Ice cream is no longer a seasonal product: its consumption rate remains stable in summer, the season with which it is automatically associated, and at any time.
But, let's not waste any more time, join us to discover the business plan to create a successful ice cream shop and some more facts about the fascinating world of this dessert, which is well-liked from one end of the planet to the other.
You should know beforehand that ice cream parlors have become one of the most attractive businesses in the restaurant industry. In particular, it allows these entrepreneurs to obtain profits of between 30 and 100% profitability.
However, we are talking about a business model, not just buying ice cream and reselling it. Therefore, you need to practice several aspects to pave the way to success.
Read on as we will give you an example of a business plan for an ice cream parlor that can serve as a guide for starting your own business. Let's start!
1. Develop a value proposition
First, you need to find a unique value proposition to differentiate your business from the local competition. The best place to start is to offer the public a variety of ice cream that tastes good.
Remember, what people are looking for in an ice cream parlor is a variety of flavors, even a less traditional surprise. In this way, they will live a unique and different experience that will motivate them to come back to taste another ice cream.
For example, in Venezuela, an ice cream parlor became very famous for offering the public 856 different flavors of ice cream. 856! If a customer went there every day to try one of the flavors, it would take more than two years to complete the entire menu. And that's what it's all about: the mission was to offer tourists and residents a greater variety than the usual flavors. This approach has made it the most popular ice cream parlor in the whole country for years.
The example shows that standing out (either by the number of flavors, a very original taste, the presentation, etc.) is always an added value. It will help you stand out and must be rescued by your customers: to come back, to recommend you.
2. Set strategic goals
Your ice cream business plan must also set clear goals to guide you on this long journey. So, again, it is a question of describing the objectives you intend to achieve in the short, medium, and long term.
Now, among the questions you need to answer in your business plan, you should not forget:
- Why do you want to start in the sector?
- What is your company's mission?
- What values do you want to transmit in your ice cream shop?
- Where do you want to go with your ice cream business?
- How will your business stand out from the competition?
3. Know your ideal client
The next point to consider when creating an ice cream parlor is to describe the profile of your ideal customers. Especially since knowing their exact needs or wants will save you time and resources.
To help you with this task, we will divide your potential customers into three groups, categorized as follows:
- Children aged 5 to 12: an audience is looking for something sweet and nice to consume.
- Young people aged 13 to 23: a demographic interested in sampling delicious ice cream in a comfortable setting where they may socialize or snap photos.
- People aged 24 to 40: like to eat delicious ice cream and share it with their friends, but their priority will always be to share with their family.
4. Define the communication channels with your audience
There are different ways to convey a message to the customer. In this case, we will talk about physical and digital media to advertise and promote your ice cream shop in the sector.
First, let's talk about the physical media to reach the customer :
- The store will allow you to have your first contact with customers. You can not settle for an ordinary establishment because the concept is the key.
- The opening of the premises is fundamental to promoting your business within the sector, so try to distribute as many flyers as possible on the street.
- Free courses are another way to grab people's attention and make yourself known among the competition.
- Special events organized for a birthday, Christmas, or a special day will also help you sell ice cream while promoting your business. Please note: March 24 is European Artisan Ice Cream Day and April 12 is International Ice Cream Day.
Now let's talk about online media to reach the customer :
- Facebook fan pages are ideal for sharing images of your ice cream and launching your special promotions.
- A blog is another way to reach your target audience, and if you manage to position it well on Google, it will improve your brand image.
- Digital marketing campaigns on Instagram and Facebook mainly because these are the social networks that have the most visitor traffic.
- Advertising campaigns, ads on search engines, or banners on pages, are also other alternatives to make your brand visible on the internet.
5. Analyze the market and the competition
For your business plan to be complete, you will need to carry out prior research on the potential market and direct local competition. The really important thing here will be to determine how to influence your glacier.
Try to watch your direct competitors' websites, social media, and local advertising when doing this research. This will help you determine which strategies are most effective for them.
There are also specialized agencies that offer statistical data and graphs on the tastes and interests of the customer. They also examine the competition and the most direct competitors related to a geolocated product or ice cream parlor.
Know that these studies are so complete that they can help you have a broad view of the mode of action of your future glacier. And even serve as a guide on influencing the potential consumer and differentiating yourself from your local competitors.
6. Choose the location of your ice cream parlor
Remember that eating ice cream is a pleasure for many people, which it's possible to specify in a few words as "killing the craving." Therefore, you should set up your establishment in an easily accessible area.
The positive aspect is that you will have a clear idea of where your strongest competitors are with the previous market research. Then it is advisable to find a central area but keep a safe distance from other competitors, especially now that you are in the initiation phase.
When you open an ice cream parlor or ice cream stand, try to have a nearby parking space. Many of your potential customers will want to kill a spontaneous urge, and if you don't offer this feature, they'll move on.
Another solution is to opt for a mobile ice cream truck, which you can try. Before settling on a final spot, try out a few alternative areas. But if you want a fixed place, we advise you to look for a tourist place like:
- Ports, parks, or promenades.
- Close to other businesses such as supermarkets or clothing stores.
- Remember that proximity to toy stores or family restaurants is also a good location.
7. Describe the resources you will need
You should include the final budget for furniture and ice cream machines in your business plan. We are talking here about a very important aspect for your ice cream shop to run smoothly from day one.
As for the premises, we recommend that you bet on a modern and pleasant style for the stay. Customers will be able to quickly distinguish your brand and feel comfortable eating their favorite ice cream.
The right thing to do is to incorporate a 3D design of your store into the business plan. If you're unsure how to proceed, hire a qualified graphic designer. We can tell you that it is a worthwhile investment.
Also, don't forget to add details about your branding. This is an important aspect because the logo and a good name will help you convey the image you want to reflect your different audiences.
8. Who will be your key partners
When we talk about key partners, we refer to the people or organizations that contribute to the operation of your glacier. Therefore, it is important to create strategic links with those who offer you only the best in the market.
To give you a precise idea of who your key partners could be, we will mention a few of them in the following lines.
- Raw material suppliers.
- Companies that will advertise you on posters or by word of mouth
- The staff is a specialist in the preparation and handling of ice cream.
- Professional responsible for positioning your business through online media such as SEO, Blogger, Community Manager; etc
9. Bet on customer service
It would be beneficial if you worked diligently to realize your value proposition. For example, if offering a variety of flavors as part of the project, it is advisable to carry it out so that the customer does not leave disappointed by finding the same thing.
One thing that customers do not tolerate is that the product does not meet their expectations. So in this scenario, it's wise to go with the best—ingredients to satisfy their palate and encourage them to speak well of your ice cream parlor.
Giving customer-friendly treatment is necessary because no one wants to buy from a place where they are dealt with badly. Also, ensure that customers have a fast and easy shopping experience.
In addition, to improve the relationship with your customers, you can register their data in the system, which allows you to:
- Send promotions on special dates, like Children's Day.
- Record the date of the customer's birthday or wedding anniversary for convenience or a special discount.
- Know how often the customer buys from your ice cream parlor. So you might consider giving a discount for ten purchases made, for example.
- Conduct surveys to determine what customers think of your service and what they think you need to improve.
10. Cost structure
The last point you need to include in your action plan will be to define an actual cost structure. As a result, it is critical to be clear about what you will need and what you will spend to start operating your glacier, maintaining it, and keeping it alive.
Thus, the final budget should include:
- Premises: include the estimate for the purchase or rental of premises, furniture, signage, maintenance, payment for basic supplies such as water, electricity, etc.
- Equipment and Tools: Include the quote to purchase ice cream-making equipment and tools, uniforms, etc.
- Advertising: the budget for designing and printing brochures, posters, and paid advertising campaigns.
- Salaries: The amount to pay personnel who will, among other things, handle customer orders, cleaning, SEO professionals, and suppliers.
- Raw materials: The initial investment corresponding to the purchase of raw materials must be considered.
- Packaging: To serve your ice cream and other products in your establishment, you need the best packaging, jars, and disposable and reusable cups. Remember that you have to think about both the aesthetics and the comfort of your client.
Comments
Post a Comment