I remember as a kid I used to like the idea of making popsicles and selling them to my neighbors. Starting a popsicle business can be a fun and rewarding venture for anyone looking to start a simple business. Now that I am older, I wish someone could have left me with a business plan to get started.
Starting a popsicle business can be for all ages! Whether it is selling directly to your friends, starting a cafe, or franchising a business. So here is a step-by-step guide on how to start a popsicle business!
Conduct market research
Ah no business can survive without having a deep understanding of what the market wants!
You have to get the boring stuff first! Conduct market research to identify your target market, competition, and demand for popsicles in your area. Consider factors like pricing, flavors, packaging, and distribution channels.
Google is your best friend here! Once you think you have found a perfect opportunity to start the popsicle business in a location. It’s time to set up a business plan.
Develop a business plan
Based on your market research, develop a business plan that outlines your mission, vision, goals, target market, pricing strategy, marketing plan, and financial projections. You can use this plan to secure funding, attract investors, and guide your business operations.
Register your business
Don’t go all gungho when it comes to starting a business. Make sure you have the proper finances before starting one. That means proper debt management and enough for rainy days. Most businesses fail within the first year or two so make sure you have enough funding to last this period comfortably.
Register your popsicle business with the appropriate state and federal agencies to obtain a business license, tax identification number, and any necessary permits. Consult with an attorney or accountant to ensure that you comply with all legal and regulatory requirements.
Source equipment and supplies
Purchase or lease the necessary equipment and supplies to make your popsicles, including a commercial freezer, popsicle molds, ingredients, packaging, and marketing materials. Consider buying in bulk to reduce costs and negotiate with suppliers for better pricing.
This process can be a real killer to you and your supplier if proper dealing is not done. Understandably, the supplier doesn’t usually give discounts to new businesses since it hasn’t withstood the test of time or proven its sustainability.
Take your time, and build trust and relationships with your suppliers. Hopefully, they can see your determination and love for the business to want to support you as well.
Develop a menu
Create a menu of popsicle flavors that cater to your target market, taking into account dietary restrictions, seasonal availability, and customer preferences. Experiment with unique flavor combinations and use high-quality ingredients to differentiate your popsicles from competitors.
To begin your popsicle business, you will require both equipment and recipes. For equipment, you can start with basic and inexpensive items such as plastic popsicle molds, a deep freezer chest, plastic baggies, and popsicle sticks. You don’t need to invest in expensive and advanced machinery until you are sure that making gourmet popsicles is what you want to do. As your business grows and you start making profits, you can then consider purchasing better equipment.
Establish a production process
Develop a production process that ensures consistency, quality, and efficiency. This may involve batching your popsicles, creating a quality control system, and implementing food safety protocols. Based on my experience as a designer, it is crucial to have all your processes in one location and near to each other to avoid time wastage when it comes to product assembly.
In addition to equipment, you need to come up with different popsicle flavors that will attract customers. Creativity is essential, and you should experiment with various ingredients and combinations to create unique and interesting flavors. You should not be afraid to be bold and imaginative with your recipes.
Develop a distribution strategy
Identify the best distribution channels for your popsicles, such as selling them at farmers’ markets, festivals, food trucks, or partnering with local businesses. Consider creating a website or online store to sell your popsicles directly to customers.
Develop a marketing strategy
Develop a marketing strategy that includes branding, social media, email marketing, and other tactics to raise awareness of your popsicle business. Consider partnering with influencers, bloggers, or local media to gain more exposure and attract customers.
In the “attention” economy, everyone is looking for the next big or interesting thing they can find on the web. Make your popsicle business stand out by marketing with people in it! Have reviews, have a variety of choices for people to choose from, or Tiktok every process of your work. People these days love the behind the scene. If you have what it takes to share the experience, DO IT!
