth of advice, tips, and recommendations that are helpful for any retail coffee business owner. 

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✅ Practical Tips and Insider Knowledge: Get hands-on advice on everything from choosing your mobile unit to crafting a unique coffee experience.

✅ Build a Profitable Business: Discover how to find the best locations and market your mobile coffee business to attract a loyal customer base.

✅Start with Confidence and Save Money: With our comprehensive guide, you'll have all the tools and knowledge to kickstart your journey into mobile coffee entrepreneurship – more affordably and quickly.

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Coffee Shop Startups

Based in Seattle, Washington, USA, Coffee Shop Startups is dedicated to providing you with the most relevant information on how to start a coffee shop business successfully. Over the last 11 years, we've helped thousands of aspiring coffee business owners worldwide. We harness the experience, wisdom, and knowledge of many successful coffee shop owners to help you increase your chances of success and profits. We support business owners who want to start a coffee business by providing them with valuable information on starting their coffee business successfully.