Why Running An Ice Cream Shop Can Be Both Easy And Hard

When we think of an ice cream shop, we usually think that it is always an enjoyable, simple, and profitable business. However, theis re’s more to running an ice cream shop than creating enticing scoops and pleasing customers. It’s actually a combination of fun and pandemonium. Here’s why. 

Running an ice cream shop is easy because you are doing what you love and you get to work with a lively team. On the other hand, it’s difficult because of the stiff competition, the seasons, the technical breakdowns, and the physical and emotional exhaustion.

Running an ice cream store is and isn’t tough at the same time. So, keep reading for some tips on how to manage an ice cream shop a lot easier. 

It’s Easy: Because You’re Doing Something You Love 

Why Running An Ice Cream Shop Can be Both Easy and Hard

The fact that you are doing something you enjoy makes running an ice cream shop a lot simpler. If you don’t like ice cream, you can claim otherwise. That being said, I can’t imagine someone who doesn’t like iced sweets and frozen treats, even by just a tiny bit, opening an ice cream shop.

According to the University of Southern California, enjoying what you do increases productivity and performance. Additionally, people who love their work are also more likely to be positive, learn faster, make lesser errors, and make better business judgments, which makes running an ice cream shop a lot easier.

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It’s Easy: Because You Make People Happy

Another reason why running an ice cream shop does not seem to be difficult is that you get to make your customers happy with every scoop and pint you serve. Who, after all, wouldn’t be happy to eat ice cream, especially on a terrible day?

There is actually some science behind this. According to research, our own happiness is strongly influenced by the generosity and kindness we display to others. And when we are happy, we are likely to be 13% more productive and make our work simpler.

It’s Easy: Because You Get to Work With a Lively Staff

Working in a fun environment with a lively staff can also make running an ice cream shop a lot less complicated, especially if you have trained staff members and great teamwork. Teamwork can provide numerous benefits to your business. For example, highly engaged teams increase profitability by 21%.

Having an enthusiastic team with a high spirit of cooperation enhances inventiveness and improves problem-solving abilities. As a matter of fact, workplaces where employees constantly collaborate and brainstorm together frequently result in continuous innovation

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It’s Hard: Because of The Stiff Competition

Strong competition is one of the most difficult aspects of running an ice cream business. With major brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, you’ll have to think outside the box to come up with tactics to differentiate yourself from the rest.

It’s not only from the start. Every day will be a battleground as long as your ice cream store stands. Aside from developing a distinct brand and concept, you’ll also need to consider your marketing strategies.

Use social media, particularly Instagram, to advertise your ice cream shop. It is effective in marketing, especially now that customers are beginning to utilize it for product research and that majority of businesses use it. 

It’s Hard: Because of the Seasons 

Why Running An Ice Cream Shop Can be Both Easy and Hard

Seasons make running an ice cream shop extra challenging. Since ice cream is usually in high demand during the summer, you can expect extended lines in addition to the uncomfortable weather. You and your staff will be standing more and feel like the orders are endless. 

Winter makes it more difficult to run an ice cream shop. For instance, as the temperature drops, so will your ice cream sales. To counter this, you’ll need to do twice as much as you did in summer and think of creative ways and means to cope. You can create seasonal varieties like Breyer’s Frozen Peppermint Hot Chocolate to satisfy your customers’ cravings or employ effective marketing strategies such as offering delivery promos.

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It’s Hard: Because of Technical Malfunction

Your equipment can also cause a lot of headaches and make running your ice cream shop hard. When your ice cream machine breaks down, not only will you get a lot of complaints from your customers, but you’ll also be spending a lot on repairs. 

Fortunately, you can easily avoid machine breakdowns.  You only need to do preventive maintenance such as routine cleaning. This is important as ice cream sugar and protein included in ice cream mixtures quickly generate buildup that causes different parts of the machine to malfunction or collapse.

It’s Hard: Because It’s Physically and Emotionally Exhausting 

Lastly, running an ice cream shop is difficult because it is both physically and emotionally taxing. You’ll have to stand and scoop ice cream for hours if not all day. You’ll occasionally encounter customers who can pose challenges and ruin your day. For example, you’ll meet kids who will think up strange concoctions and force you to scoop here and there, and may have to deal with rude customers at some point.

Conclusion 
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Running an ice cream store is simple since you are doing something you enjoy, making other people happy, and working with a fun team.  However, running an ice cream store may also be challenging because of the seasons, equipment breakdowns, strong competition, and physical and mental weariness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are great methods for increasing wholesale ice cream sales?

Here are some of the most excellent strategies to improve wholesale ice cream sales: 1) Create entertaining ice cream challenges, 2) Organize a sundae-making competition, 3) Sponsor parties to spread the word about your brand, and 4) Establish a tasting bar at your local grocery store.

Is an ice cream shop a lucrative business?

Because Americans enjoy their frozen treat, the ice cream industry is quite profitable in the United States.  According to industry figures, ice cream and other frozen desserts sold a total of $13.1 billion in 2019.

To learn more on how to start your own ice cream/gelato business check out my startup documents here

This blog post is provided for informational purposes only. The information contained is not intended to constitute legal advice or to substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney.