How to track expenses for street food vendors (without losing receipts)

Expense tracking is what separates “we’re busy” from “we’re profitable”.

The trick is making it easy enough to do weekly, not only at tax time.

The 5 categories that cover most vendors

Start with categories that match real street food spending:

• stock/ingredients
• packaging
• pitch fees + commissions
• fuel + travel
• equipment + maintenance

You can always add more later - keep it simple early.

The receipt habit that actually works

The best system is the one you’ll keep using.

Try this:

• take the photo immediately (not later)
• add a quick label (pitch fee / fuel / stock)
• don’t store receipts in your pocket for “future you” to solve

Why weekly beats monthly

Weekly review takes 10 minutes and prevents chaos:

• you remember what the expense was for
• VAT/admin becomes easier
• you can spot cost spikes early

VAT: stay organised even if you’re not registered

Even if you’re not VAT-registered today, good records make it easier if you register later.

Where Streatflow fits

Streatflow lets you log expenses, attach receipts and export what your accountant needs - without spreadsheet pain.

See Features or check Pricing.