Should I Set Up a Permanent Pitch or Stay Mobile?

by Dan
(Manchester)

Mobile caterer deciding between a permanent pitch and staying mobile on the road

Mobile caterer deciding between a permanent pitch and staying mobile on the road

Hi, I'm looking to launch a business selling milkshakes, smoothies and barista style coffee from either a converted van / ice cream van or a trailer.
There's a lot of really good recommendations on here about how getting an established pitch can work, same as getting your own pitch and planting roots. I'm thinking of staying mobile and going where the crowds are (commuters, people on lunch break, large office complexes) to try to go to the customers as opposed to them coming to me all the time. I've got a couple of businesses interested in booking a regular time slot for coffee delivery for staff.

As I'm new to this I have no idea if that's a great idea, a stupid idea or somewhere in the middle.

All help is gratefully received!

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by: MobCater

This is one of those questions that comes up all the time, and the honest answer is that both approaches work, but it depends on what stage you're at and what kind of lifestyle you want from the business.

When I first started out, I didn't have a permanent pitch. I moved around, tried different locations, got chased off one spot and ended up somewhere better. That's actually the beauty of being mobile. If a location doesn't work, you pack up and try somewhere else. You're not locked into a lease or paying rent on a dead pitch. I'd say for anyone just starting out, staying mobile and testing different spots is the smartest move. You learn what works and what doesn't without committing a lot of money.

The advantage of a permanent pitch is consistency. Your customers know where to find you every day, you build a routine, and your regulars keep coming back. I traded on a retail park for a while and the weekday workers became my bread and butter. They knew I'd be there every morning and I knew exactly how much stock to bring. That predictability is worth a lot when you're trying to build a steady income.

The downside of a permanent pitch is cost. Good pitches can run anywhere from £50 to £300 a week depending on the location and the landlord. You also need to make sure you have the right permission. If it's council land you'll need a street trading licence. If it's private land you need the landowner's written permission. Either way, do your homework before you commit.

My advice is to start mobile, find two or three spots that work for you, and then when one of them proves itself consistently, negotiate a more permanent arrangement with the landowner. That way you've tested the location with real sales data before you start paying for it every week.

One tip that served me well. Drive around your local area with a notepad, look at industrial estates, retail parks, and anywhere with foot traffic but no food options nearby. That's where the opportunity is.

Keep going

David

Disclaimer: This is based on my experience in UK mobile catering. Rules and costs can change, so always do your own research and check with the relevant authorities before committing.

Try the free MobCater App — our startup checklist and guide walks you through every step: https://www.mobcater.co.uk/mobile-catering.html

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