26 April 2019

Escape the rat race and start a business with this cool coffee caravan

| Rachel Ziv
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coffee caravan

This unique coffee caravan is for sale now on ALLBIDS. Auction ends May 2 at 7 pm. Photos: Supplied.

Dreading the inevitable return to work after the Easter holidays? Perhaps it’s time to consider a new career path…maybe even one with you as the boss!

Imagine running your own mobile coffee shop; driving to a location for a few hours a day and serving office workers their daily dose of coffee along with a warm muffin, croissant or toastie.

Or, you could jump on the festival track and sell coffees and other yummy favourites to festival-goers for a few days each month of the year.

This is the life of a caravan coffee-shop owner, and according to experienced restaurateur Jason Viner, can be highly profitable for someone who is willing to put in the effort and consistently show up for their customers.

“Starting a business – especially a cafe – can cost a lot of money at the start. To take over a premise or do the fitout yourself, you could be looking at around $100,000 plus ongoing costs.

“This is an opportunity to buy a coffee shop that is fully fitted out, and could be ready to go in a matter of days. Done right, it wouldn’t take long to recoup your investment and start turning a profit.”

allbids mobile coffee shop

You can get a permit to serve coffee in a range of locations across Canberra and beyond.

Jason bought the coffee caravan from a friend in the industry, but never found the time to run it. Already managing two successful businesses, the caravan was only used a few times and now he’s selling it in the hope that it will go to someone who can turn it into a successful business of their own.

“You can park it at any number of locations across Canberra, and if you consistently show up every day, customers will come to expect you to be there. You could also attend festivals or events a number of times a year, which is a lot of work over a few days but very profitable. Alternatively, we’re always asked if we can rent it out for parties or events, so that’s another option too.”

The coffee caravan was specially made, and includes some awesome features including under-bench fridges, a generator and power outlets (to tap into onsite power), custom-made two-group coffee machine, grinder, cup dispenser, till, music speakers, water filtration system, plenty of bench space for a pie warmer or ambient cabinet, and more.

mobile coffee shop

The coffee caravan was specially made and is in excellent condition.

“There are also two serving windows, which is fantastic,” says Jason. “It means you can create two lines to separate those who are ordering with those who are waiting for their coffee, which helps customers feel less crowded.”

In addition to the caravan, you’ll also need a car or 4WD with 2-tonne towing capacity, and permits to sell. Jason says the permits are easy and inexpensive to get, with the whole process done electronically.

“Find the location you want to sell at, and find out who issues the permit. The permit application can usually be done online in a matter of hours, and may last a few years. You’ll need to share your business plan, processes, policies, etc. which are documents we are happy to share with the buyer so they can see how they might make the business work.

“From there, all that’s left is to show up, make great coffee, and offer simple food that everyone loves. It’s an excellent business opportunity for the right person.”

To see or bid on this unique coffee caravan, visit ALLBIDS. Auction ends May 2, 2019 at 7 pm.

This is a sponsored article, though all opinions are the author’s own. For more information on paid content, see our sponsored content policy.

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Is the van formally cleared by the health authorities? Has it actually operated in Canberra? Canberra has strict requirements!

Yes, it has operated in Canberra many times, and interstate too

ALLBIDS.com.au2:38 pm 26 Apr 19

Hi Lucy, we have double-checked with the vendor and the vendor has confirmed that it has been passed with the Health Authorities. It has operated in Canberra for a few years now and the vendor will be transferring the food business registration over to the new owners.

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