Mobile fish and chip van

[davidwatts]

Hi,

I'm thinking about setting up a mobile fish and chip van which would cater to villages in my area that are too far away from a chip shop.

I have found a van for 15,000 which is all decked out and ready to sell. But does anyone know what other costs I will come across?

How much will insurance and public liability cost, and what do I have to pay the local council if anything?

Do you think it's a good idea and be worth the effort? It's not a new idea and there are plenty of people doing it, but none in our area so I reckon it's a viable business.

 

[Psl]

Hi,

I'm thinking about setting up a mobile fish and chip van which would cater to villages in my area that are too far away from a chip shop.

I have found a van for 15,000 which is all decked out and ready to sell. But does anyone know what other costs I will come across?

How much will insurance and public liability cost, and what do I have to pay the local council if anything?

Do you think it's a good idea and be worth the effort? It's not a new idea and there are plenty of people doing it, but none in our area so I reckon it's a viable business.

If there is a need and your figures stack up, go for it.

 

[davidwatts]

Hi,

Yeah I think they'll definitely be interested. I'm gonna target one village a night mon to fri 4.p.m til 9.p.m.

I'll do a flyer drop in each village a few weeks before I start to let them know i'm a coming!

I'd just do simple fish and chips and burgers, but do them good, no long complicated menus. I could take some orders by twitter or email the night before to get a rough idea of demand.

I've got plenty of ideas for it but I just need to know the legalities of mobile catering and stuff. Are there any good books or websites which tell you the way to go?

 

[Aspect Investments]

Do you have any experience of cooking fish and chips?

 

[Billmccallum]

Health & Safety and Food Hygene will be the most important.

How will you be able to drive a van with hot fat at 200 degrees slopping about?

Hi,

I'm thinking about setting up a mobile fish and chip van which would cater to villages in my area that are too far away from a chip shop.

I have found a van for 15,000 which is all decked out and ready to sell. But does anyone know what other costs I will come across?

How much will insurance and public liability cost, and what do I have to pay the local council if anything?

Do you think it's a good idea and be worth the effort? It's not a new idea and there are plenty of people doing it, but none in our area so I reckon it's a viable business.

 

[davidwatts]

Health & Safety and Food Hygene will be the most important.

How will you be able to drive a van with hot fat at 200 degrees slopping about?

Hi yeah food hygiene courses can be done online. I'll have to check out the health and safety. Which will probably be loads of red tape and bs thanks to our last government.

As for driving the van with hot fat slopping about. I guess i'll just fasten the lids down.

 

[davidwatts]

Do you have any experience of cooking fish and chips?

Nah, but you can go on a course up north for about 600 quid for 3 days.

 

[Aspect Investments]

I would do a bit of market research first before you go and splash your cash. Go door knocking and ask people in the villages if they think its a good idea, and if they would use it.

 

[andrew_xe]

Considering how awesome this countries Health and Safety regulations are (if theres a crack in the pavement, a council workman goes to jail for negligence), I think you might have to do a little bit more than "fasten the lids down".

Unless you've got really good lids, then I think you might have to think of some other way for that, I can't see this country letting you do it that easily.

 

[davidwatts]

I would do a bit of market research first before you go and splash your cash. Go door knocking and ask people in the villages if they think its a good idea, and if they would use it.

Cheers, will do. Some of the villagers around here are proper snobby and I guess they may think a fish and chip van would lower the tone. But for every snob there's 100 normal folk!

 

[Matt1959]

Cheers, will do. Some of the villagers around here are proper snobby and I guess they may think a fish and chip van would lower the tone. But for every snob there's 100 normal folk!

hmm wouldnt read too much into that. I knew a couple who had a brand new Jag and they kept cutlery in the glove box for when they parked up outside a fish and chip shop for their weekly takeway So long as the foods good, the van looks smart and so do you etc I don't think its offputting for anyone. I do recall though being on a campsite once where the fish and chip van came round once a week and I'm sure they heated the fat up from scratch as it took so long to get served....

 

[davidwatts]

hmm wouldnt read too much into that. I knew a couple who had a brand new Jag and they kept cutlery in the glove box for when they parked up outside a fish and chip shop for their weekly takeway So long as the foods good, the van looks smart and so do you etc I don't think its offputting for anyone. I do recall though being on a campsite once where the fish and chip van came round once a week and I'm sure they heated the fat up from scratch as it took so long to get served....

yeah I 'spose I could give out little silver forks instead of the wooden ones.

 

[stokegoldingairfield]

Hi Dave,

How did you do with your venture? We have been let down by a caterer and are looking for someone with a 'fish & chip van' to attend the Saturday evening of our event at Stoke Golding Airfield between Nuneaton and Atherstone this Saturday 7th August 2010. Call me if you are up and running or know a van that is. Contact details on the airfield website. Google Stoke Golding Airfield. Regards Tim

 

[davwik]

Some useful info

Your equipment must be inspected and passed by local Environmental Health Department officials, you should obtain a street traders' licence from your own local authority or that in the area you intend to trade. Your local Trading Standards Office will advise on other legal and licensing requirements for static and mobile catering operations, including those who trade from a regular spot and others who travel more freely. Local Environmental and Health Department officials will advise on whatever other laws and legal obligations must be complied with.

Speak to The Mobile and Outside Caterers Association of Great Britain (MOCA), Centre Court, 1301 Stratford Road, Hall Green, Birmingham, B28 9AD for more advice

 

[EH7]

Are there Industrial Estates near-by? You would probably have more interest from industrial estates - makes a change from the normal jiffy trucks selling cold sanwiches or hot rolls that have been sat around all day.

 

[Vintage06]

Why don't you do some research? Go to the villages you'd go to. Ask them. If there's no fish and chip shop in the village, Is there anywhere else to eat?

also you'd need to make damn good fish and chips, Nothing gets money in like word of mouth.

 

[raymondbaker]

I have a very busy mobile chip van and people come for miles as i have very high standers and cook lovely fish n chips. If there is any body wanting to have training on setting up and running a successful mobile chip van business and looking to earn 100k+ a year please get in contact Teri Baker 07813145112 Youngs famous fish n chips Bedfordshire.

 

[gadgetgeekstv]

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We are looking for fast food van operators to take part in our show and help us create a gadget for yours vans to make your work faster/easier/cheaper!

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[Karlfx]

I wouldn't listen to people who think hot fat slopping about is a problem because who would drive around with hot fat slopping around? Some people are just hell bent on dragging great ideas down, unless they are their own and then they expect eveyone to 'wow' them. Good luck with your venture and concentrate on the possitive, snobs eat fish and chips too

 

[Tax-UK]

It is a great idea and yes you will have to pay to council, safety, hygiene etc

You could sell in areas where people gather such as concerts etc, but again you will need to pay for permission etc

Hi,

I'm thinking about setting up a mobile fish and chip van which would cater to villages in my area that are too far away from a chip shop.

I have found a van for 15,000 which is all decked out and ready to sell. But does anyone know what other costs I will come across?

How much will insurance and public liability cost, and what do I have to pay the local council if anything?

Do you think it's a good idea and be worth the effort? It's not a new idea and there are plenty of people doing it, but none in our area so I reckon it's a viable business.

 

[Call Tracker]

We have a van come around on friday lunchtime and thurs, friday and sat evening. Think about your customers - retired people friday lunchtimes, families friday or saturday nights, businesses during the weekday lunchtimes. Make sure your van is covered in strong graphics and contact details and get someone to go with you to leaflet door to door whilst you serve the food. Market yourself as available for functions as our local quiz night and pub use the local fish van for the food. Good luck it sounds great.

 

[am:pm graphics]

Sounds a good idea...where abouts are you based?

I've been on a campsite that has had a mobile chippy come round and it was always busy...maybe you could do some kind of campsite round at weekends during the summer?

 

[mhall]

Nah, but you can go on a course up north for about 600 quid for 3 days.

I don't want to add water to your boiling fat but there is a massive difference between cooking chips and cooking good chips. It is NOT simply a matter of chucking some spuds into boiling oil.

If your Fish and Chips are good this will fly like a kite. If they are not, it will die before your vans tax runs out.

Speak to as many fish fryers as you can and find out the "secrets" if you can (and if they will tell you). You may learn the basics in three days but will that be enough for a brand new business with one chance to impress?

 

[TotallySport]

Just to point it out but this thread is from 2010.

 

[shadesofblue]

Just to point it out but this thread is from 2010.

I'm sure the information will come in handy to someone.

 

[Dennell92]

I think that type of food service is slowly dieing out, people no longer set an exact time to when they're going to eat, nowadays it just happens, and for the price of fish and chips, a lot of people would probably prefer to go for a sit down meal.. i think the fish and chip trade as a whole is slowly dieing, nevermind fish and chip delivery vans!

 

[mhall]

Just to point it out but this thread is from 2010.

Blast, caught out by the Sky Plugger !

 

[I Love Spreadsheets]

I have a very busy mobile chip van and people come for miles as i have very high standers and cook lovely fish n chips. If there is any body wanting to have training on setting up and running a successful mobile chip van business and looking to earn 100k+ a year please get in contact Teri Baker 07813145112 Youngs famous fish n chips Bedfordshire.

I havent seen a mobile chip van since I was a kid so thats well over 20 years ago.

I presumed that health and safety had killed them off because of the hot oils etc. Would love to know how you keep everything safe with regards to the hot oil - are the lids bolted down? do you need extra H&S checks? what happens in a road accident?

It would be great to see them back on the road again

 

[dvdocon]

I think that a mobile fish & chip van, in the right locations is a fab. idea. I am currently trying to buy a leasehold fish & chip shop myself. (waiting for the decision on finance) should the decision not go my way, I would seriously consider going down the mobile route. I live in a coastal location, with plenty of caravan sites close by, with the nearest fish & chip shop at least two miles away. The idea that the trade is dying is nonsense, it is a traditional British meal, now back as the nations favourite takeaway. You can have a sit down fish & chip meal for around £6 (frozen fish) or buy proper fish & chips at a takeaway for less than a fiver. I know what I'd choose!
I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has owned or is looking to buy a mobile fish & chip van to weigh up the pro's & cons.

 

[woomeister]

Just to put a few people straight...

1. I run a very succesfull fish and chip van (so successfull I closed for the whole of December 2011 and went to Florida and my son is at private school)

2. Fish and chips maybe a simple meal but it is not simple to get right.

3. I am a Michelin trained chef.

4. A 3 day course for £600 lmao...it'll teach you sod all except not to be such a mug and pay that much money and believe you will walk out a caterer.

5. Professionally built fish and chip ranges (for vans) have lids which sit in a recess so allowing NO oil to slop about.

6.Forget ideas about phone orders/twitter etc. The average age of fish and chip eaters is 50+ they come every week whatever the weather.

7. Be reliable, people are trusting that you will be there when you say you will.

8. Buy the BEST not the cheapEST.

Here endeth a rather late but great post by 'The chip man', as I am affectionately known by the kids of many villages in Gloucestershire.

 

[Bizman2010]

Just to put a few people straight...

1. I run a very succesfull fish and chip van (so successfull I closed for the whole of December 2011 and went to Florida and my son is at private school)

2. Fish and chips maybe a simple meal but it is not simple to get right.

3. I am a Michelin trained chef.

4. A 3 day course for £600 lmao...it'll teach you sod all except not to be such a mug and pay that much money and believe you will walk out a caterer.

5. Professionally built fish and chip ranges (for vans) have lids which sit in a recess so allowing NO oil to slop about.

6.Forget ideas about phone orders/twitter etc. The average age of fish and chip eaters is 50+ they come every week whatever the weather.

7. Be reliable, people are trusting that you will be there when you say you will.

8. Buy the BEST not the cheapEST.

Here endeth a rather late but great post by 'The chip man', as I am affectionately known by the kids of many villages in Gloucestershire.

Hi woomeister would it be ok to PM you at some point?

thanks

 

[woomeister]

of course.

 

[dvdocon]

Congratulations Woomeister, you obviously run a successful business & have the lifestyle commensurate with that.
I have found out since my last post that there is a mobile Fish & Chip van in my area,& it is very popular. luckily I have now been granted the finance & I'm in the process of purchasing the aforementioned shop, & hope to be in there by the end of march, & I'm looking forward to starting a new stage in my life. After working outside for the last 23 yrs. I can't say that I will miss the cold & rain.

 

[woomeister]

any advice pm me. Do you have a business plan?

 

[brooky25]

Ive been thinking about the same idea for quite a while now. Years ago we used to have a fish n chip van, but I haven't seen one for years. I too think there is a market for this especially with the older end of the community who don't get out too often. The only reason I have never followed it up is that I thought that there would prob be some silly new EU regulation which would not let you drive around with hot oil or the Insurers would not cover you.
May have to look into this again, Its a great idea

 

[David A]

I'm in the process of purchasing the aforementioned shop, & hope to be in there by the end of march, & I'm looking forward to starting a new stage in my life. .

Bear in mind that record keeping needs to be kept tight.

HMRC hate hot food takeaway businesses, and particularly F+C shops (as unlike chinky or indian, these handle mostly cash and very little in the way of card payments).

I'm fairly certain the HMRC used to publish a 'business profile' of a F+C shop, which gave broad ratios on turnover against raw food purchased, but I can't find it now.

If your turnover is below what they expect based on raw food purchased, they can issue you with an assessment - hence the need for careful record keeping to account for any reasons for the departure from the norm.

 

[woomeister]

Hmrc never ask for records. There is no assesment in the world that can cover food wastage, or business acumen. You can be the most wasteful useless businessman in the world and nobody could prove different. Also, most fish and chip shop suppliers will supply without invoice or records for cash payment...

So your point is invalid I'm afraid.

 

[David A]

Hmrc never ask for records. There is no assessment in the world that can cover food wastage, or business acumen. You can be the most wasteful useless businessman in the world and nobody could prove different. Also, most fish and chip shop suppliers will supply without invoice or records for cash payment...

So your point is invalid I'm afraid.

I do beg to differ, and I think it is disingenuous for you to suggest that there is little to worry about regarding poor or missing record keeping.

One has to be so careful where HMRC are concerned, as they do have extensive powers of investigation.

Whilst it looks like business sector profiles have been removed at some time since I last looked (a few years ago, admittedly) they still publish a fair bit of information on their investigative procedures under this index link:

http://hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/emmanual/index.htm

Although a significant amount of 'sensitive' information has been redacted, anyone looking at the published text who has more than a smidgen of a brain will acknowledge from HMRC's very own published manuals that they can and to ask for records where appropriate based on their unpublished 'risk profile'.

I appreciate that you are in the business and you state that "you can be the most wasteful useless businessman in the world and nobody could prove different. Also, most fish and chip shop suppliers will supply without invoice or records for cash payment..." and I have no disagreement with this.

However, provided that a business owner can demonstrate through the records kept incompetency or poor decision making, then they are home and dry. It is where records are poor or lacking that allows HMRC to make assumptions that are based on business and sector ratios - and unless the OP can refute these - a significant tax bill in the form of an assessment will follow as sure and night follows day.

The bad record keeping then provides for a double whammy: a business already is making reduced profits, or even a loss, thus reducing the income available for the owner, then has to pay tax on profits that were never there in the first place. As an example,

Business turnover £500K, net profit after all expenses is a a measly £5K. Inspector feels that £50K is a truer figure and issues an assessment at £10K underpaid tax and VAT. Unless the inspector is right, it means that unless the business profitability improves, the owner will be working the next two year with no income at all!

 

[David A]

I meant also to provide the following link, that whilst not official, gives an indication of one method HMRC is reported to use in wanting to examine records:

http://hmrcisshite.blogspot.com/2011/06/hmrcs-back-door-probes.html

 

[woomeister]

Ok, you have made your point clearer now and I would agree. My wife is qualified ACT so we understand exactly how HMRC works. My point was that if outgoings match realistic income then there is nothing to worry about, and as much of your outgoings can be hidden... The largest F&C supplier in the country will actually let you order 'cash only invoices' which has no record of the person ordering it so you can order 25% legitimately and 75% not so!!! Upon asking the company why the TAX man doesn't insist on true record keeping they just reply 'it's always been like this'