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Frequently
asked questions
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How easy is it really to pedal the stall around?
Have a look at our video. Paul's a
reasonably fit guy of average build, but he's not a rugby-playing
keep-fit enthusiast. As you will see, he's riding along with
ease. But if you live in a really hilly district - parts of
the Isle of Wight, or Cornwall for example - it wouldn't be
practical.
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What sort of distance is it practical to range from base?
On reasonably level ground, a couple of miles would be fine.
More than four or five, and you might not feel like standing
selling coffee all day when you get there - not to mention riding
home again. But if you want to sell further afield, the ideal
option is a low-loader trailer - then you can take the Tradecycle
to horse-shows, open-air concerts and plays, farmers' markets
and steam rallies all over your county and beyond. If you're
heading for a place with a huge crowd and no competition, you
can use your tow-car to carry extra stocks of milk, water, coffee
and cups. We can supply a suitable trailer at extra cost.
• Can you pedal it around in coffee-serving mode ('stop
me and buy one')?
Yes - it's technically possible, but on safety grounds we wouldn't
advise it. Safer to stay put and let the customers come to you.
If your pitch isn't as good as you expected, it's easy to move
a few hundred yards (nearer to the car-park, or whatever).
• Do you need a trading licence?
The requirements vary from place to place. Check with the Environmental
Health department of your local council. In most areas it's
not difficult to get a permit.
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How do I know it can really do the business?
The Tradecycle was conceived and developed by Paul Sabin and
his wife Emma, who had already established, operated and sold
on two successful coffee shops in tourist towns in South East
England. Paul knows the coffee trade, and he devised the specification
for fitting out the bikes. He put the plans into operation with
the help of Simon Rickard, a creative designer and technician.
The simple, rugged frames are built to order by an established
manufacturer and incorporate special modifications to meet our
specification. Everything on board has been considered with
three points in mind: efficiency, quality and style. Have
a look at our video.
• What sort of return is realistic?
In the right place, £1.50 a drink is a fair price. Using
the best quality ingredients and the best quality disposable
cups, and making an allowance for gas, that drink should cost
you less than 25p. If you are good with the espresso machine,
customers will come back for more, and if you choose your pitch
well you should be able to serve more or less non-stop. Using
rubbish ingredients and cheap plastic cups you can make an even
better percentage, but don't expect your customers to be kind
to you.
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How do I get good with the espresso machine?
We give you a training day when you buy a Tradecycle, along
with a set of notes you can refer to. It's not very difficult
to learn, but like most things, you get a lot better when you've
done it a few times...
• How do I source my ingredients?
Every coffee trader has their own favourite sources of supply.
As part of your purchase package we'll set you up with a few
phone numbers and you can go from there.
• Will a Tradecycle fit into my shed?
The approximate dimensions of the standard Tradecycle are as
follows:
Overall height - 72" - 1830mm
Overall length - 100" - 2540mm
Overall width - 39.5" - 1000mm
Worktop height - 35.5" - 900mm
Worktop 1 x w - 50" x 31.4" - 1270 x 800 mm
Wheel dia. - 27.5" - 700mm
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How do I find out more?
Look at all the photos and the video
on this website. When you've sucked it dry, jot down a list
of questions and call Paul on 07845 066026 - he'll do his best
to answer them all. If you're anywhere within reach of the sunny
south-east, you can arrange to come down for a day and watch
him trading. You're welcome to make your own video, and go home
and study it at your leisure.
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