Buying from Alibaba worth it?

by Gary
(Glasgow)

Pros and cons of buying a juice bar trailer from China for UK start-ups.

Pros and cons of buying a juice bar trailer from China for UK start-ups.

Hi everyone,

Planning on starting a mobile Juice bar business in time for next summer.

I'm looking at both trailers and converted vans & the prices are pretty high for new ones.

Is it worth shipping one over from China through a site like Alibaba, seems to be a lot cheaper.

I realise I will need to take shipping costs etc. into consideration.

Any one with any experience in this? or any tips in the Juice Bar biz in general would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Gary

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Oct 17, 2025
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starstarstarstarstar 		Buying a Trailer from China
by: MobCater

Hello Great idea — juice bars do really well in summer if you get the setup right

Buying a trailer from China (Alibaba, etc.) can look cheap at first, but you need to be super careful. Here’s what you should know:

Quality & standards – Many trailers made overseas don’t meet UK safety rules, especially electrics, gas, and hygiene materials (like the steel used for food prep). You might need to spend more fixing it once it arrives.

Shipping costs – The price online often doesn’t include freight, import tax, VAT, or customs clearance. By the time it lands here, the cost can almost double.

Support & warranty – If something breaks, you’re on your own. Returning parts or getting repairs from overseas is tricky.

Buying in the UK – It’s safer to buy used locally or from a UK-based builder who already follows food-safety standards and can help you with registration, electrics, and gas checks.

Juice bar tips –

Keep your menu simple (3–5 popular blends).

Use a good-quality commercial juicer and fridge.

Think about power — if you’re off-grid, you’ll need a generator or battery power station.

Hygiene & layout matter more than fancy looks.

If you do order from abroad, use Trade Assurance on Alibaba, ask for detailed build photos, and get proof it meets CE or UKCA standards before paying.

In short:

Buying from China can be cheaper up front, but can easily cost more later. Best move — start with a good used UK trailer, test your idea, then upgrade later.

Best of luck and keep going.

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