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How to start a mobile coffee shop from scratch
How to Start a Mobile Coffee Shop from Scratch
A mobile coffee shop can take several forms:
| Format | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee van (on a vehicle) | Mobility, changing locations | Higher startup cost (₴200,000–₴400,000) |
| Coffee cart | Cheaper, compact format | Depends on location permit |
| Takeaway coffee from a premises | Stable point, water connection | Higher rent, not mobile |
What you need to start
| Expense | Amount (UAH) |
|---|---|
| Professional coffee machine | 30,000 – 60,000 |
| Mobile structure/vehicle | 80,000 – 200,000 |
| Generator/battery | 10,000 – 25,000 |
| Equipment: grinder, scales | 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Initial coffee & milk supply | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| POS system or PRRO | 450 – 2,000 (PayKit) |
| Licenses and permits | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Total | ≈140,000 – 320,000 |
💡 Tip: Start with a coffee cart — cheaper and easier to register.
Legal setup
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Register as a sole proprietor (FOP, group 2 or 3).
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Obtain an electronic digital signature (EDS).
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Register a PRRO — use PayKit POS to issue receipts from your phone.
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Prepare sanitary permits if handling food.
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Get a trading permit for your location (local council or shopping mall).
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If planning music or branded signage, check local regulations.
Mobile coffee shop equipment
Essential:
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Professional coffee machine (automatic or lever type)
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Coffee grinder
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Water containers (if no direct connection)
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POS system or software-based cash register (smartphone + PayKit)
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Gas or electric generator
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Thermoses, cups, syrups, snacks
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Menu, branded signage, display counter
Automation and accounting
With PayKit POS, you get:
✅ Issue fiscal receipts on a phone or tablet
✅ Work offline (in parks, festivals, or remote locations)
✅ Built-in inventory, shift, and revenue tracking
✅ Z-reports and tax documents in one click
Promoting your mobile coffee shop
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Create Instagram/Facebook pages
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Use geotags and post daily photos
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Run promotions: “2=1” from 8:00–10:00, bonuses, stickers
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Add your shop to Google Maps
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Use QR menus and advertise in local Telegram chats
How much can you earn?
| Parameter | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Average check | ₴50–70 |
| Customers/day | 50–100 |
| Daily revenue | ₴2,500 – ₴7,000 |
| Net profit | ₴800 – ₴2,500/day |
| Payback period | 3–6 months |
Starting a mobile coffee shop from scratch is realistic, profitable, and flexible. You don’t need millions to own a business — just motivation, good organization, and tools for control.
With PayKit POS, you get:
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Legal fiscalization
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Inventory and shift tracking
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Daily analytics
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Ability to work anywhere
