I’ve had both a coffee cart and trailer. I’ve helped people start both. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Here’s the pros & cons both a coffee cart and coffee trailer.
Coffee Cart
Pros:
Mobility. They are able to go indoors and do weddings and corporate events.
Start Up Cost: Significantly cheaper. Roughly 5k.
Time Investment: Typically not set up everyday. Only when you have a gig, so things like child care are a lot easier to manage.
Cons:
Commissary almost always needed.
Regulations can be tougher on carts. Some counties don’t allow them.
Set up time: Add another hour to your wake up.
Lugging everything around can get old quick.
Not good for bad or semi-bad weather. You’re in the elements.
Tend to be lower production volume.
Coffee Trailers
Pros:
Can operate year round, no matter the temp.
Everything is in one place, so it’s easier to tote
Easier to delegate too.
Can handle larger volume because equipment tends to be larger.
Cons:
Cost more to start. Roughly $15-20k.
Cannot go indoors to do catering.
If doing a daily set up, things like childcare can be tough. Not a great options for single moms starting off.
