Lemonade stand is synonymous with small kids looking for spare change. However scaled up the business is low cost and highly profitable. There is no red tape, no license required to start the business.
Things to Consider
Things to consider are the use of simple syrup or sugar. Others are how many lemons, size, and best equipment. More considerations are cost, cup size, and use of sty foam or plastic cups.
Steps to start a lemonade stand
The first step is to find a good location such as a local event, busy street. Then set up the stand, place a table, table cloth and chair. Add cups, straw, juicer, pitchers, straw and other utensils. To draw attention add a large banner, nice decoration and canopy cover and make sure the stand is clean.
- find a good location
- set up the stand
- place a table
- table cloth and chair
- add cups, straw, juicer,
- pitchers, straw and other utensils
- add a large banner
- nice decoration and canopy cover
Funding and ingredient
You can start the business from $500-$1000. To raise funds try target savings or borrow from family. The primary ingredient is lemon fruit and ice blocks. Some entrepreneurs experiment with different flavors, juices like orange, pineapple, banana flavors.
Making the Lemonade
Determine the type of lemonade you want to make. Fresh lemonade is taster, brighter looking with good quality. However some practitioners use powdered lemonade. Powdered lemonade is cheaper than the real thing. We love quality products so we advise you make real lemonade.
How to Make Powdered Lemonade
Making powdered lemonade is very simple. You purchase the powder lemonade from your local store and mix in water till it is completely dissolved. Try to maintain same consistency and taste then sell.
How to Make Freshly Squeezed Lemonade
Buy large fresh lemon from the farm or open market. Select 8 lemons, 2 cups of sugar, 1 cup cold water, 1 cup hot water. Dissolve the sugar in hot water and stir until completely dissolved.
Roll the lemons to tenderize then cut into half. Squeeze the lemon and extract seeds or pulp. The next step is to pour hot water sugar mixture, lemon juice and cold water in large pitcher. Mix well then refrigerate the delicious lemonade juice. Add ice only to individual cups when you are serving.
Equipment
To operate a mobile stand you need basic equipment. Equipment are a portable stand, commercial juicer, plastic cups and straw. You need a small portable refrigerator or ice maker. Spend on a decent canopy cover, high seating stool, napkin or serviette.
Lemonade stand equipment
- portable stand
- commercial juicer
- plastic cups
- drinking straw
- portable refrigerator
- ice maker
- canopy cover
- high seating stool (optional)
- napkin or serviette
Location and Legal
You don’t have to register the business however workplace insurance should be considered. There are two ways to run the business one find a permanent site or operate a mobile stand. A permanent site requires some form of local government permit, operational license.
The best location should have heavy vehicular and human traffic. A good location for the stand is anywhere you have fun seekers or tourists. Find leisure gardens, amusement parks, event venues.
Ideal Locations
- Leisure gardens
- event venues
- boardwalk
- fairs
- festivals
- schools
- beach
Profit
Some lemonade vendors sell a 32oz cup for $4 to $6 with $3 refill. The number of new cups and refills you sell each day will determine the gross income. If you sell 270 cups a day for 3 days you stand to make a gross income of $3,500 to $4,000.
To increase income offer a wide range of products. Sell peanuts, potato chips, cookies, brownies, lemon bars. Don’t forget to track sales and estimate profit.
Marketing
Use a display banner in-front of the stand and include prices. You can print flyers, business cards use word to word advertisement. Target market are individual customers, groups, tourists.
