To buy a coffee truck in China, define your use case and compliance path first, then pick a build type: towable food trailer/mobile coffee van (easiest to export) or truck-based unit on Wuling/DFSK/Foton chassis. Typical factory pricing: US$6k–18k for basic trailers, US$18k–60k for truck builds; lead time 20–45 days. Specify power up front: a two-group espresso machine needs 3–5 kW; budget 6–8 kW inverter, 48 V 10–20 kWh LiFePO4, 32 A shore inlet, and a 6–8 kVA generator if off-grid. Require 304 stainless worktops, coved corners, three-compartment + hand sink, 100–200 L fresh and 120–240 L grey tanks, GFCI/RCD 30 mA, IP65 enclosures, and a hood with fire suppression. Source manufacturers in Henan/Shandong/Jiangsu/Zhejiang via 1688 or Alibaba; ask for chassis VIN (if a truck), drawings, BOM, wiring/plumbing schematics, cable gauges/breakers, and CE/GB test reports. Lock specs in contract with photos, materials list, and model numbers; terms 30/70 T/T with Trade Assurance. Book a third-party inspection (SGS/TÜV) and demand load/heat/leak tests on video. For export, trailers (HS 8716) avoid motor-vehicle homologation; ship in 40HC (height ≤ 2580 mm) or RoRo for trucks. Use FOB Qingdao/Ningbo; confirm parts, warranty, and after-sales support in writing. Get sample photos of critical welds and seals.
