From a netfriend:

We sought ideas from local community and found most areas being covered by someone or some group. Not wanting to step on others toes we found that no one was making donuts. so we brought a donut machine, later a donut fryer, borrowed the mixer and bowls from the kitchen. Total cost including mixer (we burnt out the kitchen one eventually) was about $1,000.00

We were invited to most community events, wich gave us a presence not otherwise available, and could make up to $400.00 in a good day. Rarely made a loss.

Turned out to be an ideal project, was especially appreciated in small / remote communities who who rarely had such trivial luxuries. In hot weather we sold a donut in a bowl with a scoop of ice cream. (this involved a fridge – usually in isolated areas a 12volt car unit (another $1,000. but we had one anyway.)

Profit markup was close to 200%, and we still came in below retail prices from the donut king.