So Scared To Start My Business – What Did You Do

by Rukky

I am so please to read about your mobile catering experiences. I am getting ready to start my own business but I’m so scared as I’ve always worked for someone else.

What did you do to conquer your fears?
I am moving to Africa soon to start the business and aim to sell grilled fish and chicken to people at parties, on sites and other catering events.

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Jan 25, 2025
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Mobile Catering Experiences
by: David-

It sounds like there's a lot of shared experiences and advice coming through these stories, and I can certainly help unpack and address some key points based on the challenges mentioned. Here's a breakdown of some advice for anyone starting or currently running a mobile catering business:

1. Stock Levels (Neil White, South Africa)

When you're just starting, it's wise to stock only what you know you'll use in the short term. Over-purchasing can lead to waste and unnecessary costs. Here’s a simple way to plan:

Estimate daily sales: Start with conservative numbers (e.g., if you expect 50 meals a day, buy stock for 60 to have a small buffer).

Monitor closely: After a week or two, adjust your stock levels based on actual demand. Keep storage space in mind: If your trailer has limited storage, prioritize items with longer shelf lives and plan frequent restocks.

2. Red Tape and Legalities (Phil & Paul’s Experiences)
The frustrations with licenses, inspections, and certifications are common. Here’s a checklist to make the process smoother:

Licenses and Permits: Apply early to avoid delays. Double-check what’s required (e.g., trader’s license, gas and electrical safety certificates).
Insurance: Public liability, product liability, and business vehicle insurance are essential. Council Regulations: Some councils have strict rules about LPG or trading locations—research your area’s specific requirements.

Pro Tip: Keep copies of all certificates and documents in your trailer for easy reference during inspections.

3. Fear of Failure (Paul W. and Anonymous)

Starting any business comes with risks, but preparation can reduce fear. The RAF motto mentioned—"Knowledge Dispels Fear"—is perfect advice here.

Do your research: Know your pitch, peak times, and customer preferences.
Start small: Don’t invest in every upgrade immediately—test your menu and build a loyal customer base first.

Plan finances: Have enough savings or a safety net for 3–6 months to cover slow periods. Remember: Even successful businesses take time to establish. Give yourself at least one season to build momentum.

4. Avoiding Scams (Anonymous, Manchester)
Unfortunately, scams can happen, especially when purchasing second-hand trailers or equipment. Follow these tips to protect yourself:

Inspect in person: Never send money without seeing the trailer or equipment first. Ask for paperwork: Ensure the seller provides proof of ownership and appliance safety certifications. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true: A rock-bottom price could signal hidden problems. Advice: Use reputable dealerships or sellers with strong reviews when possible. It may cost more upfront but reduces long-term risks.

5. General Tips for Starting Up

Power Options: Gas is often more economical than electric, but check local regulations. Equipment Maintenance: Keep a schedule for servicing key items like fryers, fridges, and generators. Customer Experience: Focus on great service and consistent quality to build your reputation quickly.
Final Encouragement

Starting a mobile catering business can be tough, but with good preparation and persistence, it’s absolutely doable. Learn from others' experiences, ask for help when needed, and keep your goals in mind. If you have any specific questions about equipment, regulations, or operations, feel free to ask—I'm here to help! 😊

Jul 05, 2023
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Ready for this.
by: Neil White

The mobile food venture is something that has been in planning mode for me for almost 18 months. Had to wait for a few things to line up. But it’s given me time to research menu items and suitable trailers. I ordered my trailer last week so it’s in production now. Even though I’m in South Africa the mobcater newsletter has helped me a lot. My biggest thought is while I’m starting up what is a good level of stock to go out with.

Feb 06, 2013
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Ditto....
by: Anonymous

I bought a trailer 2 months ago which is well kitted although a little old. I have had to go through 6 different agencies for permission to trade from a lay bye on a trunk rd. Registered with local authority, had gas safety cert for all appliances. Broken water heater and strip light fixed/replaced. Food hygiene cert course booked for me & my bird. Bought stock and disposables, arranged public/employee ins, new 4x4 to tow the trailer, brand new £1200 lpg rotisserie (not yet fitted), £600 generator, storage for trailer etc etc I also have a 9-5 job so will pay brother in law Mon-Fri. £10,000 outlay so far with £100 per day target to break even & not started trading!! The wheels of progress turn extremely slow eh. Chin up, I have not a dot of doubt this will work out very well but am realistic it is likely to take a season to establish the client group and hopefully good rep for excellent quality food and service. Kepp at it eh!!! John from nr cardiff

Apr 11, 2012
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ANXIETY AND FRUSTRATION
by: Anonymous

Hi all
Its Phil here i am currently in the middle
of what seems a very long and anxious process of
starting my mobile catering/fast food business
and very recently i have began to feel like it is not meant to be,i have purchased a very good
vehicle,the cab and chassis are a good age but
the unit,or kitchen,is purpose built and i feel
it will attract custom,however i have now had vehicle for 7 weeks and wonder if i will ever
get started and therefore can understand why some
people get scared,i personally feel more
frustration than fear i cannot wait to get started but if i have a fear it stems from all
the red tape that is placed in front of you like a barricade that you need to demolish and facing
that alone is far from easy.I would like to ask
any mobile/trailer owners what they were faced
with when applying for their Traders Licence,what
was the procedure and importantly how much did it
cost,i do realise the need for rules and regulations they are there for a reason and for
our protection but this is also the barricade i
refer to,i sent my licence application off almost 3 weeks ago and enclosed what i consider
to be a large cheque of 1300 pounds for 12 months
Traders Licence,although the cheque was presented
to my bank almost 2 weeks ago and the cash withdrawn from my account a week ago my local
council informed me when i telephoned them for a
progress report that no decision had been made
and as yet no licence granted,the fact they had taken my money infuriated me however not wanting to rock the so called boat i bit my lip this being the reason for my title ANXIETY AND
FRUSTRATION i would be interested to here from
anyone who has faced a similar situation.
GOOD LUCK in South Africa now theres a pitch i
never considered

Phil

Aug 04, 2011
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Fears
by: Anonymous

The Motto of the RAFs Number 1 Parachute training school , who train all Parachute and RAF Regiment parachutist amongst others is

"KNOWLEDGE DISPELS FEAR"

Go into it armed with as much knowledge as you can, it may sound silly but, know your pitch, when is liable to get busy and quieten down? Know your stock, how long does bacon take to griddle cook,if you say 2 minutes and it takes 8 they may have to go before they've eaten. Know how quick you can get a gas refill delivered? How long the generator will run for before you run out of fuel? How long will the ice blocks in the coolbox keep the temp down? Are you totally legal? Does your Insurance cover everything? Have you got Business use Insurance on your vehicle, even if you don't tow with it you still need it to collect stock and travel to work.

Make a list go through it, go through it again.

When you know everything is RIGHT you have nothing to fear ,go for it !

Red light .. Green light GREEN LIGHT GO !!!!

Happy landings guys ;-)

May 29, 2011
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so scared to start my own business
by: paul w

i too brought a trailer from an old couple who claimed she had worked it up to 5years ago this was just a way of getting me to buy it 2 weeks later she had two more trailers on ebay described as needing total refits in the redhill area in surrey /have now nearly done all the work now got all the equipment but been quoted 700 quid to have all the electrics done fuse box ect iam really shitting myself starting up /what if it dont work out i have choosen to go all electric as local council will not let me keep gas on the property where i live there is alot of con merchants on ebay and urg you all too be very vigalent when buying trailers good luck to all who are taking the plunge

Apr 28, 2011
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Scammed by a fraudster
by: Anonymous

Hi there have really enjoyed reading all of the comments as I venture in to a mobile catering business.

Unfortunately I have not been too lucky with sourcing a trailer I committed the cardinal sin and paid money in to a Joe Cochrane's account a Mr Joe Cochrane from Manchester who has now turned out to be a fraudster so people beware.

I have unfortunately lost alot of money and just cannot believe the lengths that this person went to to deceive me. Setting up in business is hard enough without all of this on top.

I am a previous business owner with many years experience but was still conned I feel so silly.

I should have taken the advice from the site do not part with anything until you see the trailer with your own eyes. How do these people live with themselves it is just so awful.

Mar 14, 2011
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plunge
by: stevie

i to am going to take the plunge but the problem is getting a good pitch because going by what i hear, you've got to stick to the same pitch but im sure i can make it work fingers crossed.

Mar 10, 2011
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Don't Let Fear of Starting a Business Beat You
by: David

Hi Rukky,

Simple go for it and don't look back.

The best way to cure fear is to just do it.

Yes I know it's going to be difficult but if someone like me who started off quite shy and softly spoken can do it. I promise you, you can most certainly achieve your own success in the process.

Just don't give up at the first hurdle you come up against. From here things will only get easier and you start to grow as a person and more importantly an entrepreneur.

Which means you will also start to see opportunities all around you and in everything you do.

Your training yourself to no longer relying on someone else for your financial future ? it?s all in your own hands.(which is scary and liberating at the same time)

You also start to develop a different set of internal tools - which you get to keep for the rest of your life like: confidence, resilience, self esteem, passion and drive to achieve and want more out of life.

It won't happen overnight but slowly bit by bit you will start to do amazing things as you become to depend and trust yourself more and more.

Finally it sounds like you going to have quite an adventure in Africa, please let me know how it all goes and contact me anytime if you feel unsure or need some assistance.

Best of luck always

David
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So Scared To Start My Business – What Did You Do

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