Ever thought about turning your love for coffee into a flexible, profitable venture? The answer may well lie in the decision to start a mobile coffee van. It is an excellent way to launch a coffee business in Australia and with Aussies consuming over 2 billion cups per year, a long line of potential customers are never far away. Here’s what’s needed to start a coffee van, then grow it into a thriving enterprise.
Launching a profitable mobile coffee business all starts with understanding who you’re serving. Are you targeting early-morning commuters, weekend market-goers, or attendees at local events? Undertake market research by observing coffee vans in busy locations, and, wherever you can, speak with potential customers to identify any gaps in existing offerings. Could you stand out with eco-friendly practices, unique blends, or with customer service that’s better than the rest? The coffee industry is a competitive space, but there’s still plenty of room for those with a point of difference.
The best coffee starts with the right recipe, and so does a successful coffee van business. Your business plan should account for the following:
Plan for growth right from the get-go, because Aussies love their coffee and you may find your mobile coffee business rapidly gains popularity!
To start a mobile coffee van in Australia, you’ll need to meet specific legal and council requirements. Here’s a quick list to guide you:
Laws vary by state, so make sure you’re fully across the rules in your area.
Your setup can make or break your coffee venture, so budget for reliable equipment, such as:
Whether a van, trailer or standalone cart works best for your plans depends on where you are planning to service and your budget.
Xpresso Mobile Café offers a turnkey solution that includes a brand-new LDV G10+ (8-speed auto-diesel) van equipped with a battery/gas-powered 2-group commercial coffee machine, a commercial grinder, a blender, a rear drawer milk fridge, display fridges, and a freezer. The van also features space for ambient food storage, a separate hand-washing sink with hot water, and is fully compliant with health and safety standards nationally.
Location is everything for mobile coffee, so scout around areas with high foot traffic: like markets, parks, and event venues. Speak with the organisers of community festivals, or events about securing a spot, while being mindful of your council’s rules and requirements.
Xpresso Mobile Café can help generate leads and secure events for you. With over 200 events sourced monthly, licensees benefit from centralised event opportunities distributed by area.
Coffee is more than a drink—it’s an experience. Branding plays a pivotal role in attracting and retaining customers. If you join Xpresso Mobile Café, you’ll receive a professionally wrapped van, transforming it into a standout mobile café. Additionally, your start-up package includes:
For a small fee, you can also access branded breeze barriers, umbrellas, and tables/chairs for pop-up events.
Ensure pricing covers all expenses while remaining competitive. Use accounting software to track costs such as ingredients, equipment maintenance, permits, and fuel.
Xpresso Mobile Café simplifies operations with a full-service POS system featuring dynamic surcharging, where tap-and-go fees are passed on to the customer.
Even the best brew has its challenges, so be prepared to tackle:
Proactively addressing these hurdles will help you build a strong, adaptable business.
If you’re ready to start your coffee van journey, Xpresso Mobile Café offers unparalleled support to new licensees. Here’s why joining the team makes sense:
Very low fees & NO Royalties:
Xpresso is a family owned private company with a sole focus on serving licensees, not shareholders. The only fee we charge is $79 + GST per week which is largely invested into Digital Marketing including Google, Meta & other brand awareness campaigns.
Training & Support: This is where we excel! 2.5 weeks of training which includes specialty coffee/barista training, equipment familiarisation & recipe sharing and then 2-weeks on the road with a ‘Launch Coach’. We’ll collaboratively build your new business at a pace you can manage & teach you all you need to know to be long-term successful in your new business.
Take the First Step: We’d love to meet you! We’ll reimburse (if you go ahead) your flights so that you can meet the management team, master roaster, ride with a franchisee, ask lots of questions & grab lunch with the Founder.
Launching a mobile coffee van business in Australia has never been more accessible. Whether you’re passionate about coffee or seeking a profitable, flexible business opportunity, Xpresso Mobile Café provides everything you need to succeed. Reach out today and take the first sip of your entrepreneurial journey!
Are you tired of the daily grind, clocking in and out of a job that…
Australians love their coffee, and it’s hard to imagine starting the day without a cup…
Coffee is like a breath of fresh air to many people. It gives a kick…
Choosing between a generator and an inverter for your mobile cafe use depends on your…
Coffee is a great way to connect with people, so when you are planning an…
Sifting through the Beans: Identifying the Top-Quality Coffee Vans Embarking on the journey to find…