Help with my new catering van

[sat1983]

I've bought a classic van- fully kitted out with waffle maker, ice cream freezer and coffee machine.
I feel overwhelmed somehow with just how much there is to sort out- even though I feel a lot of the right things.
I'm going to a business link course tomorrow and the day after and the week after for 2 more days.

I'm doing my food hygiene course and "diploma" next week.
I've looked for wholesalers and joined costco, makro and bookers. They don't stock all I need though- and I find them a tad pricey?
I'm asking myself tons of questions- should I just have plain cups, offer cutlery etc etc? How much should I pay for them?

This van- do i insure it as a car and then insure it as a business? Or do insurers insure you for everything?
It's an old van, any effective way of protecting it from theft? It needs topping up anyway, I need to find a house! Expensive- and don't fancy a cable sticking out of my letterbox for obvious safety reasons!

Pitches- a nightmare! I applied for a good few in town, most have been rejected as they've been taken.
Festivals could be good, but less in winter and the van is not ideal for long distance driving... I passed my test after 1997 so cannot legally tow the van.
Plus realised that my newish car is unable to tow the van anyway!

I could go on. Is anyone on here in the business- and spare a bot of time to help put my mind at rest!
Many thanks

 

[chalkie99]

I can't help thinking that:

I've bought a classic van

should have come at the end of the post after you have the solution to all the other points.

Sounds interesting though, good luck sorting it.

 

[sat1983]

In theory yes, for any other modern van. A classic takes time to restore!

 

[estwig]

sat1983 I luv ya, your fooking great, jump straight in and work it out as you go along!!!

Don't take no notice of the miserable sods who tell you should've got a business plan first, you should've done this that and the other first.

You go for it mate and have it!

I can't help with your questions, but good luck and ask your questions on here, someone will be able to help.

Let us know how you get on.

 

[Scousejock]

As well as festivals there are many other large events that you can look at attending. Everything from large charity events, bike shows, bike/car races etc etc but your right they dont tend to go on in the winter months but by definition a mobile van will be outdoors and in the winter this is not ideal. This is very much a seasonal set up for making the larger profits so you need to find something that will help keep you going in the winter months.

Sorry I cant help more but good luck.

 

[sat1983]

Christmas is around the corner to be fair- plenty going on until December. January to April is trickier though!

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Have a look at this........
http://www.showmans-directory.co.uk/index.asp

 

[shadesofblue]

In theory yes, for any other modern van. A classic takes time to restore!

Do you have any pictures you can show us?