How much it actually costs to start a coffee trailer

Hello you guys! I am finally sharing more specific numbers about how much it costs to start a coffee trailer. I have been sharing my journey with this trailer over the past 4 years, and wanted to be open about what I invested into it. If you have looked into starting a coffee business and this ebook sounds up your alley, check out the link below and use the code "KZbin50" for 50% off the ebook! I share the layout, our plumbing schematics, pictures of the plumbing and electric, forms I submitted to our health department and L&I to pass, and what machines we used as well as their cost breakdown.
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PO BOX:
Taylor Christianson
PO BOX #8790
LACEY, WA 98503
USA

[@PressOnMobileCoffee]

Wow! This info is great! For those reading this, I went the complete opposite route. I bought my trailer locally and did the buildout myself. My all in cost were $15,820.64 (buildout, supplies, appliances, etc). If you know how to use a few power tools and have patience, you can save a ton of money.

[@bumblebeebrewingdiary1320]

same!!

[@peterpiper487]

ANYTHING would be better that what Taylor did !! We need to send her some money so she can dig out of the hole she ended up in.

[@ahatz506]

@@rrmcbride555 how would one go about purchasing one of those? do you have a website?

[@Financehustler88]

@@rrmcbride555 Yes, where could we purchase one of those?

[@Leiwashere888]

Wow that’s amazing!

[@traderparkboy4274]

Dear lord thats a big investment on a 2000 dollar trailer, i just rented a full restaurant for 600 a month Canadian. You are a very determined entrepreneur, and thats what it takes kids. Money and effort spent over months, years.

[@beautyandavegan6604]

I am so happy I came across your channel! You honestly are my inspiration. For years I have been wanting to open up my own little coffee kiosk. I'm from California but lived in Washington State for 6 years and fell in love with the state and all of its' coffee kiosks. I'm currently in the process of finishing up my associates degree in business. I can't wait to binge watch your videos and see how your journey was. :) Definitely purchasing your e-book!

[@petebowls2706]

Hey. I’ve been following the Salted Road story from the beginning , shame to see it go but so glad it’s gone to a good home and great to see you moving on to bigger things! Keep it going T.

[@tayterrell]

Thank you Pete!

[@thecommonsensecapricorn]

Gah! I've worked in craft coffee for over five years and for sooo long I've thought it'd be fun to have my own coffee trailer. I already have an amazing idea for the theme and the drinks I'll offer. My grandma has said many times that she'd help fund it if it were my sisters and I... they're not as stoked on the idea as me, so I'm hoping she'll still be into helping just me open one. Let's hope. Thank you for all the information!

[@judichristopher4604]

This is so cute... All the videos I am watching about How to start your own coffee company... every person talks so FAST... (like me) I guess it's the Coffee... Love it.

[@lorrainee.7102]

A coffee truck is something that has recently become a dream, I’m 15 and I honestly have no idea where to start, however since I’m so young it doesn’t even look possible, I’m glad I found you your videos gave me lots of insight. Alsooooo ANY advice is appreciated😊

[@ERprepper]

Go learn barista techniques, recipes, etc. Then learn to run a coffee shop

[@amt7877]

You are never too young or too old to do anything it just a mindset.

[@yeetyeetpotatoskeet7948]

Read free online literature about starting your own business, watch videos like this, follow an econ class at school, just work towards it in small steps, you still have a while until you're done with school, use that time to prepare/save up if you can. I believe in you!

[@agirlfrommars3441]

It isn’t you can attend barista classes. I would however get a part time job at a cafe to save for the beginning of your journey and it’ll also give you some experience 😊 good luck and just start!

[@zacharyguy6512]

Start SMALL

[@Bearingguy]

Omg I’m from Washington state! I just started on my trailer, and I just found your page. Good luck on your endeavors

[@danrussell_official]

Thanks for breaking down all your startup costs! How much money did your coffee trailer make in the first year? (Net profit or gross income)

[@robertellis6]

Wow that was a pricey build🤐 I loved watching those coffee trailer vlogs, Its what made me subscribe🤩 Was so interesting to watch. Thankyou for this video, Explained clearly😊 Very helpful!

[@tayterrell]

Yes, i just wanted the best of the best! Can totally be done cheaper though.

[@robertellis6]

@@tayterrell Sweet😊

[@Moody_Jas]

This is my dream. Seeing your hard work encourages me to keep going!

[@tayterrell]

Thats awesome. If youre passionate about it, never give up!

[@kennethgray2110]

I hope you reach your dream! My dream is to own a mobile bar to pull up at weddings and corporate events.

[@peterpiper487]

Your're kidding, right?

[@Brissieskater1]

This is my dream job as well.

[@nattiebeebaby777]

This is so so helpful thank u so much!!!!!!

[@josiegreenthumb1451]

Thanks for continuing to post more info... and woooooah I’m surprised at your cost... I’m trying to get one going for about $15K all in

[@tayterrell]

Totally possible. Like I said it just depends on the look youre going for, materials you use, if you can do the work yourself or not, etc. All those factors come into play! Best of luck!

[@roberteisenbach624]

I can help you with coffee equipment, I import espresso machines from italy which are on the lower end of the pricing..

[@monserrathernandez8180]

@@roberteisenbach624 can you send me info please

[@roberteisenbach624]

@@monserrathernandez8180 send me an Email to Robert.Eisenbach @lorenzotti.Coffee

[@celinawang9001]

Just left a comment on the other video, and I found the answer here:) thxxxxx like your video!

[@BossLatinalv]

I been feeling all the frustration you went trough here in Las Vegas with a foodtruck, I understand why ppl don’t get the licenses and work undercover now.

[@shewitvictoria6932]

Thanks! Very helpful!

[@jessdolan636]

Love you!💛

[@munequitamelendez7463]

Have you updated your ebook since new COVID regulations. I was in the process of buying a trailer and was told to check new Washington state COVID 19 codes. I pulled out and decided I would just build my own will buy your book if you can verify it’s up to new codes thanks girl love your KZbin

[@tayterrell]

No i made it before covid, but the same rules with health and L&I will still apply that are in the ebook, you will just also have to comply with covid regulations.

[@erincline4862]

I am not sure why I can’t find a link to your eBook? Doh! Please help.

[@nopenu442]

How long did it take for you to break even after the start up costs?

[@thegritbehindthegrind]

It took us about 3 months. We are just starting a youtube and working on building a channel from common questions everyone has. I see this question asked often and We would love to create some content to help you and answer it from our experience. Go give us a follow alot more of content to come.

[@sadikshaaz3146]

Batista. Looking Amazing... I would like to work this company.

[@katestenback893]

Is the Washington code information in your book? I’m in Washington doing this and I’m having trouble finding the information I need for the build

[@tayterrell]

No that is something you can just ask the health department and L&I for, or find them online! :)

[@soniadubey4773]

love ur t shirt.

[@milesfabishak2354]

Sorry if this question has already been asked but can you do this while working a full-time job. Meaning weekends only?

[@tayterrell]

You could for sure depends on your expenses though if that would even make a profit.

[@alexdodd6768]

Uk people. Built mine for 15k myself all in. Ive no idea how shes managed to spend this much. Its mad 😂

[@tayterrell]

That’s what labor costs when you don’t know how to do it yourself. Good for you that you know how that’s a blessing 👏🏼

[@johnnymata523]

Hello what was the average cost per drink ??

[@judichristopher4604]

On your tiny travel trailer ... was that a Aristocrat Travel Trailer? I just refurbished one like yours... (mine is a Vintage 1972)

[@tayterrell]

shasta!

[@judichristopher4604]

@@tayterrell So Cute... I am so proud of you... Great job.... God Bless YOU Be Safe.

[@sneakatwix]

Hi Taylor, do you mind if I asked how you made sure your equipment stayed still on transport?

[@tayterrell]

It was all bolted down to the counter!

[@Irondiesel]

Two jobs that can be sporadic as far as bringing in money.. you need to work that coffee bar. Take it down town or somewhere dont just stop at Noon. If its parked in the driveway you can be sure of one thing, your making nothing. Find where people will be at a certain time. Local train stations, parks, sports fields even high school events. Got to get your name out there so put something on that trailer. Market your self and brand. Im in N.Y. and if your not working your out of work. After you get your name out there you can start up a second trailer pay someone part of the income after costs. Dam I'd have 3-4 by the second year. Manhattan trailers will come in at 5 AM and leave at about 3 pm or when they sellout. Profit a day usually $500- $1000.

[@Powner187]

Won't let us copy and paste. 50 thousand though is so so darn much more than I expected.

[@tayterrell]

definitely went higher end on machines etc. You can do it for cheaper especially if you know how to do some of the buildout yourself.

[@janedoe63214]

How profitable was the business?

[@Painfulwhale360]

Hi Taylor, I’m Taylor

[@THEZOMBIESLAYAS]

How long did it take to payback yourself?

[@ajvboston1]

👌

[@papajoe5331]

starting a small coffee house drive thru own the building 15'x28' do I buy used or new appliances?

[@tayterrell]

It’s up to you. I bought all new except the grinder which I ended up having to replace parts anyway because the previous owner didn’t maintain it well and I spent the same amount as I would have if I bought new. If it’s in good condition and the previous owner maintained it then you can buy used but I personally wouldn’t recommend it because most people don’t take good care of their machines.

[@lindalemill759]

@@tayterrell which is what my wife said! But I’m trying to save some $. From MUK Wa now in GA. TY

[@chocolatealiya]

How did you finance your coffee trailer? Was it cash, loan, donation, etc?

[@ERprepper]

She said she saved up that much prior to building in the video

[@ERprepper]

7:10-7:14

[@ordinarypete]

1:24 😂 aren’t we all.

[@lisandrooputaa]

Did you go to school for business to start this?

[@andrewgonzalez3420]

I tried to buy the ebook. Where do you put the discount code ? Thank yiu 😊

[@tayterrell]

KZbin50 is the code!

[@nataliemontgomery4026]

Did you have an ice maker? Or buy ice and keep in a cooler?

[@tayterrell]

I had an in counter cooler that would hold about 4 bags!

[@andredompaul]

Hi so you spent $52,000 how much did you recoup in the year you ran it ?

[@Smarirealestate]

She broke even the first year

[@True_story_design]

I want to build out a couple of these in Hawaii. Looking for people who might be interested in collaborating.

[@katie21ist]

Hi Taylor! Thinking about starting my own coffee trailer business. I was wondering if you are able to answer a few questions for me. Let me know if you would be willing to do so! Thanks -Katie

[@yadiracarreon6630]

How did you find someone to build it !

[@tayterrell]

LOTS of research!

[@lensflairproductions]

I'm curious how much money does coffee trailer makes in a day?

[@tayterrell]

Really depends on how good the location/event is. I’ve made as much as $1500/day or as little as $100 at a bad location

[@dkphill]

The less you know and the less you can do, the more it's going to cost you. If you can plumb the gas, water and waste and you know where to go you could probably convert a horse trailer into a coffee shop for less than $6000. But if you know nothing add $40,000 to that

[@tayterrell]

100%

[@aldinzorlak5131]

Wow is this Arabella Danger?

[@banukie24]

its like breaking bad but breaking starbucks

[@peterpiper487]

Wow!! $23,000 seems like too much for a build-out, especially since it wasn't finished with equipment or machines and ready for selling coffee. With a total cost of $52,000 you gotta sell a LOT of coffee. Maybe break even in your 50th year. This seems like a VERY GOOD VIDEO about why you shouldn't start a mobile coffee selling business. Just skip the e-book and send this girl some MONEY !! Thank you, Taylor !!!

[@tayterrell]

we actually broke even the first year! you can make a decent amount if you book the right events!

[@robertmahaney2854]

What are some good events to book. New follower, loving your videos

[@junkcarz4720]

What kind of coffee u selling

[@tayterrell]

I used caffe umbria beans!

[@thepandorica1]

You missed out not naming it Taylor's Trailer.

[@User-dn4vi]

52k!? YIKES 😅 bit steep.

[@jordanberumez5983]

Does mark run his own company or did he just do it himself?

[@tayterrell]

He has his own company!

[@victoriayartz8175]

What was the name of your contractor?

[@tayterrell]

Victoria Yartz mark Bertel Jr construction!

[@heathermcmurry3191]

Can you give me the contact information for the guy in Arkansas that you got your trailer from?

[@roberteisenbach624]

Why not go with a gas heated espresso machine.. You can save a lot of wattage.

[@GreenJoeCoffeeTruck]

Robert, because gas powered do not have the same output and have significant longer recovery times. Now, perhaps a hybrid but they are hard to come by and even harder to find a mechanic for. I did a video on this exact question.

[@roberteisenbach624]

@@GreenJoeCoffeeTruck depends on the machine. As it depends on the gas output. Laforza has hybrid machines which are quite simple. And production speed depends on the pressure in the boiler.

[@GreenJoeCoffeeTruck]

@@roberteisenbach624 I've never seen a LPG that has the same recovery speeds of a 220v but I'd certainly be interested. I catered the VIP section of Coachella a few years back and was set up next to an LPG cart. We have a Astoria Divina 220v 2 group and we put out 3 drinks to their 1. But it's hard to compare apples to oranges...

[@roberteisenbach624]

It also depends on how it was set up and used.. If both machines are 2 group machines and have the same boiler pressure they should have the same output.

[@GreenJoeCoffeeTruck]

@@roberteisenbach624 I agree, if they had the same boiler pressure, they would be equal. Its just not what I've experienced.

[@rohansayam4804]

quick question. are you a coffee expert?

[@FlyingSeaMan256]

$23k to build the inside of the trailer?!?

[@toddtouchberry]

same thoughts....

[@tayterrell]

If you can do it yourself you can for sure save some money. This is the cheapest by far that I got from all my quotes, my other quotes were 60k and 80k to custom build everything. Cabinets were custom in this trailer, everything was done specifically for the trailer. If you can find it cheaper and its the quality youre looking for, go for it! But this was just the best I could find at the time, theres a lot of companies that do this now more than they did 4 years ago when I was looking.

[@toddtouchberry]

@@tayterrell this is ours. It's much further along than the last videos show. Fortunately I had a great friend helping. Unfortunately... Covid. We've been using it for our drive thru at the old diner that I run ( est 1935) kzbin.info/door/yc1Sqk0H9YbAprtEF7BHEw

[@2Uahoj]

My main criticism with this presentation is the cost. I would never go with the most expensive options at the outset. Why? Just buy a second hand, Italian espresso coffee machine for around 500 dollars, or a new fully automatic one for a bit more. If sales are good, you can always upgrade, and add food items, etc. Find a friend whose handy with building or carpentry to renovate your van. Really, total cost should be about a quarter of what she spent here.

[@tayterrell]

Yep! Cost can definitely be less. The reason I went with all new machines is because I’ve seen how some people just totally trash their machines by not maintaining them well. I wanted something new I knew i could maintain and make the best coffee with to ensure quality.

[@User-dn4vi]

You simply cannot run a business on a 500 dollar machine. That’s the price of a low quality home use machine, let alone commercial.

[@2Uahoj]

@@User-dn4vi You did not understand the comment. One needs to test the market first. If ones begins his business by going into debt, buying the highest quality equipment and sales are low, bankruptcy is a real possibility. You should begin with second hand equipment and self-carpentry. If sales are strong, you can always upgrade.

[@User-dn4vi]

@@2Uahoj You cannot produce professional quality coffee on a 500 dollar machine. You will be serving low quality coffee which would hinder your possibilities for growth at a time when it’s most critical. Buying an entry level commercial machine is the right choice. Buying one that isn’t the fanciest yet is professional use enough to produce great coffee is the balance you want to strike.

[@Andrew-om1pw]

I think I'll throw my $20 Mr. Coffee machine on the back of my bike and hope for the best. 😂

[@pickupthecross]

Like, I get why you dont want to give free advice, but I'm a business owner too and I give free advice all the time. I didnt get where I am because of myself but because of God. So I do the Christian thing, thank God, and help others. Plus, naturally, I love to help people. Im a wildland firefighter of nine years, own my own business, and now going for my undergrad in nursing, and from there become a cardiologist. Plus want to open up another business, and do so missionary work. God is good. Just remember God doesnt charge you for good advice and guidance. Food for thought. God bless!

[@jorgezelaya1357]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ImYoutubing247]

Anyone else think she spent wayyyyy too much on this trailer (all in cost)?

[@CORRIGEEN71]

Lost me at 20 k for machines

[@tayterrell]

haha understandable! You can definitely spend less than that, I just bought new and very expensive machines to ensure I had great quality. It can be done cheaper!

[@CORRIGEEN71]

@@tayterrell20k machine does not imply better coffee under 2kit possible to have excellent coffee it must be daddy's money at 20k

[@Brightteyes16]

@@CORRIGEEN71 Ask yourself if you would say this to her if you were having this conversation face to face.

[@mrmoodie1443]

I hate watching these videos and not seeing what she’s talking about lol

[@AUTubeN22]

A sales pitch no real help here

[@garrettcphillips]

23K... you got fucked. Thank god my dad and I can build this for at least half that

[@tayterrell]

Lol exactly. If you have the capability of doing it yourself of course it’ll be about half the cost just for materials. Good for you thats great, but most people don’t know how to build it themselves therefore paying someone else is their only option. Best of luck!

[@garrettcphillips]

@@tayterrell totally! Thanks for the video- super inspiring.

[@Lucasproduccionesfr]

Wow... What she is really saying is that it was not a good investment for her. I think she broke even after selling the business (trailer) I really dont believe she broke even in the first year selling coffee. After a 52k investment she will see her return in about 4- 6 years.

[@tayterrell]

Sounds like you know all my personal finances 😂 what I was really saying, is exactly what I said.

[@Lucasproduccionesfr]

@@tayterrell Taylor I m a big fan just expressing myself. Sorry if came out wrong. You inspired my to open my food truck business. Much love from CA. 😍

[@Bemoregetmore]

Hell no, $200 plus for a 20 page ebook. 😂

[@tayterrell]

It cost me $5000+ in adjustments after the buildout with the state to get all of the plumbing and electrical perfect to pass inspection. Plus years to figure out how to bring this to fruition with no guidance or cheat sheet ebook. I would’ve paid $1000+ for something like this when I started. To each their own. Best of luck!

[@Pinballroomcville]

23,000! Holy crap ,,thank God I do construction. I’m going to come in rite at about 15k total. Build + Machines , drip + espresso