Interactive calculator
Edit the numbers for your kebab van plan
Results update instantly using monthly revenue, variable cost, running cost, contribution margin and payback formulas. Treat the defaults as a starting point and replace them with supplier quotes.
Choose a launch scenario
Use these quick presets to compare a lean test, the default plan and a higher-capacity professional setup.
Total start-up cost
£27,460
Monthly running cost
£8,370
Monthly revenue
£19,485
Monthly gross profit
£11,562
Monthly net profit
£3,192
Break-even jobs/orders
1,410.5
Payback period
8.6 months
Recommended buffer
£16,740
Suggested minimum price
£10.94
Largest start-up costs
Largest monthly costs
One-off start-up costs
Monthly running costs
Revenue and profit inputs
Formulas used
Total start-up cost is the sum of equipment, vehicle, stock, training, licences, insurance setup, branding, website, software, marketing, uniform, packaging, registration and emergency buffer.
Monthly revenue is average price x weekly orders x 4.33. Monthly net profit is revenue minus variable costs and monthly running costs. Break-even is monthly running cost divided by the contribution per order. If contribution is zero or negative, the calculator shows the plan as not viable until price or direct cost changes.
Search intent
Built for "kebab van startup cost calculator UK"
Estimate realistic UK launch costs, monthly overheads, break-even volume, pricing and next-step checks before spending money. This page also helps with related UK planning searches:
What this kebab van cost range includes
The estimated range of £7,000 to £45,000+ covers the practical costs most UK founders face before taking regular customers: core equipment, opening stock, training, insurance, marketing, website or booking setup, registration admin and an emergency buffer. A lean setup uses existing assets and proves demand first. A professional setup spends more on speed, capacity, branding and risk control.
The most important number is not the headline startup total. It is the amount of cash you need before predictable profit starts. That means you should check both the one-off setup cost and the monthly running cost. Rent, stock, fuel, payment fees and ads can make a business feel busy while still leaving very little net profit.
UK rules also depend on the council, property, product, trading location and whether you employ anyone. Use this page to build a sensible first budget, then confirm supplier quotes, insurer terms and official requirements before you commit to major spend.
Lean, typical and professional setup costs
£7,000+
Lean setup
A lower-cost kebab van launch may use a second-hand trailer, a short menu, limited opening nights and a pitch with predictable footfall before adding delivery or extra staff.
£26,000+
Typical launch
A typical kebab van launch uses the default calculator assumptions, includes basic insurance, enough stock or supplies for the first month and a modest marketing test.
£45,000+
Professional setup
A professional setup uses a fitted van, reliable refrigeration, certified gas installation, strong signage, POS, tested suppliers, clear allergen processes and enough cash to handle repairs.
Cost breakdown table
These are editable defaults used in the calculator. Replace them with real quotes for your location, supplier choices and service model.
| Cost item | Estimate | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment/tools | £6,500 | Core kit, tools, fixtures, machines and trade equipment. |
| Vehicle or van | £14,000 | Vehicle, trailer, conversion or transport allowance. |
| Initial stock or supplies | £900 | Opening stock, consumables, products and first supplies. |
| Training/certification | £180 | Accredited training, food hygiene, safety or skill courses. |
| Licences/permits | £700 | Council applications, permits and compliance checks. |
| Insurance first payment | £350 | Deposit or first monthly payment before trading. |
| Branding/logo | £450 | Logo, brand assets, printed material and basic design. |
| Website | £350 | Landing page, domain, hosting and setup support. |
| Booking system/software | £250 | Scheduling, accounting, POS, apps or ecommerce tools. |
| Initial marketing | £450 | Launch ads, flyers, signage, samples and promotions. |
| Uniform/workwear | £180 | Branded clothing, PPE and practical workwear. |
| Packaging | £400 | Bags, cups, labels, boxes, wrapping or delivery packaging. |
| Registration/accounting setup | £250 | Company setup, bookkeeping, banking and professional support. |
| Emergency buffer | £2,500 | Cash reserve for repairs, delays, refunds and slow weeks. |
Monthly running cost estimate
Monthly costs matter because they set your break-even target. If these fixed costs rise, you need more orders, a higher average price or a lower direct cost per sale.
| Cost item | Estimate | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance monthly cost | £140 | Public liability, specialist cover and add-ons. |
| Fuel/transport | £550 | Fuel, parking, transport, mileage and delivery movement. |
| Rent/storage/unit cost | £1,100 | Treatment room, storage, pitch fees, lock-up or unit space. |
| Stock/supplies | £5,200 | Ongoing product, parts, food, beauty stock or cleaning supplies. |
| Website/software | £80 | Hosting, booking apps, POS, ecommerce, subscriptions. |
| Phone/internet | £35 | Mobile, broadband, business line and data. |
| Advertising | £250 | Search, social, local print and promotional spend. |
| Accounting/bookkeeping | £95 | Bookkeeping app, accountant or payroll support. |
| Payment processing fees | £260 | Card reader, platform fees and merchant charges. |
| Maintenance | £380 | Repairs, servicing, calibration, cleaning and replacements. |
| Miscellaneous overheads | £280 | Small subscriptions, replacements and admin costs. |
Example calculation
With the default assumptions, kebab van startup costs come to £27,460. At £10.00 per order and 450 orders per week, estimated monthly revenue is £19,485.
Estimated monthly net profit is £3,192 after direct costs and running costs. The simple break-even target is 1,410.5 orders per month, and payback is 8.6 months.
Use this page before you spend
- 1. Replace the default kebab van cost range with supplier quotes.
- 2. Check official licence, council, insurance and tax requirements.
- 3. Run lean, typical and professional scenarios before buying equipment.
- 4. Use the break-even result to set a minimum weekly sales target.
- 5. Save a two-month emergency buffer if the calculator shows tight cashflow.
Break-even and profit planning
Break-even is the number of orders you need each month before owner pay, tax and reinvestment feel realistic. The calculator divides monthly running costs by contribution per order. Contribution is the customer price after the direct cost of serving that customer or order.
If the calculator shows weak profit, first check whether the average price is too low for the time involved. Then check direct costs, travel, waste and software or payment fees. Many small businesses look viable at revenue level but fail when the owner includes unpaid admin, quoting, cleaning, cancellations and customer messages.
Model separate margins for kebabs, chips, drinks and meal deals.
Watch packaging and sauce costs because they are easy to ignore per order.
If using delivery apps, add commission into the cost per order.
Equipment checklist
- Check: Van or trailer with compliant catering fit-out
- Check: Doner machine, grill and hot-hold equipment
- Check: Refrigeration, freezer and temperature probes
- Check: Prep tables, bain-marie and utensil storage
- Check: Generator or site power setup
- Check: LPG/gas system and safety certificates where required
- Check: Fire safety equipment and extraction
- Check: Packaging, napkins, labels and menu boards
Licence and legal checklist
- Check: Register with the local authority as a food business
- Check: Check street trading licence or consent for each location
- Check: Confirm market, private land and late-night trading conditions
- Check: Keep food hygiene, allergen and temperature records
- Check: Arrange gas, electrical and fire safety checks
- Check: Confirm waste disposal arrangements
Insurance checklist
- Check: Public liability insurance
- Check: Product liability insurance
- Check: Employer's liability insurance for staff
- Check: Van, trailer and catering equipment cover
- Check: Stock deterioration and business interruption cover
Hidden costs to budget for
Late-night staffing premiums
Gas bottle replacement and generator servicing
Food waste from over-prepping meat and salads
Pitch rent for high-footfall areas
Security, lighting and waste collection
Repairs to specialist catering equipment
Common mistakes
Assuming a busy pitch is available without consent
Underpricing because meat cost is the only cost considered
Ignoring allergen and temperature paperwork
Buying equipment that cannot handle peak periods
Forgetting cleanup and prep hours in profit forecasts
UK-specific planning notes
Kebab vans can have strong evening sales, but local permission, food hygiene and safety compliance are central costs.
The best pitch can matter more than small equipment savings.
Menus with many options can create waste and slow service, so start with a controlled range.
All costs are estimates. Prices vary by supplier, location, business model and local council requirements. Always check current prices, insurance quotes and official rules before starting.
Practical next steps
Shortlist possible pitches and verify permission before buying a van.
Build a supplier list for meat, salad, bread, packaging and gas.
Create a simple opening-week stock forecast with waste built in.
Useful next purchases
Build the budget before you buy
These are natural costs to research after the calculator, not random add-ons. Compare prices before committing your launch budget.
Food hygiene training
Budget for food hygiene, allergen processes, safety checks and any pitch or street trading paperwork.
Check food rulesBusiness insurance quotes
Compare cover before you trade, especially public liability, equipment cover and any kebab van-specific risk.
Plan insuranceStart-up budget spreadsheet
Download the free budget template and keep supplier quotes, council fees and monthly costs in one place.
Get templateAccounting software setup
Track receipts, card fees, stock, mileage and tax from the first sale so profit does not become guesswork.
Plan bookkeepingUseful planning links
Use these with the kebab van calculator to check insurance, licences, equipment, pricing and your wider business plan.
Related calculators
FAQ
How much does it cost to start a kebab van in the UK?+
Kebab van startup costs depend on whether you use existing equipment, buy second-hand kit or build a professional setup. Use the calculator on this page to edit the example UK costs and create your own budget.
What should I include in a kebab van startup budget?+
Include equipment, stock, training, licences, insurance, branding, a website or booking system, marketing, registration costs and an emergency buffer. Also plan monthly costs before you depend on profit.
How do I calculate break-even orders per month?+
Subtract the direct cost per job or order from the average price. Divide your monthly running costs by that contribution. If the contribution is too low, increase prices, lower direct costs or change the offer.
Do I need a licence for a kebab van in the UK?+
A kebab van will usually need food business registration and may need street trading consent, pitch permission, safety checks and waste arrangements depending on where it operates.
Are the calculator numbers guaranteed?+
No. They are planning estimates only. Supplier prices, insurance quotes, rent, local council rules and demand vary by location and business model.