Entrepreneurs - How Do You Set Up A Burger Van Business?

You love food, may have dabbled in it a little, but now you want to set up a burger van business. So how do you go about it and what do you need?

Well first of all, you have to be 18 because you will need to operate a fryer and a griddle. It is illegal in the UK for a minor to handle what is classed as dangerous machinery as these are.

Next you will need a "food handling" certificate at least. Your particular country may have other requirements of you, so you should check at your local county or borough web site. You will almost certainly need to have your vehicle and where you store and produce your food checked regularly by the Health Department. There will be a list of criteria that they will need you to comply with. They can give you these details.

Now you will need to purchase your stock from a wholesaler or a local supplier. You should take your time in choosing good quality burgers, fries, hot dogs etc as fast food is a competitive place! You should look at supplying other items from your van such as chicken legs, sausages etc. You will also need baps, ketchup, mustard and other sauces. Don't forget the cheese, onions, pickles, tea, coffee, milk and sugar as well as napkins, paper plates, teaspoons and cups.

Now the legal stuff. You will need a business bank account and be signed up with the tax office (HMIT). Lastly you will need insurance for your vehicle and your food business. You will need specialty insurance for your vehicle as well as insurance to make sure you are not sued if someone becomes ill!

Now you need to sign write your burger machine so that people know what you are doing. Put your small menu and prices up at the serving window so everyone knows what you sell. It makes it so much easier. Make sure that you wear a smart cook's uniform and a hat. This not only looks good, but is healthy and preserves your good clothes from smelling like a chip shop!

Now you need to find yourself some rounds. You need to check with the local authorities and the police as where you can sell. You might also contact some local organisers of boot sales, markets, county shows, outdoor shows etc and ask if you can tout your wares. You will probably have to pay a small fee for this option. Also you should look at areas such as sports grounds, industrial areas, building sites etc.

Good luck in the future.


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Lee Lister writes as The Biz Guru, for a number of web sites
where she provides advice to the business entrepreneur. She is a published
author Entrepreneur's Apprentice and How Much Does
It Cost To Start A Business? as well as detailed information on how
to start low cost businesses, can be found on http://www.StartMyNewBusiness.com