Business Information
FAQ
Do you have a "how to"
manual? How can I get a copy?
What is the difference between shaved
ice and snow cones?
Do I need a franchise?
Do you have complete business
packages
available?
How long is the average shaved ice or
snow cone season?
Do you sell shaved ice or snow cone
buildings, carts or concession trailers?
Can I get a profit/loss analysis for
a typical shaved ice business?
How can I get more information on the
costs of goods sold (COGS) in a typical shaved ice or snow cone business?
What does a cup of shaved ice or a
snow cone sell for?
Do you have any suggestions for
advertising?
What are the state and local
requirements in my area?
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Business Information
FAQ
Do you
have a "how to"
manual? How can I get a copy?
Sign up for our email list
and we
will send you a link to our business manual entitled "Cold Cash, An Insider’s Guide to Making Money in the Shaved Ice,
Snow Ball, and Snow Cone Business." From the link, you may download and
print our complete manual, FREE of charge. Our manual is filled with time tested tips of the trade that include how to make your own block ice, how to make your syrups, and how to turn a profit with your own shaved ice or snow cone business. Business tips, specialty recipes, and local
regulations are also discussed.
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of Page
What is the difference between shaved
ice and snow cones?
People ask us all the time, “What is the difference between shaved ice, sno balls, or snow cones?” We tell them it depends on the texture of the ice and on where you live.
The most common name for a cup of finely shaved ice is called, just that, shaved ice. Throughout the United States, you may also see shaved ice sold as “Hawaiian Shaved Ice”, the most popular name used. In New Orleans, a cup of shaved ice is called a snoball or sometimes spelled snowball. In eastern North Carolina, some people call a cup of shaved ice, a shaver. Again, what you will call shaved ice will depend on where you live.
No matter what you call a cup of shaved ice, people will usually agree on two things. First of all, shaved ice consists of smooth, fine ice that holds syrup. Second, snow cones are not the same as shaved ice. Usually, snow cones are made from hard crunchy ice that when snow cone syrup is added to the ice, the syrup goes straight to the bottom.
Please review the following page for more information that will help distinguish the difference between shaved ice and snow cones.
|
Shaved Ice
|
Snow Cone
|
- Shaved ice is made with fine, fresh
snow that is shaved with either a cubed
shaved ice shaver or a block
shaved ice shaver. Ice is never crunchy.
- Often served in various sizes in foam,
paper or squat cups. The shaved ice often rounded on top
of the cup. Often served with a spoonstraw
and a spoon.
- Often called Hawaiian Shaved Ice
throughout the
United States
, Sno-Balls (
New Orleans
), Shave Ice (
Hawaii
), Shaver (
North Carolina
) or Hawaiian Shaved Ice (most common)
- Usually offered with a variety of flavors
numbering from 20 to more than 70
- Usually sold at dedicated roadside
shaved ice stands, mobile carts, trailers or vehicles, carnivals,
county fairs, or other festivals.
- The smooth product is great for
repeat business.
- Easy and quick to produce but takes a
bit more time than snow cones.
- Ice is shaved as ordered.
Cannot be shaved in advance.
- Often topped with a variety of shaved
ice toppings or cream flavors.
- Prices vary depending on the size of
the cup and can range from $0.75 to $5.00 depending on the size.
|
- Snow Cones are made from snow
cone machines that crushes ice cubes (bag ice) into small
pellets. Snow cones are never made with block ice machines.
- Ice is crunchy.
- When flavor is added to ice, the
flavor often runs to the bottom of the cup.
- Often served in one or two sizes.
The most common is a 6 ounce cone
type cup. The ice is often rounded on top of the cone.
Usually served without a spoon.
- Ice is crushed ahead of time and
dipped with a specially made nylon snow
cone dipper.
- Usually sold at carnivals, county
fairs, festivals or concession stands
- Easy and quick to make.
- Usually offered with a limited number
of flavors,
between 2 to 5.
- Prices range from $1.00 to $3.00,
depending on the container used.
|
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Do I need a franchise?
A franchise is not needed in order to operate a shaved ice or snow cone business. We feel that almost anyone, if they work hard enough, can have a successful shaved ice or snow cone business without franchising. Our company does not sell franchises nor do we require contractual agreements to be signed by our customers. You can buy directly from us and sell under any name that you choose, even Hawaiian Shaved Ice, the most common name used.
By owning your business independently, you will have better control over your prices, your product line and business management. Often franchisers will only let you sell certain products or require your location or business to meet certain requirements. You may have to pay yearly franchise fees or even a portion of your sales to the franchiser for the right to operate under their brand name. In addition, we have found that many of the franchise companies require you buy almost all of your supplies through from them at inflated prices. In then end, most franchisers profit double from your business.
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Do you have complete business
packages
available?
Please visit our complete
business packages page for additional information.
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How long is the average shaved ice or
snow cone season?
Because shaved ice tends to sell better in warmer climates, the shaved ice season for each part of the United States will be different.
Shaved ice businesses along the southern part of the United States will generally be open from March to October. The mild winters and warm summers make states like Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona great for lengthy shaved ice seasons. In fact, in some places, shaved ice businesses stay open year round because of mild winters.
In the mid to upper part of the United States, shaved ice businesses generally open between April to October. The farther north you go, the shorter the season. But with almost any rule, there are exceptions. After a little experience in the business, you will have a better understanding of your area.
There will be a couple of things that you will need to keep in mind to help you deciding on the length of your shaved ice or snow cone season. First of all, take a look to see when the other shaved ice businesses, if any, in your area open? We suggest to opening around the same time, if not sooner than your competition. We have found that after a long winter’s break, customers from previous seasons are always eager to celebrate the new season with their first shaved ice purchase. The first three to four weeks of our season tends to always be the busiest because of this reason.
In early spring, some businesses may begin to open only on weekends. After a few weeks, or until warmer weather sets in, these shaved ice or snow cone businesses often begin to open daily. This again will be up to you and your geographic area.
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Do you sell shaved ice or snow cone
buildings, carts or concession trailers?
We sell a complete line of shaved
ice and snow cone concession trailers as well as a complete line of shaved
ice and snow cone carts. Our most popular cart is our Shaved
Ice Deluxe Cart.
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Can I get a profit/loss analysis for
a typical shaved ice business?
Sales for a typical shaved ice or snow cone business will average around $100 to $600 a day. Of course, your sales will vary depending on a number of factors some being your location, your competition, the time your have been in business, and the length of your season. Below you will find an example of a profit and loss analysis for a typical shaved ice business. Please remember that this information is only provided as an example for those interested in opening their own shaved ice businesses. 1-800-Shaved-Ice.com, and it’s parent company Mary Mack’s, Inc., do not guarantee the performance of any shaved ice or snow cone business based on these figures.
Profit – Loss Analysis
for a Shaved Ice Business
|
Daily
Sales
|
COGS 18%
|
Overhead
|
Labor
|
Daily
Profit
|
Monthly
Profit
|
|
$100.00
|
$18.00
|
$20.00
|
$45.00
|
$17.00
|
$510.00
|
|
$150.00
|
$27.00
|
$22.00
|
$45.00
|
$56.00
|
$1,680.00
|
|
$200.00
|
$36.00
|
$24.00
|
$45.00
|
$95.00
|
$2,850.00
|
|
$250.00
|
$45.00
|
$26.00
|
$55.00
|
$124.00
|
$3,720.00
|
|
$300.00
|
$54.00
|
$28.00
|
$65.00
|
$153.00
|
$4,590.00
|
|
$350.00
|
$63.00
|
$30.00
|
$75.00
|
$182.00
|
$5,460.00
|
|
$400.00
|
$72.00
|
$32.00
|
$85.00
|
$211.00
|
$6,330.00
|
|
$450.00
|
$81.00
|
$34.00
|
$95.00
|
$240.00
|
$7,200.00
|
|
$500.00
|
$90.00
|
$36.00
|
$105.00
|
$270.00
|
$8,100.00
|
|
$550.00
|
$99.00
|
$38.00
|
$115.00
|
$298.00
|
$8,940.00
|
|
$600.00
|
$108.00
|
$40.00
|
$125.00
|
$327.00
|
$9,810.00
|
|
$650.00
|
$117.00
|
$42.00
|
$135.00
|
$356.00
|
$10,680.00
|
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How can I get more information on the
costs of goods sold (COGS) for a typical shaved ice or snow cone business?
Product costs or cost of goods sold (COGS) will vary slightly from area to area. Several factors that could affect your COGS will be your ice supplier and your location. Some of your basic supplies and estimated costs are listed below.
Sugar can be purchased from your local grocery store or warehouse club. Often times prices on sugar between your local grocery store and a warehouse club will not be that big of a difference, especially if you do not have a warehouse club in your area.
Flavor
concentrates and preservatives are bought directly from us. We offer over 60 mouth-watering flavors for shaved ice and snow cones. Generally for successful shaved ice or snow cone businesses, flavor concentrates are the best way to go. Your price per gallon is much cheaper and the shipping costs for concentrates are a fraction of what it cost to ship
ready-to-use
syrups. However, for smaller businesses or for less popular flavors, ready-to-use syrups are a great alternative.
Costs Analysis for a Gallon of Flavored Syrup
5 lbs of Sugar 1.80
Concentrate (4 ounces) 1.25 based on $39.95 a gallon
Preservatives
.16 based on gallons of preservatives
Total $3.31/gallon or $0.80/quart or 2.6
cent/ounce
Cost (COGS) Breakdown for Shaved Ice
|
Supplies
|
8
ounce cup
|
12
ounce cup
|
16
ounce cup
|
20
ounce cup
|
|
Shaved Ice
|
.05
|
.07
|
.09
|
.11
|
|
Flavored Syrup
|
.08
|
.10
|
.14
|
.17
|
|
Cup – Plain Styro
|
.02
|
.02
|
.02
|
.03
|
|
Spoon
|
.01
|
.01
|
.01
|
.01
|
|
Spoonstraw
|
.01
|
.01
|
.01
|
.01
|
|
Napkin
|
.01
|
.01
|
.01
|
.01
|
|
Total Cost
|
.18
|
.22
|
.28
|
.34
|
Cost (COGS) Breakdown for Snow Cones
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What does a cup of shaved ice or a
snow cone sell for?
The prices of your shaved ice or snow cones will vary depending on your location. If you have competition in your area, we suggest keeping your prices close to your competition. If you are the only shaved ice business around, you will most likely be able to charge a little more for your products.
The price at our shaved ice businesses ranged in the above average category. We had the only shaved ice business in town and had a fine reputation of serving a quality product. If you attend special events, like festival and carnivals, or are located in high traffic, tourist areas, your prices should be adjusted accordingly. 12 ounce cups of shaved ice can easily sell for $2.00 to $3.00 each in high traffic areas. We have heard prices reach as high as $5.00 for a 16 ounce cup. Now that is a great profit!
Below is a breakdown of suggested retail prices for your shaved ice and snow cones.
Cup Size
|
Competitive Areas
|
Average Price
|
Above Average
|
Special Events or High
Traffic
|
|
|
