Help in WA !!

janei

Hello to all.

Not really sure if any of you can, or will help me, but I'm seriously looking into buying a coffee van for the Northern Suberbs of Perth and wondered if anyone knows if there are any companies in WA that manufacture fully fitted vans.  I have found a few on the East Coast but can't seem to find any here and it'll be a bit of a nightmare getting one shipped over here, not to mention the cost.

Also if you have any recomendations on training it would be very much appreciated.

Any other information that you think might to helpful would be very welcome too.

Hope to hear from someone soon  

askthecoffeeguy

try sending an email or personal message to 'grindondemand' of this forum, as he operates out of a van, and even though he's based in brisbane, he may be able to point you in the right direction Pat

psaigh

Try contacting Ben at the WA Barista Academy ([email protected]).  He's very well connected and should be able to get you in the right direction

blanyon

See if you can do it yourself, you will save a packet. You need a fair bit of time however and some friendly tradies to help you out. PM Me if you want some advice.

janei

Thanks for all your help.  I'm on to it !!  Keep the advice coming, I need all I can get...... x

espressoonthego

Hi janei,  I live in Perth also and my husband and I designed and set up our own mobile cafe.  We have been trading about 18 months now (operating south of the river mostly).  Don't know of anyone in Perth who sells fully fitted out vans (besides the franchises).  We bought a ute and then custom designed a canopy for the back which houses all the equipment.  We also sourced most of the equipment ourseves.  I can recommend the company we used to build and fit out the canopy for us - email for details if you like.  My husband is a Barista with years of experience in the industry so he already had the avantage of being familiar with the set-up and equipment required etc.  We also did lots of research looking at other mobile set-ups before putting our design together.  I would recommend looking at as many other coffee van set-ups as you can (the internet is a great start) and also to do your barista training and become familiar with the coffee making process so you know what you will need and how you would prefer everything to be set out and operate efficiently first -  there is a lot to consider and you will want to get it right - it is not easy to change and move things around once the van is built and all the equipment is bolted in place!  You will also need to make sure your van complies with health and saftey requirements and obtain the appropriate licence(s) to operate - check with your local council.   I would definately recommend doing a barista training course and gaining some experience in a cafe prior to setting up your van and opening your business.  Becoming confident in making great coffee and being able to cope with the pressure of a long line of customers will certainly help you to succeed in your business.  It is not as easy at it looks!   Good luck with your endeavour. Serena Espresso On The Go