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Shaved Ice Business

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How to Start a Shaved Ice Business

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on August 9, 2021 Updated on November 10, 2023

Investment range

$7,500 – $28,000

Revenue potential

$60,000 – $200,000 p.a.

Time to build

Profit potential

$50,000 – $110,000 p.a.

Industry trend

On a hot summer day, shaved ice can be the very definition of refreshing! So why not live out those summertime dreams and start up your own shaved ice business?

The market for shaved ice, or snow cones, is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, offering real opportunity for the smart entrepreneur. The business tends to be seasonable, but you’ll be able to spend your time outdoors, in parks and at special gatherings, enjoying life with locals as you make good money.

You can start out as a solopreneur with a single cart, then scale up to a shaved ice shop or dozens of carts across the city. Of course, starting any business is a challenge that requires hard work and determination. Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place, as this step-by-step guide lays out all you need to know to develop and launch your promising shaved ice business.

Let’s start at the beginning.

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

It’s crucial to consider the factors that go into starting a business and decide if it’s right for you. Unfortunately, loving shaved ice is not enough to be successful in the business! Read through the below before taking the leap.

Starting a business is going to have both pros and cons. It’s important to review them before jumping into a new business venture.

• Getting started is easy, inexpensive
• Flexible hours
• No experience required
• Follow demand to a variety of outdoor spaces and events
• Make people happy with a tasty dessert!
• Demand tends to be seasonal, depending on your location
• Saturated market with significant competition
• Repetitive, sometimes tedious and strenuous work

Shaved ice industry trends

The shaved ice and snow cone market grew steadily from 2014 to 2019, according to industry analyst Market Research Explore. Following a pandemic-driven downturn in outdoor events, frozen desserts like shaved ice started coming back strong in 2021.

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – The US frozen dessert market, which includes shaved ice, was valued at $31 billion in 2021, according to market analyst Grand View Research.(( https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-frozen-desserts-market )) 
• Growth forecast – The industry is expected to expand at least 4% annually through 2030.

Trends and challenges

Trends shaping the shaved ice industry include:

• Growing consumer awareness of eating healthy and staying fit
• Rising demand for vegan and dairy-free products
• Consumers stockpiling food with longer shelf life due to pandemic

Challenges in the shaved ice industry include:

• Supply chain disruptions
• Seasonal and highly competitive

How much does it cost to start a shaved ice business?

Startup costs for a shaved ice business are fairly low, assuming you launch your business with a single mobile cart. The minimum start-up total is about $7,500, while the high-end cost, which includes a storefront and mobile vending trailer, is about $28,000.

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your shaved ice business. Here’s a list to get you started:

• Ice maker and mobile cart
• Cube/block ice shaver
• Flavored syrups, cups, spoons, straws, napkins
• Tablet Device and point-of-sale software
• Computers and IT equipment

How much can you earn from a shaved ice business?

Because demand fluctuates with the seasons, monthly revenue for a single cart shaved ice business can run from $200 to more than $10,000. From October to March, you may want to consider shifting to a cold-weather alternative, like hot tea, though some owners shut down for the winter and re-open again as the weather warms up.

In your first couple of years, you might generate enough sales to average $5,000 in monthly revenue, which would give you just over $60,000 for the year. This would give you a pre-tax profit of $50,000, assuming an 80% margin.

With your own shop, revenues will be significantly higher, but the increased overhead will bring your margin down to 55%. You might be able to generate $200,000 in annual revenue, which would give you a tidy profit of $110,000.

Within five years you could scale the business to three storefronts and five carts, generating close to $1 million in revenue and nearly half that in profit.

What barriers to entry are there?

After looking at the financials, you can see that there is good revenue potential in the shaved ice business. But there are some barriers to entry to consider before getting started, such as:

• Strict regulations around the safe processing and handling of food products
• High competition from many small-scale operators in shaved ice business and ice cream
• Difficult to build brand loyalty due to the mobile nature of business
• DIY shaved ice machines exist and people may opt to make their own at home
• Seasonality means less consistent income

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Step 2: hone your idea.

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

All businesses need to find clients to start making money. That means you need to determine where the demand is for your product. Overall, the frozen dessert industry is very popular, because people love dessert!

However, the demand for shaved ice will primarily be driven by rising demand for low-calories and low-sugar desserts in the US. Consumers are eager to try new options that do not have a negative impact on their health.

Shaved ice is also an excellent alternative for vegans or others who avoid dairy but still want a delicious frozen treat. This is a growing market and is a good segment to market your business towards. Shaved ice also has hundreds of flavors, so your business will have something for every taste of the customer.

What? Determine your products or services

The main ingredients for shaved ice are ice shavings and flavored syrups. Each vendor gains popularity based on their top flavors and customer service. You can purchase flavors in powders, concentrates, and ready-to-use syrups from a supplier such as Snowie .

Shaved ice is usually served in a paper cup or cone with a spoon or straw, though customers can also just eat it directly like an ice cream cone.

There are a few different ways you can sell your shaved ice. The following options vary in mobility and will affect the number of people you can serve. Here are your options:

• Cart — on wheels and mobile, can be rolled up onto a sidewalk, a park, or even the beach
• Kiosk — a small storefront placed on a street with high foot traffic
• Storefront — a traditional brick-and-mortar store that can serve a high volume of customers at one time
• Vending trailer — similar to but larger than a cart, allows for greater sales volume

How much should you charge for shaved ice?

Prices start at around a dollar per 8-ounce cup and go as high as $5 per cup in a pricey district during peak-demand summer months . Research local competitors to check out their offerings and prices, and customer response. Perhaps you could offer a slightly smaller cup at a better price? Or go big with a 12-ounce cup. 

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

It’s important to identify your target market for your shaved ice business. Here are a few examples of market segments that you can target and promote your product to:

• Families with kids: Kids love sweet treats! Therefore, targeting families and going to where they spend time (i.e. parks, beaches) can be a great way to drive sales.
• Vegans and others avoiding dairy: Since shaved ice does not include dairy, it’s a great alternative for those who are allergic or avoid dairy for ethical reasons. Think cultural events like music and arts festivals.

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out a storefront. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

You’d also want to go where the demand is. Just think – when do people have a craving for a frozen dessert? With that logic, the best locations to sell shaved ice are sporting events such as baseball and soccer fields, basketball courts; beaches, parks, and other outdoor recreation areas; fairs, festivals, carnivals and other local events; and birthdays, fundraisers, corporate events, weddings, church events.

Step 3: Brainstorm a Shaved Ice Business Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• The name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “shaved ice” or “snow cone”, boosts SEO
• Choose a name that allows for expansion: “Icey Delight Co.” over “Shaved Ice Cocktails”
• Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
• Use online tools like the Step by Step business name generator . Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity. 

Step 4: Create a Shaved Ice Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

• Executive Summary: Summarize the essence of your shaved ice business, highlighting the unique flavors, mobile or fixed-location setup, and strategies to attract a diverse customer base.
• Business Overview: Describe your business’s focus on offering shaved ice treats with a variety of flavors and options like natural syrups or toppings.
• Product and Services: List your menu offerings, including different sizes of shaved ice, a variety of syrup flavors, and any additional snacks or beverages.
• Market Analysis: Assess the demand for frozen desserts in your area and identify target demographics, such as families, tourists, or event attendees.
• Competitive Analysis: Examine other local dessert and snack vendors, emphasizing what sets your shaved ice apart, like unique flavors or health-conscious options.
• Sales and Marketing: Outline your approach to attracting customers, which might include social media marketing, participating in local events, or loyalty programs.
• Management Team: Highlight your and your team’s expertise in food service, customer relations, and business management.
• Operations Plan: Detail your operational approach, whether it’s a mobile shaved ice truck or a fixed kiosk, including equipment, supply chain, and staffing.
• Financial Plan: Provide an overview of start-up costs, pricing strategy, expected sales volumes, and profitability projections.
• Appendix: Include additional materials such as market research data, supplier agreements, or health and safety certifications that support your business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to shaved ice. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your shaved ice business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have. 

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

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Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans : This is the most common method, but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans : The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants : A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a shaved ice business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.

Step 8: Apply for Shaved Ice Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a shaved ice business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your shaved ice business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of any of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.  

You may want to use food truck software such as Shaved Ice Software , Square , and clover to take payments, manage staff and inventory, and enhance customer experience.

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like  WordPress ,  Wix , or  Squarespace . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Some of your business will come from the casual passerby or online visitors, but you should still invest in digital marketing! Getting the word out is especially important for new businesses, as it’ll boost customer and brand awareness. 

Once your website is up and running, link it to your social media accounts and vice versa. Social media is a great tool for promoting your business because you can create engaging posts that advertise your products:

• Facebook: Great platform for paid advertising, allows you to target specific demographics, like men under age 50 in the Cleveland area. 
• Instagram: Same benefits as Facebook but with different target audiences.
• Website: SEO will help your website appear closer to the top in relevant search results, a crucial element for increasing sales. Make sure that you optimize calls to action on your website. Experiment with text, color, size, and position of calls to action such as “Buy Now”. This can sharply increase purchases.
• Google and Yelp: For businesses that rely on local clientele, getting listed on Yelp and Google My Business can be crucial to generating awareness and customers.

Kickstart Marketing

Take advantage of your website, social media presence and real-life activities to increase awareness of your offerings and build your brand. Some suggestions include: 

• Competitions and giveaways – Generate interest by offering prizes for customers who complete a certain action, such as buy three cones of shaved ice and the fourth is free! 
• Signage – Put up eye-catching signage at your cart and website. 
• Flyering – Distribute flyers in your neighborhood and at local events and gathering spots. 
• In-Person Sales – Offer your products/services at local markets, trade shows.
• Post a video – Post a video about your shaved ice. Use humor and maybe it will go viral!
• Seek out referrals – Offer incentives to generate customer referrals to new clients.
• Paid ads on social media – Choose sites that will reach your target market and do targeted ads.
• Pay – per-click marketing – Use Google AdWords to perform better in searches. Research your keywords first.
• Create infographics – Post infographics and include them in your content.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your shaved ice meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your shaved ice business could be:

• Over 100 flavors — find your favorite!
• Book us for your next birthday party!
• Delicious dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan-friendly frozen desserts

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a shaved ice business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been selling shaved ice for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in shaved ice. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business.

Step 12: Build your team

If you are starting small as a solopreneur with a cart, you may not need to hire any employees. As your business grows and you open a brick-and-mortar storefront and acquire additional vending trailers and carts, you will need employees to help you.

The key role in your business will be shaved ice vendors and drivers. As your business grows, you may need additional support. Here are some of the jobs you will need to fill if you scale up your business:

• Administrative assistant to help with general paperwork and basic duties.
• Marketing executive to help with promotion and social media accounts.
• Operations manager to help with scheduling and human resources duties
• Accountant and bookkeeper to help with the financial duties.

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent.

Step 13: Run a Shaved Ice Business – Start Making Money!

Finally. You are at the last and most exciting step! Don’t let the seasonality of this business get in the way. You could come up with season-themed promotions or special products that would attract customers regardless of the season. A creative marketing campaign, both in digital and traditional formats, could do the trick.

Remember also that there’s an increasing demand for all-natural and sugar-free products, so you might take advantage of that and come up with innovative flavors that meet this need. This will promote your brand and encourage repeat customers. 

Now, you’re ready to start shaving ice and making money!

• Shaved Ice Business FAQs

Shaved ice machines range between $1,000 and $5,000, averaging at $3,000. The price varies depending upon its manufacturer and how fine it shaves the ice.

There are two ways to make shaved ice. Either you use the food processor to grind the ice cubes, or you do it through professional shaved ice machines. To be a successful shaved ice business you should invest in a high-quality shaved ice machine. It’s important to have a quality product so that clients will love it and come back for more!

Shaved ice is very light and fluffy, similar to the texture of snow, whereas snow cones have crushed ice that have relatively larger granules. Again, investing in a high-quality machine will ensure a high-quality product that customers are happy with.

A shaved ice business can be profitable, but the level of profitability depends on various factors such as location, market demand, competition, pricing strategy, and operational efficiency. It’s not likely to be a high growth business, however.

To achieve fluffy shaved ice, consider the following factors:

• Quality ice: Start with high-quality ice that is finely shaved or finely crushed. Use an ice shaver that produces consistent and fine ice particles.
• Proper ice temperature: The ice should be kept at the right temperature to prevent melting or freezing into larger ice chunks, resulting in a finer texture.
• Flavored syrups: Use high-quality flavored syrups that are evenly distributed throughout the shaved ice to enhance the taste and experience.
• Layering technique: Layer the flavored syrups between layers of shaved ice to ensure even distribution and enhance the flavor.

Experiment with unique and creative flavor options that appeal to your target market. Offer interesting combinations and seasonal specials to keep customers engaged. Introduce distinctive and premium toppings that complement your shaved ice offerings. Consider using fresh fruits, gourmet sauces, unique syrups, or even customized toppings.

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Shaved Ice Business Name
• Create a Shaved Ice Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Shaved Ice Business Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build your team
• Run a Shaved Ice Business - Start Making Money!

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How to Start a Profitable Shaved Ice Truck Business

Here comes summer! Which means beaches, ice cream, popsicles, and shaved ice? 

Yes, shaved ice! 

How joyful it is to indulge in a refreshing mix of finely crushed ice with sweet condiments or syrups. Oh, how delightful it will be when topped with ice cream, nuts, and other goodies! Did you know that shaved ice is one of the oldest desserts in the world? Even today, 49% of food service cuisines include shaved ice on their menu. 

Let’s take a look at how to start a profitable shaved ice food truck.

What’s Inside

History of Shaved Ice

Shaved ice flavors, how to start a shaved ice food truck business.

• Appreciate the industry first
• Create a concept for your shaved ice business
• Create a business plan
• Get the necessary insurances, licenses, and permits
• Secure financing to buy your food truck and equipment needs

In 27 BC, the Roman Emperor Nero sent his slaves to collect snow on nearby mountains. He will flavor the snow with fruit and honey mixtures and have it as a dessert. This is the first-ever dessert recorded in history. During the Heian Period of Imperial Japan, “kakigori” was an exclusive and rare dessert among royalties. They were shaved ice desserts mixed with milk, mung beans, and sugar. Japanese immigrants worked at the pineapple plantations in Hawaii during the mid-1800. They used their tools to shave flakes of ice from large blocks of ice and coated them with fruit juices. They became popular on the island as ice shave. As shaved ice became popular in continental America, variations like snowballs and snow cones sprouted. 

Shaved ice has been a popular refreshment among kids, teenagers, and adults. Shaved ice trucks are a hit during the hot summer months. For those counting calories, they are not necessarily healthy desserts, but they have lower calorie counts than ice cream and yogurt. People can also find something that fits their nutritional needs and taste among different shaved ice flavors. 

There is a long list of shaved ice menu ideas. But among the most popular ones are:

• Black Cherry
• Cake Batter
• Candy Apple
• Cherry Cola
• Cotton Candy
• Egg Custard
• Green Apple
• Passion Fruit
• Pina Colada
• Red Hawaiian
• Tutti Frutti

Thinking of starting a shaved ice truck? Here is a guide on how to start your mobile business!

1. Appreciate the industry first

Among American food trucks, shaved ice may be the ones with the lowest capital. The most significant part of your investment will be the ice shaving machine, freezer , and the truck itself. Such desserts are served in conical papers or plastic cups. 

Because of their popularity during summer, most companies offer shaved ice franchises. Among the popular shaved ice franchises in the mainland are: 

• Wanna Chill

Typically, a shaved ice truck earns $100 to $2,000 per day. Most shaved ice trucks earn well during the summer months – from May to September. Although recent reports show that the business is also stable during springtime. Weather should be a strong consideration when looking for a location for your shaved ice truck. Places with regular warm sunny weather can bring out patrons. You will also need to avoid locations with frequent rain. Beaches, community centers, concert venues, parks, and stadiums are some good places where you can sell shaved ice. 

Here are other Expert Tips on How to Prepare Your Food Truck for Summer .

2. Create a concept for your shaved ice business

Except for if you intend to get a shaved ice franchise, you will need to create a unique concept for your shaved ice truck. There are lots of flavors that you can offer on your shaved ice menu. But you should choose a unique house specialty to make you stand out. Offering a dozen shaved ice flavors is recommended. Lining them up in colorful bottles goes well with good music. Colorful displays and good music commonly attract customers. 

3. Create a business plan

Every business should start with a feasible plan. This will serve as the owner’s guide on how he or she will run the food truck and position its growth. A shaved ice business plan should contain the following: 

• An executive summary that defines your business, concept, manpower count, menu, payment terms, target locations, and type of ownership. 
• A budget plan that estimates your startup capital and operating costs. This comes with a financial forecast on how you are going to sustain your business and target an income of at least 30% of your total sales. 
• A marketing strategy showing how you will drive customers to patronize your offerings. This includes your plan on creating a business website and social media pages to establish your online presence. It also includes networking with colleagues, family, friends, and neighbors to share the good news. 

You might want to read these helpful marketing guides:

• Facebook Marketing Strategies for Your Food Truck Business
• Catchy Taglines and Slogan Ideas for Your Food Truck Business
• How to Make Your Food Truck More Attractive to Customers

4. Get the necessary insurances, licenses, and permits

The licenses & permits that your shaved ice truck needs depend on the location where you will operate. As a business, you would need to get a one-time registration for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS online. This is your permanent tax ID for the business. You will also need to obtain a business license in the local government unit of the place where you will operate. This goes side by side with a seller’s permit to collect, pay, and report sales taxes. You will also be required to get a fire and health clearance to assure the safety of your business operations. Of course, as a food truck, you will need updated vehicle licenses, parking, and zoning permits. The basic insurances required for your shaved ice food truck are a business owner policy, commercial truck insurance, and worker’s compensation policy. 

Learn more about Food Truck Licenses and Permits here .

5. Secure financing to buy your food truck and equipment needs

The easiest way to secure financing for your shaved ice truck is to borrow money from family members or close friends. But you can also avail of commercial truck financing and small business loans to fund your capital. Once you’ve raised the amount you need, you can then buy either a new or used food truck and the equipment you will need to start a shaved ice business. Most food trucks can get started with a capital of $50,000.

But before signing up for a loan to buy a new truck, better check out our listings at UsedVending first! We have dozens of listed food trucks for sale . You might find a preconfigured shaved ice truck that is within your budget so you can start your business right away. 

Contact (601) 749-8424 for immediate assistance!

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Shaved Ice Truck: Full Business Plan Example

 Executive Summary

The Executive Summary is a 1 page document that gives a quick overview of the business. Basically you will summarize each section of your business plan in a sentence or two here. The purpose of the Executive Summary is to give the reader a quick baseline. Each reader of your plan has a different interest in your company, so this page will give them a broad understanding so they can go on to their topic of interest.

Mission Statement:

• We want to offer a higher-end, organic shaved ice experience not currently available in the Temecula / Murrieta area.
• Our goal is to raise $100,000 for local causes in the Temecula / Murrieta area.
• Contribute to the knowledge of other small food businesses through publication, education and funding.

Management Plan: The business will be owned by two partner members of the LLC. One member will be critical in funding the initial equipment for the shaved ice, and sales / marketing for the business. The second member is yet to be determined and be essential in spearheading the day-to-day operations of the business, but also future direction of the business. Operations Plan: Shaved ice is a high-margin business compared to traditional food services businesses. We will leverage our higher-margins to do revenue sharing events with charities and fundraising events as our primary strategy initially. Shaved ice gives the business the ability to provide high-capacity output as well since minimal prep work is needed with only one – two employees at a time. This business is in the Temecula / Murrieta area that has a growing population of 225,000+ residents and many regular events in part due to the thriving wine country in the area that boasts nearly 40 wineries at this time. This provides plenty of opportunity for future expansion or events and partnerships within a 15 mile radius. Industry and Target Market: Our brand is intended really to target the younger adults, moms and dads with young families that spend their time consuming content on social media websites like Pinterest or Instagram. Our shaved ice concept and brand will be more refined and in line with the values of this generation. We will get in front of audience members through fundraising events through revenue shares. Marketing Plan: The initial marketing plan for this shaved ice business will be to establish and develop relationships through fundraising and charity events in the Temecula / Murrieta area. We will also conduct 3 initial marketing events to kick off the business. Longer term, we will leverage word of mouth and social media marketing to generate business. Financial Statement: This shaved ice business will have no debt at the start of the business. The shaved ice truck will be funded through marketing partnerships. The permits and business entity will be formed “out of pocket” by founding members. We intend to have positive cash flow after year one of the business. 

Corporate Summary

Shaved Ice with a mission. We offer a one-of-a-kind shaved ice experience serving the Temecula / Murrieta area that caters to the more healthy, organic and hipster crowd. Our ingredients are all-natural and our mission is to give back to the local community organizations. Our state-of-the-art shaved ice truck features LED lighting and serves as a rolling jukebox helping our vehicle generate more exposure and enables the business to have an addition DJ business model built in as a revenue generator or value add to customers. Our business will help aid local causes and fundraising efforts in the community we serve. We plan to vend at school functions, church, and charity events where fundraising is frequently needed. We also plan to vend at birthday parties, school dances, wedding receptions, and local wineries that are abundant in the area.

Management Plan

The Management Plan is your place to describe the organizational structure of the business. You will be describing the legal tax designation of your business, detailing your management structure, and providing your personal story.

Legal Form of Business

We plan to form a limited liability company (LLC) for the business. At this time, we are unsure what state to form in and plan to seek legal advice. The LLC will have multiple members with different skillsets to provide the best opportunity of success for the business.  

Management Team

Break down the members of ownership and any management structure you will have here. Give details about your team. This will give readers confidence that you have the experience necessary to succeed.

Investors/Advisory Board

Anthony Salvagno – Anthony has been a mobile food business owner for over 3 years operating S’wich It Up food truck in Albuquerque, NM. Anthony will advise on items such as bookkeeping, marketing, and operations of the business. Anthony will also advise on the strategic direction of the business.

Operations Plan

The Operations Plan is a detailed report of how you will operate your business. The most important part of the OP will be describing your day-to-day operations and how much time will be devoted to each aspect of your business. You will also want to consider your long-term vision for the business. Planning for and demonstrating growth will be the key component to give funders confidence in your plan.

Weekly Operations Plan

Here you will detail your hours of operation and operational procedures. Be sure to provide information that sets you apart from your competitors. Company Milestones This is your space to explain your long term vision. Dream big, but keep it realistic. Year 1:

• Complete business plan
• Establish members of business and determine roles
• Pitch different companies on vehicle and vision
• Acquire shaved ice truck
• Establish business entity
• Obtain required permits
• Obtain insurance
• Test shaved ice products and document recipes
• Complete soft launch and test product with customers
• Outreach to schools, churches, wineries and other organizations to begin booking revenue share events.
• Begin building booking schedule for 2016 – 2017.  
• Large Launch event in September: We will select three organizations to provide free shaved ice in Temecula / Murrieta. We will provide free will donations to contribution to each specific cause. This will be our initial PR launch in the community and designed to garner local press, meet a lot of people, and establish our brand / mission in the community.
• Determine if crowdfunding campaign needed for additional funds.
• Book and operate business throughout the year.
• Operate regularly during hot summer months June – September. At least 10 events per month during peak summer period.
• Begin determining type of events that are most profitable for business moving forward.

Market Analysis

Industry profile.

Variations of shaved ice businesses are profitable Worldwide and in the United States. Within the United States, the mobile shaved ice franchise Kona-Ice has grown from 0 trucks to over 450 across in less than 10 years. This is a strong example of how the traditional business concept of shaved ice, combined with mobile and a clear mission statement and marketing plan can result in strong profitability. Within the Southern States of the United States the opportunity for higher revenue is greater because there are more months of high-temperatures when shaved ice sales are at their best.

Competition & New Entrants

There are numerous shaved ice businesses that exist within the Temecula / Murrieta area. This creates challenges due to a wide range of options in the area, but is also a strong signal of the existing demand for this food product. Competitor #1: Kona Ice of Temecula / Murrieta – Kona Ice is a franchise shaved ice truck that is based out of Murrieta, California. Kona Ice is a mobile unit that focuses on marketing to fundraising events and splitting revenue from those events. They also cater events like birthday parties and business functions.

• Strength –
• Already established relationships with local schools and organizations.
• Mobile… Can serve anywhere.
• Proven marketing process of using fundraising splits to come into new businesses. Attractive eye-catching vehicle.
• Strong social media presence.
• Weakness –
• Higher overhead due to franchise fee’s.
• Not able to adapt marketing / change business model quickly due to franchise rules.

Supplementary Information about Kona-Ice According to an interview with the Austin Business Journal, successful franchise revenue estimates are below:

• Early spring $200 – $300 gross revenue (Daily)
• Weekend: $1,000 – $1,500 gross revenue (Weekend)
• $1,500+ gross revenue on Holidays like July 4th.

Upfront investment toward franchise fee is $15,000 in first year according to OwnaKona.com. Then a tiered structure for the following years between $3,000 – $4,000. http://www.ownakona.com/investment.aspx http://www.ownakona.com/faqs.aspx Upfront investment toward franchise fee is $15,000 in first year according to OwnaKona.com. Then a tiered structure for the following years between $3,000 – $4,000. http://www.entrepreneur.com/business-opportunities/198104 – Success Story + Revenue Estimates Listed in Austin Business Journal http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:fTykuzOOhsIJ:www.bizjournals.com/austin/print-edition/2013/07/12/cool-customer.html+&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us Online: https://www.facebook.com/Kona-Ice-Temecula-Valley-Corona-366199493541559/ https://twitter.com/konaicetemecula   Competitor #2: Aloha Shaved Ice Aloha Shaved Ice specializes in offering Hawaiian style shaved ice. Their core offering is shaved ice, but also serve ice cream, ice cream sandwiches, and shakes. Aloha Shaved Ice is located in a high-traffic strip mall area in Murrieta, California (40952 California Road). A Chipotle Mexican Grill and Jamba Juice franchise are located within the same strip mall area. According to the businesses website, Aloha Shaved Ice has two locations one being outside of the Temecula / Murrieta market in the great Los Angeles area.  

• Located in a high-traffic area nearby other successful franchise restaurants and businesses.
• Large selection of flavors and flavor combinations of shaved ice.
• One location. Not mobile.
• Higher overhead.
• Inactive social media presence.

Online: https://www.facebook.com/AlohaShaveIceMurrieta http://www.alohaislandshaveice.com   Competitor #3: Bahama Buck’s Bahama Buck’s refers to themselves as the “Original Shaved Ice Company.” They serve shaved ice, smoothies, and iced coffees. There are currently two locations in Temecula. Bahama Buck’s has over 50 locations across the southern United States according to their website. They are primarily based in Texas at this time. According to the prospective franchisee website, the average gross sales of a Bahama Buck’s per year is $456,781.72. (Source:http://bahamabucks.com/franchising/the-numbers) Location 1: This is a new franchise that opened in Temecula during Q4 of 2015 near the Promenade Mall. This is a permanent location. Location #2: There is also a second permanent location on Margarita Road.

• “Validated” business model, marketing process, and brand due to expansion into additional franchise location.
• Enormous list of menu items and flavor items: http://bahamabucks.com/taste-of-paradise
• Fixed locations.
• Not able to adapt to market changes quickly due to franchise rules.

Online: http://bahamabucks.com/locations/test-location Competitor #4: Hokulia Temecula This is a small family owned Hawaiian-style shaved ice business that according to Twitter started in August of 2015. This is a mobile vending stand that can operate anywhere, but often vend at the Promenade Mall in Temecula, CA or the Outlets in Carlsbad, CA.  

• Have not been in business for more than a year.
• Do not vend consistently according to social media.
• Do not update social media regularly.

Online: https://www.facebook.com/hokuliatemecula/ https://twitter.com/hokuliatemecula Competitor #5: Other Small Shaved Ice Vendors There are a variety of other shaved ice vendors that operate part-time at places like the weekly farmer’s market and other events that happen in Temecula.  Most of these appear to operate part-time and are not intent on building a brand locally, but simply making a few sales at events. I will not be doing additional research on these outliers aside from noting that there is this additional layer of competition. Critical Success Factors What innovations are you providing that will separate you from your competitors? What do you need to be successful?

Build Key Relationships:

The following are the relationships that I view as key for success in the Temecula / Murrieta area. Early success will depend on these relationships being formed in these key areas: Wineries – According to WineCountry.com, there are almost 40 wineries in the Temecula area. Every weekend visitors from outside of Temecula come to enjoy wine country and sample from a variety of wines the area has to offer. The goal would be to approach these wineries and over our services as a value add to their area. Also, many weddings are held at these wineries, which is another opportunity to build a relationship.   Schools – Local schools always need fundraising help. Our mission is to conduct revenue shares with local causes (money for sports team, bands, etc.) similar to the Kona-Ice approach. This will also help us with our mission as well. Churches – Like schools, churches are always doing fundraising. We will approach churches using a similar revenue share process.

Better Marketing:

We hope to out-market our competitors in the following areas: Brand – We serve only the highest quality, all natural shaved ice with a more higher-end presentation of the shaved ice that’s targeting the more adult crowd versus just kids like many mobile competitors. We believe this brand will help us penetrate lucrative weddings and events. Rolling Jukebox –   Due to our built-in mobile PA system, we are able to attract more attention at events due to our music and also helps us secure events like weddings and dances since we can double as a desert vendor and supplier of music / entertainment. Revenue Share – Will will get our name out within the community by sharing a percentage of the revenue for fundraising or charity events. This will help us get more word of mouth advertising, press, and generate goodwill in the community.

Differentiated Product Offering:

Here’s what makes us different as a brand and product.

• We use all-natural ingredients in our shaved ice.
• Our image is completely different than other local shaved ice businesses.
• Our mission is to make the world a better place by contributing $$$ to local organizations.
• While other Shaved Ice businesses market directly to kids component,  our shaved ice is higher end and intended to be enjoyed by adults. Although we certainly don’t want to leave any kids out that’s not who we intend to market directly to. :)
• We will have a rolling jukebox incorporated into our vehicle that we believe will generate more exposure and open up more business opportunities such as weddings.

Critical Risk

No Existing Audience – Like all new businesses just starting out, no one knows about us in the Temecula / Murrieta area. We will need to do the hard work of getting our name out within the community. Limited Local Relationships – I am new to the Temecula / Murrieta area (Living here about 3 months at the time of this document being written). As a result, I don’t have any relationships built up with individuals that will be key to helping the business grow. There are already other shaved ice businesses that use similar marketing strategies we will employ to build relationships with key decision makers within our community. For example, Kona-Ice targets schools to support their fundraising events through revenue shares. We intend to use this exact process that has allowed Kona Ice to be successful across the United States. We will be reaching out to individuals in schools or churches involved in fundraising and offering revenue shares at the events. This is a proven way to begin building these relationships.

Competitive Advantage

We will serve a higher-end organic version of shaved ice to the Temecula / Murrieta area. Our product will target the more hipster, adult, and organic audience instead of young children as many of the local competitors target. Our mission statement, along with our serving healthier / organic shaved ice is to use the high-margins to contribute to local organizations. This will also enable us to book more gigs and serve as our promotional strategy early on. Our vehicle will also serve as an advantage by having a PA and speaker system built into the truck. This will enable us to attract more initial attention by playing music or making announcements, but will also allow us to eventually double as a DJ booth at weddings. Targeting weddings and dances + dessert will be part of the marketing strategy and also enable us to target high-value wedding events or corporate parties.  

Marketing Plan

Marketing objective.

We want to be recognized as the high-end, all natural shaved ice brand within the Temecula / Murrieta area. We also want to be recognized for our larger mission of helping raise money within the community. Our refined brand and higher purpose will distance ourselves from other shaved ice businesses operating in the area.  

Target Market

The area’s of Temecula / Murrieta have over 225,000 residents. On weekends, however, many visitors come to the town to enjoy the almost 40 wineries located nearby. Temecula / Murrieta is thought of as a family friendly area or bedroom community. Our brand is intended really to target the younger adults, moms and dads with young families that spend their time consuming content on social media websites like Pinterest or Instagram. Our shaved ice concept and brand will be more refined and lend itself to being attractive to these types of people. We believe that the design of our truck and entire brand will lend itself to generating interest of the parent’s of small children and other young adults. We believe this will also help to propagate our brand on social media as well.     

Marketing Mix

Each section below will get to the nuts and bolts of your business. Be sure to describe everything from a marketing viewpoint.

High-end, all-natural shaved ice will be our core product offering. The product will have a more refined presentation than shaved ice is traditionally served and be more appealing to the young adult / hipster crowd. We will be able to source our all-natural shaved ice syrup directly from Snowie. Here are the various flavor options that are available for shaved ice: http://snowie.com/product/snowie-naturals/

Our Flavor Selections: These shaved ice flavors may change over time. Changing flavors will be extremely easy since we can purchase different flavors direct through Snowie.com.

• Banana Yo Business
• Coconut Coast
• Tigers Blood
• Apple of My Ice
• Grape Vine Groove
• Pina Cola-Di-Da
• Root Beer Fizz
• Strawberry Bright
• Orange Pineapple Party

All flavors $12.95 per pint, + tax, + shipping and handling.

Our local will be mobile. We will be able to drive to various locations across the Temecula / Murrieta area, including the almost 40 wineries that operate in the area.

Price estimates were used by determined with help from Potential Earnings Calculator on Snowie.com (http://snowie.com/potential-earnings/). The estimated retail price for core shaved ice product offerings are below:

• Small: $2.00
• Medium: $3.00
• Large: $4.00

We also plan to pilot other revenue generators in the future outside of our core product offering listed above. These products could include bottled water, hot chocolate, coffee and pre-packaged healthy snacks. Pro Forma Financials Use this section as an introduction to your financial statement document. Make sure to list any and all assumptions you’ve made in your financials and validate those assumptions. Be as transparent as possible. This plan makes use of the following assumptions: (1) The owners are able to secure a shaved ice truck and initial supplies in exchange for marketing and promotion. (2) The cost of legal fees, permits, insurance, and other costs associated with starting business will be paid “out of pocket” by the ownership. (3) The food cost is an average of 10% of the product pricing. (4) Sales have been adjusted for seasonality. Most profitable months are expected from June – September when average temperatures are between 80 – 90 degrees. Temps can go over 100 degrees F during this time period. (6.) Ingredients will be supplied by Snowie and local grocery stores for ice. (7) We will use professional resources in the form of legal, accounting, and insurance advice. (8.) We only plan to operate regularly during June – September months. We will continue doing more lucrative events like birthday parties, weddings or catering throughout the year as these events present themselves.  

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Shaved Ice Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Planning a business can be an overwhelming task, and for many entrepreneurs, starting a successful shaved ice business can seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, with the #1 Shaved Ice Business Plan Template & Guidebook, entrepreneurs have access to an invaluable resource to help them develop their own unique plan for success. This guidebook provides not only an effective template but also advice from experienced entrepreneurs on how to create the best plan for their specific business needs.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Profitable Shaved Ice Business [11+ Steps]
• 10+ Best & Profitable Shaved Ice Business Ideas [2023]
• 36 Catchy Shaved Ice Business Names:

How to Write a Shaved Ice Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your shaved ice business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your shaved ice business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a shaved ice business:

Our purpose at [Shaved Ice Business] is to provide a high-quality, affordable, and delicious shaved ice experience for all of our customers. We strive to be the leading shaved ice shop in the area, by constantly innovating our products and services in order to meet the needs of our customers. We are dedicated to providing a safe, inviting, and enjoyable environment for all who visit us.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Shaved Ice Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your shaved ice business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your shaved ice business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your shaved ice business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your shaved ice business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a shaved ice business?

<ul> <li>Commercial Shaved Ice Machine</li> <li>Shaved Ice Cups and Spoons</li> <li>Flavorings for the Shaved Ice (Syrups, Fruit Juices, etc.)</li> <li>Electricity and Water Supplies for the Machine and Setup</li> <li>Tables and Chairs for Customers to Sit At or Eat From (Optional)</li> <li>A Cleaning System for the Shaved Ice Machine (Optional)</li> <li>Business License and Permits (Depending on Local Regulations)<

5. Management & Organization of Your Shaved Ice Business.

The second part of your shaved ice business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your shaved ice business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Shaved Ice Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a shaved ice business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a shaved ice business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your shaved ice business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your shaved ice business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your shaved ice business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shaved Ice Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a shaved ice business.

A business plan is an essential tool in developing a successful shaved ice business. It will help you identify your target market, understand your competitors, and determine how much capital you will need to start and operate the business. It will also provide a roadmap to guide you through launching your business, managing its operations, and achieving your goals. A thorough business plan will help ensure that your shaved ice business is successful and profitable.

Who should you ask for help with your shaved ice business plan?

It is a good idea to seek help from an experienced business consultant to develop your shaved ice business plan. A consultant may be able to provide insights into the industry, help identify potential customers, create marketing and operational plans, and suggest ways to increase profitability. Additionally, a local Small Business Development Center or SCORE office can offer relevant resources for creating a business plan as well.

Can you write a shaved ice business plan yourself?

Yes, it is possible to write a shaved ice business plan yourself. In order to develop an effective business plan, one should include goals and objectives, a market analysis, competitive analysis, a strategy for success, financial projections, the qualifications of the business owners and the sources of capital needed to start and grow the business. Additionally, one should also consider other important factors such as location selection, pricing strategy, branding and marketing efforts.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

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What’s the Annual Profitability and Costs of a Shaved Ice or Snow Cone Stand?

A variety of snow cone flavors.

Do those little snow cone shacks, push carts, or trucks make any real money? It’s a legitimate question and can be easy to dismiss the revenue potential of a shaved ice if you’ve seen a little push cart at a fair or farmer’s market. But if you take a deeper look, you’ll discover that shaved ice is actually a profitable little niche market. In this post, we will break out some different scenarios and factors that go into determining the annual profits of a shaved ice business. We will also outline some of the variable expenses of operating different models of this business.

Note: For the purposes of this article we are using the word shaved ice or snow cone interchangibly. There are some small differences between the two depending on where you live, but to the layman these are usually interchangable.

Profit Potential Case Studies

First, let’s look at some examples of shaved ice businesses that have reported gross revenue numbers publically to get a sense of the overall potential of operating a shaved ice business.

Bahama Bucks Photo Credit: Yelp.com

Bahama Buck’s refer to themselves as the Original Shaved Ice Company .  They are a franchise opportunity with locations in many parts of the United States including California, Nevada, Texas, and many others .  While this franchise diversifies their product offerings to include coffee and smoothies, the core product offering is shaved ice.

According to the franchise disclosure document for Bahama Buck’s, a document required and reviewed by the Federal Trade Commission, average gross sales was $463,387 annually in 2015 . The top 25% of franchisee’s generated reported over $650,000 in top line revenue. That’s a lot of shaved ice!

Another shaved ice business franchise is Kona Ice. In 2015, there were 594 Kona Ice franchises in America and the number has continued to grow since then. On average, Kona Ice units will generate an average of $94,868 per unit in 2015 . Of course with Kona Ice, it is not uncommon for frachisee’s to own multiple vehicles, which increases the average annual income. Also, unlike stationary restaurant locations, most Kona Ice trucks do not operate as frequently and some are only open part of the year so this is not exactly an apples to apples comparision.

Of course there are success stories from other shaved ice business owners as well that are not part of a franchise. Check out this podcast interview with Snowy Joey based out of Australia. This business was started by a high schooler and has since gone on to generate over one million dollars in revenue. Not bad for a business that started out being operate on weekends only with a used shave ice machine.

As you can see from the examples above the sky really is the limit in terms of revenue potential in this industry. It all depends on how much you want to work, how hard you work, and how well you execute. The model is already proven and you can build a large and profitable business serving this product. You just need to have the execution and marketing down!

The Low End

Of course many shaved ice businesses don’t generate anywhere near 6 figures in top line revenue annually. And that’s okay! Many people start selling shaved ice as a way to make a little extra money on weekend or during the warmer summer months. In these situations, a business may only generate between $500 – $1,000 total. The nice aspect of this, however, is that you can still pay off the cost of buying shaved ice equipment, syrups, and other supplies within just a few months of operating a business at this level.

The other thing to keep in mind is that even if you start out by having a part-time shaved ice business that only operates on weekends or holidays, it doesn’t mean you need to operate as a small business forever. As mentioned in this interview, Snowy Joey operated for years as a small business before getting serious about their business and expanding into multiple shaved ice units. To date, they own a business in full that has generated over one million dollars in sales.

Different Types of Shaved Ice Businesses with Revenue + Expenses

One handy dandy tool available for free is the potential earnings calculator from Snowie.com. This tool lets you make estimates about how profitably your snow cone business might be. Another nice element of this tool is that it estimates your expenses for operating the business as well, including things like syrups, spoons, ice, cups, insurance and rental space that you will need to cover.

Stationary Location –  A stationary or brick-and-mortor location will require the most overhead of any business model for selling snow cones. There’s monthly rent, electricity, labor and other costs associated with running a storefront. With that being said this model usually offers the best opportunity to generate the most top line revenue as well since you’re always in a fixed location and are open a consistent number of hours each month.

Shaved Ice Business Monthly Costs – Ballpark Costs

Annual revenue expectations:.

Annual Revenue @ 67 sales per day: $72,360

Annual Revenue @ 100 sales per day: $108,000

Annual Revenue @ 150 sales per day: $162,000

Annual Revenue @ 200 sales per day: $216,000

*All revenue numbers assume $3.00 average per sale. 

Shaved Ice Truck, Trailer or Step-Van 

If you plan to operate a mobile unit to sell your shaved ice, the costs are much the same with the exception of monthly rent. This is an expense that can be largely removed from the expense column unless you plan to pay to vending fees at certain special events in your area.

One additional one-time expense that you will need to include into your business plan figures is the cost of acquiring a shaved ice trailer, truck, or step van. The cost of these can range anywhere from about $15,000 – $100,000 in price depending on whether you want a truck versus trailer, used or new vehicle, and what type of fancy customizations you would like on the vehicle. The other added expense you’ll need to take into account here is gasoline and regular maintenance of a vehicle. This is a mobile unit and will require some tender loving care if you want it to operate and generate revenue for your business long term.

Mobile Unit Specific Costs

Push cart, pop-up stand or kiosk – .

Buying a little push-cart or having a pop-up stand is the lowest cost way to start a shaved ice business. You can literally get everything you need from equipment, to supplies, or permits for under $5,000 in initial investment, which is incredible. Since the cost to entry is so low it also enables you to recoup the investment quickly, often times within just a few months of operating the business part time. From there you can either expand the business, by purchasing more shaved ice machines and equipment or simply keep the additional cash to create a better life for yourself.

Best all, by starting out with a simple pop-up stand you can vend at many of the same places that food trucks are invited like festivals, special events, farmer’s markets, and more. This is also a great way to “test out” if you like running this type of business without any big financial risk.

Push Cart or Pop-up Stand Specific Costs

Shaved ice is a high margin product offering.

As you can see from the examples above the low-cost of the shaved ice product makes it very appealing as a product owner. The ice, syrups, and cups are an extremely small portion of the overall costs and will typically be under 10% cost of the final sales price to customers. Using the figures above it will cost you roughly 20 cents to provide a cup of shaved ice to your customer. At an average cost per cup of $3.00 you’ll be pocketing $2.80 per sale, which is an incredibly healthy margin that other food vendors will be envious of. Most traditional restaurants are happy to generate 33% profit of margin from each sale while you’re operating at over 90% profit per sale!

Rent & Labor Expenses

Although the margins on a snow cone are exceptional there are two variable costs that can prevent you from realizes your businesses profit potential. The first is rent. If you have the overhead of an expensive space, you’ll need to sell a lot more product on a consistent basis to break even. If you have a higher rent with a high volume of traffic the monthly payments can be 100% worth the investment so make sure to do you due diligence before signing papers on a 12-month rental agreement.

The second big cost that can get out of control is labor. If you are planning to run the business initially you can completely wipe this expense off of your books and it will make running a profitable stand a no brainer. If you decide to go out and operate the business, you will make money and be profitable.

There are a couple variables that will determine your labor expenses. First, is where you plan operate the business geographically. If you operate the shaved ice stand in some parts of California you may need to pay $12.00 an hour for a trustworthy employee. If you live in rural Tennessee, you may only need to pay $8.00 an hour. You can also help employees supplement their hourly wage by putting out a tip jar. At the end of the day, monitoring labor expenses is going to be one of the critical parts of operating this business if you want to grow and make real money from this venture.

We hope you enjoyed this post! Stay tuned as we will be publishing more content to help you start your own shaved ice business very soon!

Want to start your own food business?

Hey! 👋I’m Brett Lindenberg, the founder of Food Truck Empire.

We interview successful founders and share the stories behind their food trucks, restaurants, food and beverage brands. By sharing these stories, I want to help others get started.

If you liked this story, sign up for our newsletter that includes our food business startup kit and most popular interviews sent straight to your inbox.

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About the Author: Brett Lindenberg

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Snow Cone Stand Business Plan Example

JUN.22, 2018

Snow cone business plan for your own stand

Are you thinking about starting a shaved ice business ? Shave ice, also known as Hawaiian shave ice, is a popular ice-based dessert served throughout the US. Shave ice is especially popular with American teens and children, and considering its popularity, it won’t be wrong to say that this business can yield immense profit provided that you plan it successfully.

The first thing you should do before starting your shave ice business is to develop a comprehensive business plan for it. The business plan will not only help you in startup but it will also help you in taking important decisions for your company over the next years. In case you don’t know how to write a good business plan for selling snow cone, we are providing a detailed business plan of a shave ice business startup ‘Brownsville’s Ice Stop’ to help you avoid the trouble of making a plan yourself.

Executive Summary

2.1 the snow cone business.

Brownsville’s Ice Stop will be a shave ice shop located beside the King’s Mall in the main commercial market of Brownsville.

2.2 Management of Snow Cone Shop

Brownsville’s Ice Stop will be a sole proprietorship owned by Sam Kin, an ambitious high school graduate. Sam’s fun nature, his innovative snow cone business ideas , and his passion for business led him to start a business in this industry.

2.3 Customers of Snow Cone Stand

Our customers will primarily be the residential community, working community and the passers-by in Brownsville. We will offer high-quality, delicious and economical shave ice to our esteemed customers.

2.4 Target of the Snow Cone Shop

Our main business targets are summarized in the following column chart:

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

Brownsville’s Ice Stop will be a sole proprietorship owned by Sam Kin, an ambitious high school graduate.

3.2 Why the Snow Cone Business is being started

Sam has always been least interested in studies and more interested in starting a business. Sam’s fun nature and his love for shave ice desserts led him to start a business in this industry. Now, he can have all the fun, can eat lots of his desserts and, of course, can also make profits.

3.3 How the Snow Cone Business will be started

The business will be launched in a small shop adjacent to King’s Mall in the main commercial market of Brownsville. The store business was previously used as a tea shop so a little work will be needed to start a cone business in that shop. The company’s financial experts have forecasted following costs for the startup:

The detailed startup information is as follows:

Services for customers

Some businesses are easier to launch but difficult to run and make profits. Shave ice business is also one of them that’s why it is wiser to plan your services before you think about how to start a shaved ice business . Planning of your menu prior to opening a snow cone business is also important since it will help you with the planning of subsequent things. Brownsville’s Ice Stop will offer following products to its customers:

• Shave ice in different flavors including guava, pineapple, passion fruit, coconut cream, lychee, mango cherry, kiwi fruit, grape, blue strawberry, raspberry, lemon-lime, watermelon, and banana.
• Soft drinks

The most important component of an effective shaved ice business plan is its accurate marketing analysis and a good shave ice business plan can only be developed after this stage.

Marketing Analysis of Snow Cone Business

If you are starting your shave ice shop on a smaller scale, you can do marketing analysis yourself by taking help from this sample business plan. The success or failure of a business totally depends upon its marketing strategy for the business which can only be developed on the basis of accurate marketing analysis. Therefore, it must be considered before you develop your snow cone business plan .

5.1 Market Trends

A good snow cone stand business plan must include an accurate picture of market and industry. If starting on a smaller scale, you can just go online for researching the market and industry trends. As a general fact, an ice cream business can never fully fail since nearly every other person loves to eat ice creams. In the US, it is a thriving industry which contributes to more than $8 billion in annual revenue. Although the number of licensed and registers ice cream companies is just around 370 yet the biggest chunk of sales is contributed by small-scale unregistered business like ice stops and trucks. Overall, the industry employs around 18,500 people and has been estimated to grow at a rate of 0.3 percent from 2011 to 2016. If we were to say it in a single line, this industry has a lot of potential and even a small shave ice shop can yield immense profit provided that you successfully plan it and target your customers.

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

An effective business plan for snow cone stand must also contain the marketing segmentation of the target audience which can become the potential customers of your shave ice shop.

The detailed marketing segmentation comprising of the company’s target audience is as follows:

5.2.1 Residential Community: The first group of our target customers will be the community residing in the vicinity of our shave ice shop. Shave ice is one of the favorite desserts of American children and teens so we hope to have a lot of sales due to them. Not only teens, adults and middle-aged people also love to have cold shave ice so as to counter the hot weather of Brownsville.

5.2.2 Working Community: The second category includes the workers and employees who work in the businesses or offices located in the vicinity of our tea shop. This group also includes the people who work in King’s Mall, situated beside us.

5.2.3 Passers-by: The third category includes those people who do not live or work near our shop but have come to the area for any business purpose or commercial activity. This group mostly include the people who have come to visit the King’s Mall. Our ice shop will be the perfect place for these passers-by to take a relief from the hot weather of Brownsville.

The detailed market analysis of our potential customers is given in the following table:

5.3 Business Target

Our business targets are as follows:

• To recover the initial investment within next one year of launch
• To start an ice cream truck within one year of launch
• To open two more shave ice shops by the end of the second year of launch

5.4 Product Pricing

After considering the market demands, we have priced all our products in slightly lower ranges as of our competitors. Our product pricing is as follows:

• Small Serving (6 oz): $0.99/cup
• Regular Serving (9 oz): $1.49/cup
• Large Serving (12 oz): $1.79/cup

Strategy of Snow Cone Business

Sales strategy is also an important component of a good shave ice business plan so it must be properly developed before thinking about how to open a shaved ice business .

6.1 Competitive Analysis

We have a really tough competition because there are a lot of ice cream retailers as well as unregistered small businesses in the locality. This competitive environment was the primary reason behind the low pricing of our shave ice. In addition to our competitive prices, our location will also be one of our competitive advantages. We are situated adjacent to one of the biggest Mall in Brownsville and our location is ideal for starting a snow cone stand . The power and dedication of our team will also help us thrive and Mike’s fun nature will undoubtedly serve as a valuable asset.

6.2 Sales Strategy

We will target our customers by following three ways:

• We will give away free shave ice desserts to the people around us during the first three days of our launch.
• We will install our sign boards on all strategic locations around us.
• We will offer a 20% discount on shave ice for the first month of our launch.

6.3 Sales Monthly

Our monthly sales have been forecasted as follows:

6.4 Sales Yearly

Our yearly sales have been forecasted as follows:

6.5 Sales Forecast

Our forecasted sales pattern is given in the following column chart:

Our detailed sales forecast is given in the following table:

Personnel plan

It is highly advisable to prepare a personnel plan before starting a snow cone business since it will greatly help in your budget allocation.

7.1 Snow Cone Stand Staff

Mike will act as the CEO of the company and will initially hire following people:

• 1 Cashier for receiving cash from people
• 1 Accountant for maintaining financial records
• 2 Sales Executives responsible for marketing and advertising the shop
• 6 Assistants for preparing and serving the products
• 2 Cleaners for ensuring the cleanliness of our shop

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

The following table shows the forecasted data about the salaries of the employees for the next three years. These salaries are just an estimate and can deviate but the overall expenses will nearly remain the same.

Financial Plan

The final thing to do before you think about how to start a snow cone business is to develop a comprehensive financial plan which will cover the detailed costs of startup. The financial plan will outline all financial aspects of your startup and will also give you an estimate of the shaved ice business profit you can make on average. It is advisable that you seek help from financial experts for developing the financial plan of your startup. The financial plan of Brownsville’s Ice Stop is as follows:

8.1 Important Assumptions

The company’s financial projections are forecasted on the basis of following assumptions. These assumptions are conservative and can also slightly deviate but the deviations are not expected to affect the company’s major financial strategy.

8.2 Brake-even Analysis

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

8.3.1 profit monthly.

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

8.3.4 gross margin yearly.

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

The following column diagram shows the projected cash flow:

The following table shows the projected cash flow:

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

The following table shows the projected balance sheet:

8.6 Business Ratios

The following table shows data about business ratios:

Download Snow Cone Business Plan Sample in pdf

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Create a Successful Shaved Ice Business Plan

Overview of the shaved ice business industry.

In the realm of refreshingly cool culinary delights, few can rival the popularity and simplicity of shaved ice . This icy delight, often adorned with a rainbow of delectable syrups and toppings, has become a go-to treat for people seeking respite from the scorching summer heat. Not just confined to summer months, its global appeal and versatility have transformed the shaved ice business into a profitable year-round venture.

The shaved ice industry is a segment of the broader frozen dessert market, interlaced with various other businesses like ice cream and frozen yogurt. However, what sets a shaved ice business apart is its relatively low overhead costs and simplicity of operations. You can learn more about the startup costs associated with this business here .

This business thrives on innovation and creativity. From traditional flavors such as strawberry, lime, and blue raspberry to unique shaved ice flavors like hibiscus, tamarind, and matcha, the industry is continuously evolving to cater to diverse palates.

As you venture into this industry, you'll find that the market is not overly saturated, providing ample room for new entrants. This is not to say that the competition is non-existent. There are established brands and local artisans vying for customer attention, but with a distinctive offering and effective marketing, you can certainly make your mark.

In the forthcoming sections, we will delve deeper into the intricacies of this business, equipping you with knowledge and insights to craft a successful shaved ice business plan, from understanding your target market to developing your unique selling proposition, and navigating through legal considerations.

Whether you plan on operating from a mobile food truck, setting up a small stand at local events, or opening a dedicated store, your journey into the shaved ice business begins here. Let's explore the exciting world of shaved ice and how you can turn this delightful dessert into a profitable venture.

Understanding the Market

Before diving into the shaved ice business, it's crucial to understand your prospective market. This involves identifying your target demographics , observing market trends , and performing a thorough competitive analysis .

Target Demographics

The beauty of a shaved ice business lies in its broad appeal. From children to seniors, the allure of this refreshing treat transcends age. However, the primary target demographic typically falls between the ages of 5 to 35 years. Families with children and young adults are particularly attracted to the novelty and variety of flavors that shaved ice offers.

It's also important to consider geographical factors. Warmer climates with longer summer seasons provide an extended window for sales. Outdoor events, parks, and beach locations often attract a higher footfall, making them ideal for setting up your shaved ice business.

Market Trends

In the evolving landscape of the food and beverage industry, staying updated with market trends is a must. Currently, the demand for healthier options is on the rise. As consumers become more health-conscious, alternatives to the traditional sugar-based syrups, such as organic or natural sweeteners, are gaining popularity.

There's also a trend towards exotic and unique shaved ice flavors . Offering a diverse range of flavors, from the classics to the unconventional, can set your business apart.

Finally, the advent of mobile food trucks has revolutionized the industry, enabling businesses to reach a wider audience. These mobile units offer the flexibility to follow the crowd and capitalize on local events.

Competitive Analysis

Understanding your competition is a key step in shaping your business strategy. Start by identifying other shaved ice businesses in your area, including both stationary shops and mobile units.

Evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Consider their product offerings, pricing, location, and customer service. Are they capitalizing on the latest market trends? What makes their business successful, and where are they falling short?

Check out their online presence. How are they marketing their product? What do their customer reviews say?

Remember, the goal isn't to replicate, but to find ways to differentiate your own business. Whether it's through superior product quality, innovative flavors, or exceptional customer service, aim to offer something they don't.

Understanding your market is the first step towards creating a successful shaved ice business. This knowledge will guide you in developing your business concept and crafting a compelling business plan. For more insights on how to start a shaved ice business , stay tuned to our blog.

Developing Your Business Concept

When you're ready to delve into the heart of your shaved ice venture, it's time to flesh out your business concept. This entails much more than just an idea; it's about identifying your unique selling proposition and defining your product line.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is what sets your shaved ice business apart from the competition. In a market saturated with similar offerings, your USP is your golden ticket, a distinguishing trait that makes customers choose you over others.

Perhaps your USP is a secret family recipe for syrup or a commitment to using only organic, locally sourced ingredients. Maybe you’re offering an experience, like a vintage Hawaiian vibe, or product customization that allows customers to create their own unique flavor combinations. Your USP could even be how you serve your customers, such as exceptional service, speed, or delivery options.

Regardless, your USP must be compelling and meaningful to your target clientele. It should answer the question, "Why should I buy from you instead of your competitors?" For more insights, you could explore the article on how to start a shaved ice business , which offers a deeper understanding of this aspect.

Product Line

Your product line is the backbone of your business. It's what you're selling, and it needs to align with your USP.

In the case of a shaved ice business, your primary product will, of course, be shaved ice. But think bigger. What types of shaved ice will you offer? Are there unique flavors or combinations that can set you apart? A visit to unique shaved ice flavors can provide some inspiration.

Consider, too, whether you'll offer additional products. Will you sell drinks, snacks, or merchandise? If so, these should complement your primary product and your brand’s identity.

Below is a simple example of a product line for a shaved ice business:

| Primary Products | Additional Products | | :--- | :--- | | Traditional Shaved Ice | Branded Tumblers | | Custom Flavor Combinations | Locally-sourced Snacks | | Sugar-free Shaved Ice | Artisanal Beverages |

Remember, your product line should reflect your USP and meet the needs of your target market. It's not about offering everything; it's about offering the right things, in the right way.

Creating a Business Plan

A well-structured business plan serves as a roadmap to success, highlighting the strategic steps you need to take to establish and grow your shaved ice business. Let's delve into the key sections of your business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary is a brief, compelling snapshot of your business. It should succinctly describe your company, the problem it solves, your target market, and your financial projections. This is the first impression you'll make on potential investors, so ensure it's engaging and persuasive.

Company Description

In this section, provide a detailed description of your shaved ice business. Include your company's mission, the unique shaved ice flavors you offer, the problem your business solves, and who your customers are. Highlight your unique selling propositions to differentiate yourself from competitors.

Market Analysis

A thorough market analysis is essential to understand the dynamics of the shaved ice industry. Identify your target demographics, analyze market trends, and conduct a competitive analysis. This will help you understand the opportunities and threats in your market and position your business strategically.

Organization and Management

Here, outline your business structure and management team. Who are the key personnel and what are their roles? If you're just starting out, you might be the sole employee. But as your business grows, you might need to hire additional staff or subcontractors.

Service or Product Line

Describe your product line in detail. This could include different types of shaved ice, unique flavor combinations, and any additional products or services you plan to offer. Link this section to how to make shaved ice at home to provide context and show your mastery of the product.

Marketing and Sales

Outline your marketing and sales strategy. How will you attract and retain customers? What promotional strategies will you use? Your strategy might include branding, online presence, and partnerships with local businesses or events.

Funding Request

If you're seeking financial investment, detail your funding request. Explain how much capital you need, what you'll use it for, and how it will benefit your business. Consider linking to shaved ice business startup costs for a comprehensive breakdown of potential expenses.

Financial Projections

Finally, provide a forecast of your financial performance. Include projected income, expenses, and profitability for at least the next three to five years. This will demonstrate the financial viability of your business to potential investors.

Remember, your business plan is not set in stone. It should evolve as your business grows and changes. Regularly review and update it to ensure it reflects your current business situation and future goals.

Legal Considerations

Before you can start scooping out frosty cones of delight, there are some important legal considerations you need to address. Ensuring that your business is legally compliant is crucial to its success and longevity.

Licensing and Permits

Undoubtedly, you'll need to secure the proper licensing and permits to operate a shaved ice business. The specifics may vary depending on your location, but most jurisdictions require at least a general business license and food vendor permit. Be sure to check with local and state authorities to determine the exact requirements for your area.

It's also worth noting that if you plan on operating a mobile shaved ice business, there may be additional permits required for the vehicle. And remember, licenses and permits are not a one-time deal; they need to be renewed periodically.

Here is a general list of legal documents you might need:

| Legal Requirement | Description | |-------------------|-------------| | Business License | A legal document that allows you to operate your business in a specific jurisdiction | | Food Vendor Permit | A permit that ensures your business follows the local health and safety regulations | | Mobile Vendor License | If you plan to operate a mobile shaved ice business, this license is typically required |

Securing adequate insurance is a non-negotiable aspect of running any business, including a shaved ice enterprise. At a minimum, you'll need general liability insurance to cover any potential legal hassles that could arise from accidents, injuries, or claims of negligence.

Moreover, if you hire employees, workers' compensation insurance might be a legal requirement in your state. Also, don't forget about vehicle insurance if you're operating a mobile business.

Ultimately, insurance helps protect your investment and provides a safety net for unforeseen circumstances. It's advisable to consult with an experienced insurance agent to understand the specific coverage requirements for your shaved ice business.

In summary, navigating the legal maze might seem daunting, but it's an essential part of how to start a shaved ice business . By ensuring your venture is fully licensed, permitted, and insured, you're setting the stage for a successful and hassle-free operation.

Marketing Your Shaved Ice Business

In the crowded marketplace of frozen treats, your branding plays a pivotal role in setting your shaved ice business apart from others. Your brand is more than just a catchy name or a logo; it's the emotion, image, and promise that you convey to your customers about the experience they can expect from your business.

While crafting your brand, consider what makes your shaved ice distinct. Perhaps, it's your use of unique shaved ice flavors or the sustainable practices you've embraced. Whatever it may be, ensure your branding encapsulates the essence of your business and resonates with your target demographic.

Promotion Strategies

Once you've established a compelling brand identity, the next step is to devise promotion strategies that efficiently communicate your brand's message to potential customers.

Consider a mix of traditional and innovative promotion methods. From handing out free samples at local events to partnering with local influencers for social media campaigns, there are various ways to create buzz around your business.

Effective promotion not only builds awareness but also fosters a sense of community and connection with your customers. Remember, word-of-mouth is a powerful tool in the food industry, and a happy customer can be your best ambassador.

Online Presence

In today's digital age, an online presence is non-negotiable for any business, and your shaved ice venture is no exception. A well-designed website with high-quality images of your scrumptious offerings can entice potential customers and provide them with crucial information, such as your location, hours, and menu.

Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook can serve as invaluable tools for reaching a wider audience and engaging with your customers. Consistently sharing visually appealing content, such as behind-the-scenes footage or customer testimonials, can enhance your brand's visibility and credibility.

Moreover, consider leveraging business listing sites like Yelp or Google My Business, which can boost your local SEO and provide an avenue for customer reviews. Learning how to start a shaved ice business includes mastering the art of digital marketing.

Remember, marketing your shaved ice business effectively involves a blend of strong branding, strategic promotion, and a robust online presence. By investing time and resources into these areas, you can carve a niche for your business in the competitive shaved ice industry.

The Importance of a Well-Rounded Shaved Ice Business Plan

As we bring this enlightening journey to a close, we must underscore the significance of a well-rounded shaved ice business plan . Developing a robust, comprehensive business strategy is not a mere option; it is a fundamental requirement for any entrepreneur aspiring to delve into this vibrant industry.

A holistic business strategy will be your guiding star, paving the path for your venture's growth and success. It will lend you a clear vision of your objectives and the ways to accomplish them, making the daunting task of starting a business manageable and less overwhelming.

Your business plan is a reflection of your entrepreneurial prowess, showcasing your understanding of the market, your unique selling proposition, and how you intend to draw your target demographic. It demonstrates your foresight in anticipating potential hurdles and outlining measures to overcome them.

A well-conceived business plan is an indispensable tool for procuring funding. Investors and lending institutions are keener on supporting businesses with a clear, feasible, and promising business model. It offers them assurance about the viability of your venture and its potential to provide a satisfactory return on their investment.

Moreover, a robust plan provides a roadmap for your business operations, from sourcing supplies from shaved ice business suppliers , determining shaved ice business startup costs , to marketing your unique offerings.

In essence, a well-rounded shaved ice business plan is your key to transforming your entrepreneurial dream into a tangible, profitable reality. It is not just about how to start a shaved ice business , but rather about starting it right, with a well-thought-out strategy, a clear vision, and a relentless drive for success.

Remember, your business plan is not a static document but a living entity. As you learn and grow, your plan should evolve too, mirroring the changing market trends and adapting to the dynamic business environment.

In the end, always remember that success in the shaved ice business, much like any other venture, is not solely about offering a great product. It is about a comprehensive approach that encompasses an in-depth understanding of the market, strategic planning, and relentless execution. Armed with a well-rounded business plan, you are well on your way to creating a lucrative shaved ice business that stands the test of time.

In conclusion , a well-rounded shaved ice business plan is not just a document; it is the foundation on which your successful entrepreneurial journey is built. It is your first step towards creating a legacy in the vibrant world of shaved ice business.

How to Start a Shaved Ice Business

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Food Industry » Snow Cone & Shave Ice

Do you want to start a shaved ice business? If YES, here is a complete guide to starting a shaved ice business with NO money and no experience plus a sample shaved ice business plan template.

One of the very first steps to take when it comes to starting a new business is to carry out findings to know if the residents of the location you are about to launch the business will be willing to purchase the goods or services you are about to start selling. This is very important if you don’t want your business to die a natural death.

For example, if you intend starting an ice cream related business, you are expected to launch the business in a location with the right climatic condition; a place where there is some measure of fair weather in terms of heat. If you make the mistake of launching an ice cream business in a city known to snow all through the calendar year, you are likely not going to make headway with such business.

If your shave ice business is in the right location, if your shop is located in an area with good human and vehicular traffic, and if you have different flavors of shave ice and other ice desserts, then you may not have to struggle to get people to visit your shop and make purchase.

As a matter of fact, shave ice business can be located in any part of town as long as there are children and even adults who love shave ice plying and playing around the location.

Generally, shave ice kiosks and shops are located in schools, parks, shopping malls, hotel lobbies, railway stations, bus stations, campuses, sport centers and in any public facilities as long as you are given the permission to locate your shave ice kiosk or shop there.

On the other hand, if you operate a mobile shave ice shop, then there won’t be any restriction to the places you can sell your shave ice just like the conventional food truck business. So, if you are considering opening a shaved ice business, all you need are capital to purchase or lease/rent a suitable facility (if you are not settling for mobile shave ice shop), the required equipment, utensils and furniture.

You would also need some additional capital to purchase the initial supply of assorted flavors and toppings, pay your employees at least for the first 3 months, and also to pay your utility bills. These expenses are called working capital.

Steps to Starting a Shaved Ice Business

1. understand the industry.

Shave ice or Hawaiian shave ice as it is popularly called is an ice-based dessert made by shaving a block of ice. Even though the product looks like a snow cone, but snow cones are made with crushed ice as against shaved ice. Despite the fact that it is made with shaved ice, it is called “shave ice”, not “shaved ice”.

Shave ice or ground-up ice desserts are commonly served throughout the United States of America and Canada in a conical paper or plastic cup with multiple flavors and with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and/or azuki bean paste at the bottom of the cup.

They are often flavored with local ingredients such as guava, pineapple, coconut cream, passion fruit, li hing mui, lychee, kiwi fruit and mango.

Players in the Ice Cream Production/ice cream truck industry of which shave ice or ground – up ice deserts line of business is a part of predominantly produce different flavors of shaved ice deserts, snow cone, ice cream, frozen yogurt and sherbet et al, and sell these products to downstream markets such as retailers and food service related businesses.

Between 2010 and 2015, the Ice Cream Production industry’s performance has declined as repressed disposable income in the years following the recession caused consumers to purchase a smaller volume of industry goods at retail stores, ice cream trucks and food service related businesses.

In addition, the growing health concerns around us have caused many people to cut down their consumption of foods such as shave ice, snow cones and ice cream, which is naturally high in fat and sugar. Largely, the industry revenue is projected to decline by 0.3 percent per year on average to $8.0 billion in the next 5 years.

It is on record that many players in the Ice Cream Production/ice cream truck industry were able to successfully beat the economic downturn and grow stronger over the last five years, as healthy and nutritious shave ice, snow cones and ice cream became one of America’s favorite frozen desserts.

No doubt, the increasing popularity of the dessert has enabled the speedy franchise growth of well-known brands in the industry which has made this industry one of the foodservice sector’s biggest success stories of the past decade. The ice cream production/ice cream truck industry has remained resilient even as other food segments waned during the recession period.

The Ice Cream Production/ice cream truck industry is indeed a thriving and profitable industry in most countries of the world.

It is a major sector of the economy of the united states of America and they generate a whooping sum of billion annually from more than 373 registered and licensed ice cream production cum ice cream truck companies (shave ice production inclusive) scattered all around the United States of America.

The industry is responsible for the employment of well over 18,474 people. Experts project that the industry will grow at a 0.3 percent annual rate between 2011 and 2016.

One of the great benefits of starting a shave ice shop business is of course low startup costs, and entrepreneurs interested in starting the business can choose to either rent or buy new equipment and also either operate a mobile shave ice truck or operate from a fixed facility (kiosk or shop).

The shave ice business will continue to blossom because people will always want to take shave ice when they are out in the open especially during summer. Despite the fact that the industry seems over – saturated, there is still room big enough to accommodate aspiring entrepreneurs who intend opening their own shave ice shops in the United States of America.

If you are contemplating starting your own shave ice business in the United States, you should ensure that you carry out thorough market survey and feasibility studies .

States in the southern region in the United States such as Texas and Florida et al can be ideal for a shave ice truck business simply because of the climatic condition/weather there. If you get some key factors wrong before starting your shave ice business, then you are likely going to struggle to stay afloat.

2. Conduct Market Research and Feasibility Studies

• Demographics and Psychographics

The demographic and psychographic composition of those who buy shave ice and related desserts from shave ice shops cut across all genders and age group. Male and female, adults and children all consume shave ice hence the demographic composition of the shave ice shop business is all encompassing.

The truth is that when it comes to selling shave ice and other ice desserts, there is indeed a wide range of available customers. In essence, your target market can’t be restricted to just a group of people, but all those who reside around the locations where you have your shave ice shop and who have the purchasing power.

So, if you are thinking of opening your own shave ice shop business, then you should make target demographics all encompassing.

3. Decide Which Niche to Concentrate On

It is important to state that there is no known niche area when it comes to shave ice shop business. Every player in this line of business are basically involved in preparing and serving / selling shave ice, snow cones, ice creams, yoghurt and perhaps other ice – desserts.

Naturally, it is common to find a standard shave ice shop engage in preparing and selling all of the under listed;

• Different flavors of shave ice deserts such as guava, pineapple, coconut cream, passion fruit, li hing mui, lychee, kiwi fruit and mango cherry, grape, blue raspberry, strawberry, lemon-lime, banana, and watermelon et al
• Training, Advisory and Consultancy Services
• Selling Franchise

The Level of Competition in the Industry

The competition that exists in the shave ice shop line of business goes beyond competitions amongst shave ice shops in your location; you are expected to compete with snow cone shops, ice cream shops, mobile food trucks, and any other outlets that also sell shave ice and other ice desserts. Thus, it will be right to say the competition in the shave ice shop business is tough.

The truth is that no matter the level of competition in an industry, if you have done your due diligence and you brand and promote your products or business properly, you will always make headway in the industry. Just ensure you are good at preparing the different flavors of snow cones and ice desserts you have on your menu, you can deliver excellent customer care services and you know how to attract and reach out to your target market.

But over and above, there are several shave ice shops, snow cone shops, ice cream shops, mobile food trucks, and any other outlets that also sell shave ice and ice desserts scattered all around the United States. So, if you choose to start your own shave ice shop business in the United States, you will definitely meet stiff competition amongst them.

4. Know Your Major Competitors in the Industry

In every industry, there are always brands that perform better or are better regarded by the customers and general public than the others.

Some of these brands are those that have been in the industry for a long time, while others are best known for how they conduct their businesses and the results they have achieved over the years. These are some of the leading shave ice shops in the United States of America and in the globe;

• Tc Shaved Ice
• Iceberg Dive Inn
• Sno-La Snowball Lounge
• Sno Biz Treats
• Chuck’s Sno Cones
• Snoh Ice Shavery
• New Orleans SnoBall Café
• Oasis Shaved Ice
• Pelican’s SnoBalls
• Polar Chill Shaved Ice
• Sweet Firefly
• Kona Ice of San Angelo
• Snofellas Shaved Ice

Economic Analysis

If you are looking towards successfully launching a business and maximizing profits, then you need to ensure that you get your economic and cost analysis right and try as much as possible to adopt best practices in the industry you choose to build a business in.

Shave ice shop business is not a Green business; as a matter of fact, you will come across several shave ice shops and other outlets that also sell shave ice and ice desserts when you drive through town.

So, if you are mapping out your economic and cost analysis, you should carry out thorough market survey and costing of what is required to rent a space where you are expected to open your shave ice shop business and the amount required to purchase shave ice making machines (blenders), refrigerators, ice block/shave making machines, coolers, assorted flavors and other supplies and also the cost to successfully run the business.

Over and above, if you are considering starting a shave ice business, then your concern should not be limited to the cost of renting a shop facility and purchasing shave ice making machines and equipment but also on branding and on how to build a robust clientele base. The truth is that if you are able to build a robust clientele base, you are sure going to maximize profits in the business.

5. Decide Whether to Buy a Franchise or Start from Scratch

When it comes to starting a business of this nature, it will pay you to buy the franchise of a successful and well – established shave ice shop as against starting from the scratch. Even though it is relatively expensive buying the franchise of an established shave ice shop brand, but it will definitely pay you in the long run.

But if you truly want to build your own brand after you must have proved your worth in the Ice Cream Production industry, then you might just want to start your own shave ice shop business from the scratch.

The truth is that it will pay you in the long run to start your shave ice shop business from the scratch. Starting from the scratch will afford you the opportunity to conduct thorough market survey and feasibility studies before choosing a location to launch the business.

Please note that most of the big and successful shave ice shops around started from the scratch and they were able to build a solid business brand. It takes dedication, hard work and determination to achieve business success.

6. Know the Possible Threats and Challenges You Will Face

If you decide to start your own shave ice shop business today, one of the major challenges you are likely going to face is the presence of well – established shave ice shops and other outlets that also sell shave ice and other ice desserts. The only way to avoid this challenge is to create your own market.

Other challenges and threats that you are likely going to face are economic downturn and  unfavorable government policies . There is nothing you can do as regard these threats and challenges other than to stay positive that things will work well for you.

7. Choose the Most Suitable Legal Entity (LLC, C Corp, S Corp)

Generally, you have the option of either choosing a general partnership, Limited Liability Company which is commonly called an LLC, or even a sole proprietorship for a business such as shave ice shop business.

Ordinarily, sole proprietorship should have been the ideal business structure for a small – scale shave ice shop business especially if you are just starting out with a moderate startup capital in a small neighborhood and with just one outlet.

But people prefer limited liability Company for some reasons. As a matter of fact, if your intention is to grow the business and have chains of shave ice shops across the United States of America and other countries of the world via franchising, then choosing sole proprietor is not an option for you. Limited Liability Company, LLC or even general partnership will cut it for you.

Setting up an LLC protects you from personal liability. If anything goes wrong in the business, it is only the money that you invested into the limited liability company that will be at risk. It is not so for sole proprietorships and general partnerships.

Limited liability companies are simpler and more flexible to operate and you don’t need a board of directors, shareholders meetings and other managerial formalities.

These are some of the factors you should consider before choosing a legal entity for your shave ice shop business; limitation of personal liability, ease of transferability, admission of new owners, investors’ expectation and of course taxes.

If you take your time to critically study the various legal entities to use for your shave ice shop business with the ability to sell franchise and open chains of shave ice shops all across the United States of America, you will agree that limited liability company; an LLC is most suitable.

You can start this type of business as limited liability company (LLC) and in future convert it to a ‘C’ corporation or an ‘S’ corporation especially when you have the plans of going public.

8. Choose a Catchy Business Name

When it comes to choosing a name for your business, you should be creative because whatever name you choose for your business will go a long way to create a perception of what the business represents. Usually it is the norm for people to follow the trend in the industry they intend operating from when naming their business.

If you are considering starting your own shave ice shop business, here are some catchy names that you can choose from;

• Ryan Whyte® Shave Ice, LLC
• Bask ‘n’ Bounce®, Shave Ice Shop, LLC
• Tippy Tapa® Ice Dessert Mobile Truck, Inc.
• Drape Ventures® Shave Ice Shop, Inc.
• Islanders® Shave Ice Shop, Inc.
• Calm Nerves™ Ice Dessert Shop, Inc.
• Blue Veil© Shave Ice Shop, Inc.
• Clear Star™, Shave Ice Shop LLC
• Snow White© Shave Ice Shop, Inc.
• Cassandra Butler© Ice Desert Shop, Inc.

9. Discuss with an Agent to Know the Best Insurance Policies for You

In the United States and in most countries of the world, you can’t operate a business without having some of the basic insurance policy covers that are required by the industry you want to operate from. So, it is important to create a budget for insurance and perhaps consult an insurance broker to guide you in choosing the best and most appropriate insurance policies for your shave ice shop business.

Here are some of the basic insurance covers that you should consider purchasing if you want to start your own shave ice shop business in the United States of America;

• General insurance
• Health/Medical insurance
• Liability insurance
• Workers Compensation
• Overhead expense disability insurance
• Business owner’s policy group insurance
• Payment protection insurance

10. Protect your Intellectual Property With Trademark, Copyrights, Patents

If you are considering starting your own shave ice shop business, usually you may not have any need to file for intellectual property protection/trademark. This is so because the nature of the business makes it possible for you to successfully run it without having any cause to challenge anybody in court for illegally making use of your company’s intellectual properties.

But if you just want to protect your company’s logo and other documents or software that are unique to you or even jingles and media production concepts, then you can go ahead to file for intellectual property protection.

11. Get the Necessary Professional Certification

When it comes to operating a shave ice shop business, you do not need to have any formal training or special certification before you can be allowed to open and operate a shave ice shop business in the United States of America and in all countries of the world.

All you need is informal training that will expose you to the in and out of preparing varieties of flavors of shave ice and other ice desserts and also effectively running the business. On the other hand, if you come across any form of certification that can aid you to conduct your shave ice shop business effectively, then by all means try and pursue such certification.

12. Get the Necessary Legal Documents You Need to Operate

These are some of the basic legal documents that you are expected to have in place if you want to legally run your own shave ice shop business in the United States of America;

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Business License
• Tax Payer’s ID/Tax Identification Number
• Food and drink handlers certificate
• Health inspection Certificate
• Proof of district-issued food and drinks manager identification card
• Copy of license for the service support facility and/or a recent inspection report
• Business Plan
• Non – disclosure Agreement
• Employee Handbook
• Employment Agreement (offer letters)
• Operating Agreement for LLCs
• Insurance Policy
• Online Terms of Use (if you also operate online)
• Online Privacy Policy Document (basically for online payment portal)
• Company Bylaws
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
• Building License
• Franchise or Trademark License (optional)

13. Raise the Needed Startup Capital

Starting a shave ice shop business can be cost effective if you choose to start on a small scale by running a small shave ice shop business in a street corner.

Securing a standard and well – positioned store/kiosk facility and purchasing shave ice making machines (blenders and mixers), refrigerators, ice block/shave ice making machines, coolers, assorted shave ice flavors and other supplies are part of what will consume a large chunk of your startup capital.

If you choose to start the business on a large scale, you would need to go source for fund to finance the business because it is expensive to start a standard large scale shave ice shop business. Here are some of the options you can explore when sourcing for startup capital for your shave ice cone shop business;

• Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
• Raising money from investors and business partners
• Sell of shares to interested investors
• Applying for Loan from your Bank
• Pitching your business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from donor organizations and angel investors
• Source for soft loans from your family members and your friends

14. Choose a Suitable Location for your Business

When it comes to choosing a location for your shave ice shop business, the rule of thumb is that you should be guided by the demand for snow cone and other ice desserts and easy access to wholesale purchasing of fresh shave ice flavors. Of course, if you are able to secure a central location for your shave ice shop business, it will give people easy access to your shop.

It cannot be overemphasized that the location you chose to open your shave ice shop business is key to the success of the business, hence entrepreneurs are willing to rent or lease a facility in a visible location; a location where the demography consists of people with the required purchasing power and lifestyle.

If you make the mistake of renting or leasing a facility for your shave ice shop business in a not too visible or hidden location simply because it is cheap, then you must be prepared to spend more in promoting the business and perhaps giving direction to potential customers.

These are some of the key factors that you should consider before choosing a location for your shave ice shop business;

• The demography of the location
• The demand for shave ice and other ice desserts in the location
• The purchasing power of residents of the location
• Accessibility of the location
• The number of shave ice shops, snow cone shops, ice cream shops, mobile food trucks et al and any other outlets that also sell shave ice and other ice desserts in the location
• The local laws and regulations in the community
• Traffic, parking and security et al

15. Hire Employees for your Technical and Manpower Needs

On the average, there are no special technologies or equipment needed to run this type of business except for shave ice making machines (blenders and mixers), (microwave, toasters, dishwasher, refrigerator, blender, etc.), Storage hardware (bins, utensil rack, shelves, food case), Counter area equipment (counter top, sink, ice machine, etc.), Computers and receipt issuing machines, Sound System (For playing music), Point of Sale Machines (POS Machines), CCTV Cameras and Flat Screen TVs.

So also, you will definitely need computers / laptops, internet facility, telephone, fax machine and office furniture (chairs, tables and shelves) amongst others and all these can be gotten as fairly used.

As regard leasing or outright purchase of a bar facility, the choice is dependent on your financial standing, but the truth is that to be on the safe side, it is advisable to start off with a short – term rent/lease while test running the business in the location. If things work out as planned, then you go on a long – term lease or outright purchase of the property.

When it comes to hiring employees for a standard shave ice shop business with more than one outlet, you should make plans to hire a competent Chief Executive Officer (you can occupy this role), Admin and Human Resources Manager, Merchandize Manager, Shop Manager, Shave Ice Machine Operators, Sales and Marketing Officer/Sales Girls and Sales Boys, Accounting Clerk and Cleaners.

These are some of the key employees that you can work with. On the average, you will need a minimum of 5 to 10 key staff members to run a small – scale but standard shave ice shop business.

The Service Delivery Process of the Business

When it comes to the business services process of shave ice shop business, there are no hard and fast rules about it. Basically, it is the duty of the merchandize manager to help the organization purchase assorted shave ice flavors and packaging/serving materials.

They go out there to source for good purchasing deals and they also ensure that they only purchase at the right prices that will guarantee them good profits.

Once the shave ice shop business is in full operation, the shave ice and other ice desserts are prepared and they are listed on the menu. Shave ice and other ice desserts purchased from a shave ice shop are usually take away because they may not have the capacity to accommodate all their customers per – time.

It is important to state that a shave ice shop business may decide to improvise or adopt any business process and structure that will guarantee them efficiency and flexibility; the above stated shave ice shop business process is not cast on stone.

16. Write a Marketing Plan Packed with ideas & Strategies

Generally, running a business requires that you should be proactive when it comes to marketing your goods or services. If you choose to launch a shave ice shop business, then you must go all out to employ strategies that will help you attract customers or else you will likely struggle with the business because there are well – known brands that determine the market direction for the shave ice shop industry.

Businesses these days are aware of the power of the internet which is why they will do all they can to maximize the internet to market their services and products. In other words, a larger percentage of your marketing effort will be directed to internet users.

These are some of the marketing ideas and strategies that you can adopt for your shave ice shop business;

• Introduce your shave ice shop by sending introductory letters alongside your brochure to corporate organizations, car owners, taxi companies, transport companies, households, sports organizations, gyms, schools, socialites, celebrities and other key stake holders throughout the city where your shave ice shop is located.
• Advertise on the internet on blogs and forums, and also on social media like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn to get your message across, so that those on the social media or those who read blogs will know where to go when they need to purchase shave ice and other ice desserts within your location
• Create a basic website for your business so as to give your business an online presence
• Directly market your products
• Engage in road shows in targeted communities from time to time to promote your shave ice shop business
• Join local shave ice shop business associations for industry trends and tips
• Provide discount days for your customers
• Advertise your business in community based newspapers, local TV and radio stations
• List your business on yellow pages ads (local directories)
• Encourage the use of Word of mouth marketing (referrals)

17. Work Out a Reasonable Pricing for your Services & Products

One key factor that will help you sell your shave ice and other ice desserts at rock bottom prices is to purchase your supplies directly from wholesalers in pretty large quantities. The truth is the higher the quantity of items that you purchase directly from wholesalers, the cheaper you tend to get them.

Another strategy that will help you retail your shave ice and other ice desserts et al at the right price is to ensure that you cut operational cost to the barest minimum, and channel your efforts towards marketing and promoting your brand name. Aside from the fact that this strategy will help you save cost, it will also help you get the right pricing for your products.

18. Develop Strategies to Boost Brand Awareness and Create a Corporate Identity

If your intention of starting a shave ice shop business is to grow the business beyond the city where you are going to be operating from to become a national and international brand by opening chains of shave ice shops and franchising, then you must be ready to spend money on promotion and advertisement of your brand.

No matter the industry you belong to, the truth is that the market is dynamic and it requires consistent brand awareness and brand boosting cum promotion to continue to appeal to your target market. Here are the platforms you can leverage on to boost your brand awareness and create corporate identity for your shave ice shop business;

• Place adverts on both print (newspapers and food and drink magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote your shave ice shop business
• Install your billboards in strategic locations all around your city or state
• Engage in roadshows from time to time in targeted neighborhoods to create awareness of your shave ice shop business
• Distribute your fliers and handbills in target areas
• Contact corporate organizations, car owners, taxi companies, transport companies, households, sports organizations, gyms, schools, socialites, celebrities and other key stake holders throughout the city where your shave ice shop is located informing them about your shave ice shop business and the flavors of shave ice and ice desserts you sell
• List your shave ice shop business in local directories
• Advertise your shave ice shop business in your official website and employ strategies that will help you pull traffic to the site
• Position your Flexi Banners at strategic positions in the location where shave ice business is located
• Ensure that all your staff members wear your branded shirts and all your vehicles and trucks/vans are well branded with your company logo et al.

Related Posts:

• Snow Cone Business Plan [Sample Template]
• Shaved Ice Business Plan [Sample Template]
• How to Start a Snow Cone Business
• How Much Do Snow Cone Owners Make Yearly? [Profit Margin]
• How to Build a Snow Cone Stand [Cost Included]
• Do You Need a Permit to Sell Snow Cones?

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Shaved Ice Beverage Business Plan

Start your own shaved ice beverage business plan

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

Ice Dreams will hire an employee to assist with the business. Ice Dreams will require minimum daily supervision after it has been established since all three products are fairly easy to make.

6.1 Organizational Structure

Ofelia R. Arellano, the owner, will have one individual assisting her with the business. Long range plans will include a second employee to assist with the weekend hours.

6.2 Management Team

Ofelia R. Arellano is the most important member of the management team. Dr. Arellano is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara with several advanced degrees (Masters and Doctorate in Psychology). She has spent the last six years working as an administrator overseeing a budget of approximately $800,000. Ofelia will oversee the business primarily during the weekend hours and Frank Arellano will oversee the business during weekdays along with one employee.

Business expertise include:

Budget Control

• History Based Budgeting
• Object-Code Budgeting
• Program Budgeting
• Planned Programming Budgeting Systems

Personnel Management

• Management by Goals and Objectives

Strategic Planning

• Long-Range Planning
• Total Quality Management
• Operational Planning

Public Relations

• Advertising for Educational Purposes
• Marketing Research

Community Leadership

• Advisory Boards
• Business and Educational Partnerships

City Planning and Development

• Board of Director, San Ysidro Planning and Development Group

Business Needs Assessment and Consultation

• Board of Directors, San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce

Frank Arellano will serve as a consultant on a volunteer basis. Mr. Arellano spent over 35 years in the retail business handling marketing and inventory for a major food chain. He is familiar with all aspects of business management and operations having owned and operated his own grocery store in El Centro. Mr. Arellano will also assist in the building design, landscaping layout and business marketing. Mr. Arellano will supervise the business during the week days which means managing one employee.

6.3 Personnel Plan

Monthly personnel cost estimates are included in the following table.

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A Block Shaver to Rival Mother Nature

Introducing the.

The Block Shaver Evolution

A shaver to rival mother nature.

The Snowie 3000 Evolution

Snowie building, business opportunity in shaved ice, shaved ice products & snow cone business ideas from snowie .

Here at Snowie Shaved Ice, the focus of our business is providing you with a shaved ice business opportunity ! Carl Rupp and Gordon Rupp, co-owners of Snowie, have been influencers in the shaved ice industry for 35 years, and together have invented many of the fastest and most popular ice shavers used throughout the snow cone business world.

1) Get the Gear

We provide everything you need to be in business for yourself! From Buildings to Buses, Shavers to Flavors !

2) Find a Location

Select a location or venue, a stand, with a Shaver and Flavors and you’re on your way. No location restrictions! We’re not a franchise.

3) Make Money

Now that you have the gear and the location, all that’s left is to make money and we’ll help you all along the way

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A Shaved Ice Business Opportunity

Snowie does not sell a franchise, but rather, an optimal shaved ice business opportunity. In a franchise, you will pay a franchise fee just to get into the business, you will buy and be limited by territory, and each year you will pay royalties back to the corporate entity. You are bound to them.

But at Snowie, we do not look over people’s shoulders. The money you make is all yours. We do, however, educate Snowie Shaved Ice business owners in the way a franchise would. We provide free ongoing webinar trainings where Snowie owners and employees can learn and enjoy. Here at Snowie, we all do exactly what you do. Everyone owns a Snowie stand and we offer our popular and delicious shaved ice at stadiums, pools, parks, and neighborhood corners. It’s a choice that just makes good financial sense and can help you put a smile on your patrons’ faces throughout the summer months. Become part of our family, and experience the fun (and funds) of owning a Snowie!

Snowie offers its business owners an optimal shaved ice business opportunity. Since we manufacture the machinery needed for the shaved ice business, you can buy directly from us without having to pay for overhead or other tacked-on prices from middlemen. You get the freedom of running your own business while still learning from movers and shakers in the industry.

We believe that for an industry to continue to grow, there must always be innovation and improvement. If you were to ask yourself, “what innovations, aside from Snowie, have come out of the snow cone business in the past 15 years?” after some thought, your answer will assuredly be “none.” It is thanks to Snowie’s innovation, those in the shaved ice business are where they are today. Snowie is the shaved ice business. It has been Snowie all along that has driven every improvement and exciting new product to date. The Flavor Station was a Snowie creation that has revolutionized the snow cone business and popularity of shaved ice. The Flavor Station allows guests to add their own combination of snow cone syrups and flavors to their shaved ice. The increased freedom on flavors has been proven to boost sales. When combined with the lightening quick Snowie 3000 Ice Shaver, or Snowie’s brand new Block Ice Shaver, you can serve a customer in as little as three seconds. Not only does fast service impress customers, it also exponentially increases sales. Without this expedited service technique, businesses would only be able to meet a limited quota, but thanks to the innovation of Snowie, business is booming and sales are shooting through the roof for their business customers!

Snowie has also been at the forefront of the Food Truck craze. With their Snowie Bus , you have a turnkey shaved ice business where you can troll neighborhoods, make scheduled stops at schools, day cares, parks, sporting events , and other locations without the need for any setup. You literally park your Snowie Bus Shaved Ice Food Truck, and start serving the crowd delicious, thirst quenching, Shaved Ice. Shaved Ice is a great supplemental business for School Teachers and other Educators as they have the summer months to chase alternate sources of income. The Snowie Bus is the perfect theme for that educator entrepreneur, and they will be able to host many of their own school events as well.

There’s no reason to wait to take advantage of the summer months and this fantastic new business opportunity from Snowie! Check out or products and services—for an optimal shaved ice business opportunity, come join the Snowie Shaved Ice family today!

LET’S GET STARTED! WE’LL GUIDE YOU THROUGH EVERYTHING SNOWIE™!

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Shaved Ice Beverage One Page Business Plan

$25.00 $15.00 2 reviews

Instant Download, Editable on MAC & PC

Resources On Shaved Ice Beverage

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• SWOT Analysis
• Business Model
• Description
• Opportunity

Company Description

Industry analysis, financial summary, target market, marketing plan, funding required.

Welcome to the One Page Business Plan for your Shaved Ice Beverage venture. In today's ever-evolving food and beverage industry, the Shaved Ice Beverage market has been experiencing a tremendous surge in popularity. Whether it's a refreshing treat on a warm summer day or a trendy twist on a classic dessert, Shaved Ice Beverages have captured the hearts and taste buds of consumers worldwide.

According to the latest statistics, the Shaved Ice Beverage industry has witnessed remarkable growth, with a steady increase in demand year after year. In fact, research shows that the global market for Shaved Ice Beverages is projected to reach a staggering $4.3 billion by 2026 . This growth can be attributed to the rising preference for healthier and customizable beverage options among consumers, as well as the continuous emergence of innovative flavors and creations in this space.

Moreover, the industry's potential for profitability and success has attracted the attention of entrepreneurs and investors alike. With its low start-up costs and relatively simple operational requirements, starting a Shaved Ice Beverage business presents a golden opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to make their mark in the culinary landscape.

As you embark on this exciting venture, this One Page Business Plan will serve as your roadmap, guiding you through the key aspects of your Shaved Ice Beverage business. From identifying your target market and competition to devising a strong marketing strategy and ensuring financial stability, each section will equip you with the necessary tools to thrive in this competitive industry.

So, let's dive in and explore the limitless potential of your Shaved Ice Beverage business!

The Business Opportunity

Our business opportunity lies in the mobile shaved ice beverage market, specifically targeting events, parties, and festivals. We plan to operate a fully equipped and highly attractive shaved ice truck that will offer a diverse range of flavors and toppings to cater to our customers' taste preferences.

The popularity of shaved ice beverages has been steadily increasing, with people seeking refreshing and flavorful alternatives to beat the heat. By leveraging this trend and providing a convenient and delicious experience, we believe we can carve out a profitable market niche.

With our mobile truck, we have the advantage of being able to bring the joy of shaved ice directly to our target market. This flexibility allows us to capitalize on high-traffic events, parties, and festivals where customers are actively seeking fun and unique culinary experiences. By strategically positioning ourselves at these locations, we aim to maximize our visibility and attract a steady flow of customers.

Our focus will be on providing an extensive selection of flavors and toppings to suit a wide range of preferences. From traditional favorites such as strawberry and blueberry to more exotic options like mango and lychee, our menu will offer something for everyone. Additionally, we will provide a variety of delectable toppings, including fresh fruit, syrup drizzles, and creamy add-ons, to enhance the overall taste and texture of our shaved ice beverages.

Moreover, we will prioritize delivering exceptional customer service to ensure a memorable experience for each customer. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will assist customers in making flavor combinations and provide recommendations based on their preferences. We will strive to establish long-lasting relationships with our customers and create a loyal customer base.

As we embark on this venture, we are confident that our mobile shaved ice truck will capture the attention and taste buds of our target market. By delivering a unique and refreshing product, providing top-notch customer service, and capitalizing on the growing shaved ice beverage trend, we anticipate significant growth and profitability for our business.

We are a mobile shaved ice truck company that specializes in offering a wide range of flavors and toppings to our customers. Our goal is to provide a refreshing and delicious treat for individuals at various events, parties, and festivals.

At our mobile truck, we offer a diverse menu filled with mouthwatering shaved ice beverages that cater to the preferences of our customers. From fruity flavors like strawberry and watermelon to creamy options like vanilla and chocolate, we have something for everyone's taste buds.

We take pride in sourcing high-quality ingredients to ensure the best taste and freshness in each sip. Our flavors are carefully crafted to deliver a burst of flavor that will leave our customers wanting more.

In addition to our flavorful shaved ice, we provide a wide array of toppings that add an extra layer of indulgence to our beverages. From sweet and tangy syrups to creamy condensed milk and various fruit and candy toppings, our customers can customize their shaved ice creations to their liking.

As a mobile business, we have the flexibility to cater to different events and locations, allowing us to serve our delicious treats to a wide range of customers. Whether it's a birthday party, a community fair, or a music festival, our truck will be there, ready to satisfy cravings and bring smiles to faces.

We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring that each patron is met with a friendly smile and a quality product. Our team is knowledgeable, efficient, and always ready to assist customers in choosing their perfect shaved ice combination.

Our aim is to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for our customers, making them come back for more. We see ourselves as more than just a shaved ice truck – we are the highlight of any event, providing a cool and refreshing treat that brings joy and happiness to people of all ages.

The shaved ice industry is a rapidly growing market that has gained significant popularity in recent years. With an increasing demand for unique and customizable dessert options, our venture in the shaved ice beverage business is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

One of the key advantages of our business model is the mobility provided by our mobile truck. This allows us to reach a wider audience and cater to various events and locations, providing a convenient and fun experience for our customers.

Market research indicates a strong consumer interest in healthier dessert alternatives, which creates a favorable environment for our shaved ice beverages. By using natural and high-quality ingredients, we can meet this demand and provide a guilt-free indulgence for our customers. Additionally, our emphasis on customization allows each customer to tailor their shaved ice beverage to their specific tastes and preferences, enhancing their overall experience.

The competitive landscape within the shaved ice industry is diverse, with a mix of established brands and emerging players. However, our unique selling proposition lies in our mobile truck's flexibility and ability to adapt to changing consumer demands and trends.

Furthermore, our commitment to exceptional customer service and engaging brand experiences sets us apart from our competitors. By fostering strong relationships with our customers and providing them with memorable interactions, we aim to build a loyal customer base and drive repeat business.

• Industry growth trend: The shaved ice industry is experiencing consistent year-over-year growth, driven by consumer interest in unique and customizable dessert options.
• Target market: Our target market includes individuals of all ages who are seeking a refreshing and creative dessert experience.
• Competitive analysis: While there are established players in the shaved ice industry, our mobile truck's flexibility and our focus on customer service give us a competitive edge.
• Key opportunities: Expanding our presence at popular events, partnering with local businesses, and leveraging social media to increase brand awareness and customer engagement.
• Potential challenges: Seasonality of the business and effectively managing inventory to meet fluctuating demand.

Implementation Timeline

The implementation timeline for our shaved ice beverage business is as follows:

• Acquire necessary permits and licenses to operate our mobile shaved ice truck.
• Purchase the mobile shaved ice truck, ensuring it meets all required health and safety standards.
• Secure reliable suppliers for ice, syrups, and toppings, ensuring quality and variety.
• Set up the mobile shaved ice truck with all necessary equipment and supplies, creating an efficient and visually appealing workspace.
• Train employees on proper preparation, handling, and serving techniques, emphasizing customer service and food safety protocols.
• Develop a comprehensive marketing plan, utilizing both online and offline channels to reach our target audience effectively.
• Launch our shaved ice beverage business, actively attending local events, parties, and festivals to showcase our offerings and establish a strong presence in the community.
• Build relationships with event planners and organizers to secure regular event opportunities and expand our customer base.

The implementation timeline outlined above highlights the key activities we will undertake during the first three months of our business. By efficiently completing these tasks, we aim to position our shaved ice beverage business for success and establish a strong foothold in the local market.

The financial summary provides an overview of the key financial aspects of our shaved ice beverage business. It outlines the initial investment, revenue streams, costs, and projected profitability.

Initial Investment: Our business will require an initial investment to acquire a mobile shaved ice truck, along with the necessary equipment and supplies. This investment will be crucial to ensure our ability to efficiently serve our customers and meet their demands at various locations.

Revenue Streams: Our primary source of revenue will come from sales generated at events, parties, and festivals. By strategically targeting high footfall locations and leveraging our appealing product offerings, we aim to attract a steady stream of customers and generate consistent sales revenue.

Costs: We anticipate incurring costs related to supplies, truck maintenance, equipment, and employee wages. Our goal is to carefully manage these costs to optimize profitability while delivering an exceptional and memorable shaved ice beverage experience to our customers.

Projected Profitability: Based on the analysis of market demand and a well-defined pricing strategy, we anticipate achieving steady growth and profitability within the first year of operation. By continuously monitoring our financial performance and making necessary adjustments, we aim to maximize profitability while ensuring customer satisfaction remains at the forefront of our business approach.

With a solid understanding of the financial aspects of our business, we are confident in our ability to successfully navigate the competitive shaved ice beverage market and establish ourselves as a trusted and profitable enterprise.

Our team consists of experienced entrepreneurs with a strong passion for providing exceptional customer service and creating memorable experiences. With a combined experience in the food and beverage industry, we have developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in a competitive market.

We believe that the success of our venture lies in our team's commitment to delivering a high-quality product and excellent customer service. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for our customers, providing them with a refreshing and enjoyable experience.

In addition to our core team, we will carefully select and hire employees who share our values and are dedicated to delivering the same level of quality and service. We believe that by cultivating a positive and motivated work environment, we can create a team that is passionate about our brand and enthusiastic about our mission.

Through ongoing training and development programs, we will ensure that our team members are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to not only meet but exceed customer expectations. Continuous improvement and learning will be at the core of our team's growth strategy.

Our team's expertise and dedication, combined with our commitment to exceptional customer service, will set us apart from the competition and drive our success in the shaved ice beverage industry.

• Experienced entrepreneurs with a passion for exceptional customer service
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the food and beverage industry
• A commitment to creating memorable experiences for our customers
• A dedicated and motivated team that shares our values
• Ongoing training and development programs for continuous improvement

Our target market for the shaved ice beverage business includes event planners, individuals hosting parties or events, and festival organizers. We aim to cater to a wide range of customers who are seeking a refreshing and customizable treat for their guests.

Event Planners: Event planners are professionals who organize various types of events, including corporate gatherings, weddings, birthdays, and fundraisers. These individuals are constantly looking for unique and enjoyable experiences to offer their clients. Our shaved ice beverages provide a refreshing and customizable treat that can be tailored to fit the theme and preferences of any event.

Individuals Hosting Parties or Events: Many individuals host their own parties or events, such as backyard barbecues, pool parties, or children's birthday parties. These individuals want to provide their guests with something special and memorable. Our shaved ice beverages offer a fun and refreshing addition to any gathering, allowing hosts to offer their guests a treat that stands out.

Festival Organizers: Festivals are popular events that attract a diverse crowd of attendees. Festival organizers are responsible for creating an enjoyable experience for these attendees, and offering unique food and beverage options is an important part of that. Our shaved ice beverages can provide festival-goers with a cool and refreshing treat that can be customized with a variety of flavors and toppings, appealing to a wide range of tastes.

Our target market is seeking a beverage option that goes beyond traditional offerings and provides a customizable and refreshing experience for their guests. By understanding and catering to the needs and preferences of event planners, individuals hosting parties or events, and festival organizers, we can establish our business as a go-to choice for shaved ice beverages.

We will implement a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote our mobile shaved ice truck and increase our visibility and reach. Our marketing efforts will primarily focus on utilizing social media platforms, event listings, and word-of-mouth marketing. Additionally, we will establish partnerships with local event planners and organizers to further expand our customer base.

Social Media: We will leverage the power of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to create an engaging online presence. Our goal is to showcase enticing visuals of our delicious shaved ice beverages and interact with potential customers through engaging content and promotions. By consistently posting updates on our offerings, locations, and events, we will generate curiosity and attract a wider audience.

Event Listings: We will actively list our business and upcoming events related to our shaved ice truck on local event listing websites and directories. This will help us reach a broader audience who actively seek out events in the area. By providing enticing descriptions of our unique flavors and refreshing treats, we will generate interest and drive attendees to visit our truck during these events.

Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Customer satisfaction will be at the core of our business, as we aim to exceed their expectations by offering exceptional service and high-quality shaved ice beverages. Through our friendly interactions, prompt delivery, and consistent quality, we will encourage our customers to spread positive word-of-mouth about their experiences with our mobile shaved ice truck. We will also offer referral incentives to further motivate our customers to recommend us to their friends, family, and colleagues.

Partnerships: Establishing partnerships with local event planners and organizers will be crucial to expanding our presence and visibility. By collaborating with these professionals, we can tap into their extended networks and gain access to exclusive events where our target audience may be present. These partnerships will allow us to reach a larger number of potential customers and establish ourselves as a go-to provider of refreshing shaved ice beverages at local gatherings, festivals, and parties.

Our marketing plan will continuously evolve based on customer feedback, market trends, and the effectiveness of various initiatives. We will closely monitor our analytics, track customer engagement, and adapt our strategies to maximize our promotional efforts and resonate with our target demographic.

We are seeking funding to cover the initial investment costs for our shaved ice beverage business. These funds will be utilized to purchase a mobile shaved ice truck, equipment, and supplies necessary for our operations. Additionally, a portion of the funding will be allocated towards our marketing efforts to create brand awareness and attract customers.

Mobile Shaved Ice Truck: We will require funds to acquire a high-quality and reliable mobile shaved ice truck that is equipped with all the necessary amenities to prepare and serve our delicious shaved ice beverages. This will be our main asset and the foundation of our business.

Equipment and Supplies: In order to produce top-notch shaved ice beverages, we need to invest in state-of-the-art equipment such as high-capacity ice shavers, refrigeration systems, blending machines, and storage facilities. We also need to procure a wide range of flavors, syrups, toppings, and other supplies to cater to various customer preferences.

Marketing Efforts: To establish a strong presence in the market, we plan to allocate a portion of the funding towards marketing strategies. This will include developing a comprehensive marketing plan, creating an eye-catching branding package, designing a user-friendly website and online ordering system, and executing targeted advertising campaigns. Our goal is to generate buzz and attract a significant customer base from the start.

Operational Expenses: During the initial months of operation, funding will also be used to cover various operational expenses, such as rent for storage facilities, permits and licenses, utilities, initial staffing costs, and miscellaneous costs associated with setting up the business. We understand the importance of having a smooth and efficient operation and will allocate sufficient funds to ensure everything runs smoothly from day one.

It is important to note that the funding we are seeking is not only for the start-up phase but also for sustaining our business during the critical initial months. We anticipate that it may take some time to establish a loyal customer base and generate consistent revenue, which is why we are requesting an investment to cover our expenses during this period.

We are open to discussing various funding options such as loans, equity financing, or partnerships. We are committed to providing detailed financial projections and showcasing the potential return on investment for interested stakeholders.

With the necessary funding, we are confident that we can launch a successful shaved ice beverage business and become a popular destination for customers seeking refreshing and delightful frozen treats.

In conclusion, the One-Page Business Plan for our Shaved Ice Beverage business showcases a clear and concise roadmap for success. By focusing on our target market, unique selling proposition, marketing strategies, operational approach, and financial projections, we have laid the foundation for a profitable and sustainable venture.

With our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, we are confident in our ability to capture a significant share of the growing shaved ice beverage market. By continuously adapting to consumer preferences and staying ahead of industry trends, we will position ourselves as a leader in this space.

Our strategic partnerships with local suppliers and community engagement initiatives will enable us to create a strong brand presence and build customer loyalty. By nurturing relationships with our employees, ensuring their growth and satisfaction, we will foster a positive work environment that translates into exceptional service for our customers.

As we move forward, we will closely monitor our key performance indicators and financial metrics to assess our progress and make any necessary adjustments. With a focus on continuous improvement, we will strive to exceed customer expectations and maximize profitability.

Ultimately, our One-Page Business Plan serves as a blueprint for our success, guiding our decision-making and keeping us accountable to our goals. By executing our plan with passion, dedication, and a customer-centric approach, we are confident that our Shaved Ice Beverage business will thrive and bring joy to our customers one refreshing cup at a time.

Shaved Ice Beverage Business Plan

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How a Soviet auto giant became a ghost factory

Today the plant’s workshops have been dismantled, and the only mementos of its past glory are photographs.

In Soviet times, the Likhachev Plant (Zavod Imeni Likhacheva, ZIL) made not only legendary trucks, but also limousines for the country’s top officials, army off-roaders, and even bicycles and refrigerators.

Moscow’s largest industrial zone covered an area of around 300 hectares.

This industrial monument not far from the center of the Russian capital today looks like ready-made scenery for either a video game or a post-apocalypse movie.

The plant’s first production unit was set up in 1916. Back then it was called AMO (Moscow automobile society) and was the first Soviet plant to produce trucks. Known as AMO F-15, the model was actually a copy of the Italian truck FIAT 15. In the 1930s the factory was named after Stalin.

During the Great Patriotic War, the factory made mortars and grenades that went straight from the conveyor belt to the front line. The ZIS-6 truck, on which the famous Katyusha rocket launcher was mounted, rolled all the way to the walls of the Reichstag. During the war years, the ZIS auto plant produced around 100,000 trucks and ambulances in total. In June 1942, the plant was awarded the Order of Lenin for arms supply excellence, which was followed up in October 1944 by the Order of the Red Banner of Labor.

The factory used to employ 65,000 people, with entire working dynasties. Vladimir Ivanovich worked here more than 40 years. He serviced elevators and all the conveyor lines.

An abandoned ZIL 130 awaits its turn for the scrap heap. Back in 1963, it was one of the most modern trucks of its time. It was even given the USSR mark of quality.

ZIL is a city inside a city. It’s estimated it would take at least a year to walk round all the production units.

In Soviet times, the factory had its own gasoline pump. The ZIL plant bears plenty of Soviet-era traces to this day.

In the late 1950s, the plant was named after its director, Ivan Likhachev. During its long existence, ZIL assisted other enterprises. For example, the ZIL-170, engineered in the late 1960s, formed the basis of the first vehicles produced by the KAMAZ plant.

The motor production unit gave birth to the heart of the vehicle — the engine, consisting of hundreds of parts on a semi-automated line. In total, the vehicle assembly process involved about 70 operations.

Inessa Storozhenko joined the plant in 1962. The photo she is holding depicts writer Maxim Gorky, her father Miron Klitskin and plant director Ivan Likhachev. “Likhachev was the deputy head of the party district committee. Later he became Stalin’s pet,” she recalls. “He was very foulmouthed at times.”

The ZIL garage. 1936 saw the start of production of the first Soviet limousine, the ZIS 101, based on the U.S. Buick. Instead of buying the blueprints, it was reverse-engineered from a finished model. In September 1942, Stalin ordered the development of a new luxury-class limousine, the ZIS 110, this time based on the Packard. The “wild 90s” that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union caught ZIL unprepared. The head of state switched to a Mercedes. Domestic limousines were out of favor.

In 1992, the plant developed the 53-01 “Bull” truck, based on a Mercedes model. It formed the basis for a series of minibuses. Until 1994, the factory still produced the ZIL 130 truck. However, it was unable to compete with the latest foreign models. In the late 1990s, the factory was hit by cheaper Chinese models, and the threat of closure loomed large.

Vera Avsineeva came to the plant in 1972 to work as a conveyor operator. “The job was held in high esteem. It was always hard, but interesting work, operating the programmer and controllers, for example. There was always a lot to learn,” she says. “The plant operated 24/7.”

By 2000, ZIL was in a critical condition. The Moscow authorities took the decision to build a technopark and a residential area on the factory site. The plant officially ceased to exist in 2013, and most of the buildings were dismantled in 2015. Now the former factory site is being actively built up. It will be replaced by a residential quarter and a technopark.

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