To buy a coffee truck in South Carolina, start by aligning the vehicle with DHEC’s Mobile Food Establishment rules and your power/water needs, then verify paperwork before you wire funds. Prioritize trucks built for espresso: 2‑group machine, dual grinders, 7–10 kW generator or shore power inlet, 30–50 gal fresh water with a waste tank 15% larger, 3‑compartment and hand sinks with 100°F hot water, NSF equipment, and a fire marshal tag if propane is onboard. Used purchase checklist: clean title (no liens), VIN and odometer match, recent load test on generator, GFCI-protected circuits, leak‑free plumbing, and proof of professional installation for electrical and propane. Health permits don’t transfer in SC—you’ll need a new DHEC inspection and a signed commissary agreement; plan review is required if you modify the layout. Register an LLC, obtain an SC Retail License via MyDORWAY, collect state/local sales tax (plus local hospitality taxes where applicable), secure commercial auto and $1M/$2M liability, and get a Certified Food Protection Manager. City vending rules vary (Charleston, Columbia, Greenville); expect a business license, fire inspection, and location approvals. Budget $60k–$140k; consider SBA microloans. Field‑test the truck: pull shots at temp for 30 minutes and run all loads simultaneously without tripping.
