Free tool 01

Startup Cost Calculator

Every number below is yours to change: the defaults are just editable placeholders, not market prices. Fill in real quotes as you collect them and this becomes your launch budget. Everything runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded or saved by us.

The rig

Cart, trailer, or build ($)used carts and DIY builds sit far below custom trailers; put your real quote here

The espresso bar

Espresso machine ($)Grinder ($)Smallwares + menu board ($)

Water and power

Water system: tanks, sinks, pump ($)spec against your health department's checklist before buyingGenerator or battery power ($)zero if you will only book venues with adequate circuits

Legal and compliance

Business filing + EIN ($)state filing fees vary; the EIN itself is free from the IRSFood safety courses ($)food handler card + manager certificationHealth permit + plan review ($)your county sets these fees; call and write in the real numberCommissary: deposit + first month ($)Insurance to bind coverage ($)down payment or first months of general liability

Launch

Opening inventory ($)beans, milk, cups, lids, syrupsBranding + website ($)Contingency (%)first builds always find surprises

Your launch budget

The rig: $3,500
Espresso bar: $4,300
Water and power: $1,900
Legal and compliance: $2,250
Launch: $900
Subtotal: $12,850
Contingency (15%): $1,928
Estimated total: $14,778

An estimate assembled from your own inputs, nothing more. Permit, commissary, and insurance costs are set by your county and your carriers, so replace the placeholders with their real numbers as you collect them.

The budget is step one. The kit is the whole path.

The Coffee Cart Launch Kit turns this list into a 90-day sequence: which calls to make before which purchases, the permit stack, the templates, and the outreach that fills the calendar. $149 once, 30-day money-back guarantee.

See the Launch Kit Next: cost a drink