1. Lightning-Fast Shipping That Keeps You Chilled
When it comes to running a shave ice business, time is of the essence. That's where Icy-Sky.com's lightning-fast shipping comes into play. Their commitment to swift deliveries ensures that your shave ice supplies arrive on time, every time. This reliability is invaluable, especially during the peak seasons when demand is at its highest. With Icy-Sky.com, you can rest assured that your orders will reach you promptly, allowing you to focus on delighting your customers.
2. The Heart of the Business: Exceptional Customer Service
One of Icy-Sky.com's crown jewels is its exceptional customer service team. They aren't just employees; they are dedicated shave ice enthusiasts who understand your needs and challenges. Whether you have questions, need assistance, or require recommendations, Icy-Sky.com's customer service team is always ready to assist. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in every interaction, ensuring a hassle-free and pleasant shopping experience.
3. Satisfy Your Cravings with Premium Products
Quality is the cornerstone of Icy-Sky.com's success. They offer an extensive range of high-quality products, including premium shave ice flavors, state-of-the-art machines, and essential accessories. When it comes to shave ice, taste and consistency are paramount. Icy-Sky.com's products consistently impress, resulting in a shave ice experience that leaves your customers craving for more. Their commitment to quality ensures that every shave ice creation you serve stands out from the competition.
4. Real-Life Triumphs: Success Stories with Icy-Sky.com
The true measure of Icy-Sky.com's excellence lies in the success stories of business owners who have chosen them as their trusted shave ice supplier. Across the nation, entrepreneurs have partnered with Icy-Sky.com and witnessed remarkable growth and success. The combination of fast shipping, exceptional customer service, and superior products has allowed these businesses to thrive and flourish in a competitive market.
In conclusion, Icy-Sky.com isn't just a shave ice supplier; it's a partner in your journey to shave ice perfection. Their unwavering commitment to fast shipping, exceptional customer service, and high-quality products makes them the preferred choice for shave ice enthusiasts and business owners alike. If you're looking to elevate your shave ice game, explore Icy-Sky.com's offerings, and experience the difference for yourself. It's not just shave ice; it's a taste of excellence.
]]>This year, the year 2020, has been a trying year for all of us to say to least. I mean I don't think any of us saw COVID coming. AND it came at us HARD. If you had told me a year ago that we would be hunkering down in a massive pandemic, I would say that would only happen in a science fiction movie. Fast forward to now, we are still social distancing, still sheltering in place, and still hearing these horrific COVID numbers rising at staggering rates almost a year later!
But what's important is that we will survive this. People are so resilient. We adapt and learn quickly. What I learned, and also reflected on this year, is that one needs to prepare for the worst at any given moment. Because you never know what may happen next. To do that, one needs to be prepared financially. Because face it, we still need to keep living, and we need to hoard our toilet papers (just joking!).
Multiple streams of income has been something I've been pondering over. A lot of people were furloughed at the beginning of this pandemic. A lot people are still furloughed, or have lost their jobs. The economy is going to take a while to recover from the losses a lot of the industries have suffered. The sectors that were hit the hardest are retail business, restaurants, travel, and hospitality. A lot of businesses went under because they were unable to make rent. Many brick and mortar restaurants had to close their doors permanently. However, I think closing doors don't have to mean they have to close their businesses. What if you take your business online, offer delivering, catering, take out? Find a niche that fits your clientele. Or maybe you are someone who wants to venture into a new business. Specialty foods such as desserts, shave ice can be a very attractive business.
Let's break it down -
1. Start up cost isn't unattainable - you don't need a set space because you can make it mobile by going to your clientele, or travel in a food truck, or deliver goods to customers. Cost of equipment and materials is very reasonable, yet with a wide profit margin. We've analyzed the probability of a shave ice before, refer to this in case you are interested in the actual numbers. click here
2. low threshold for entry - you don't have to be a seasoned master to start the business. You'll need to do a little research, but it's not rocket science.
3. flexible hours and times - it can be supplemental income on the weekends, or it can seasonal for you. Better yet, it can really bring in income when you main job is at risk. You can be your own boss, and dictate the business model.
4. relatively low stress - your customers generally are happy. You are providing comfort, I mean who doesn't like desserts or sweets? Or, even better, you are providing celebration food! Happy customers equal to happy and profitable business!
As we come to the end of this year, I hope we can all see light at the end of the tunnel. The silver lining is that we've made it this far, it can only go up. Sometimes, we need to taste the bitterness to appreciate the sweetness.
If you are interested in starting a shave ice business. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Please stay safe and healthy.
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Which shave ice flavors are your favorite? Well, there are so many to choose from! I think this question depends on where your store is located, and which kind of clientele do you cater to. People from different parts of the country will probably have different taste preference and also prefer different flavor trends. Sometimes, more doesn't always mean better. Of course, the flavors you offer need to be delicious.
2. Stick with Classics and Refreshing Favorites
Most stores have the classics: Strawberry, Cherry, Vanilla, Raspberry, blueberry. Think common flavors and also refreshing flavors people like on a hot summer day (like your childhood memories of your favorite ice cream!). For stores starting out, these flavors are your stables. Also for parties, it's easy to win over the crowd with the classics.
3. Get Creative with Exotic and Fun Flavors
Now, layer on the twists. There are exotic, fun flavors. There are flavor choices for the health conscious. Li-hing Mui is a popular one, sometimes acquired taste for some. Hawaiian locals love the sour plum taste and they also add the li-hing powder to their fruits. Passion fruit is another delicious exotic fruit flavor. People also make fun flavor like "tiger blood". So the choices are limitless as you can see. I personally love Lychee, which is a great tropical fruit flavor to add to your list. Green tea is an Asian inspired, yet healthy choice for your menu. It's full of anti-oxidants, and green tea is known to promote digestion.
4. Cater to Health-Conscious Customers with Sugar-Free Options
Sugar free flavors are another great add on to your menu. They are also very easy to make when you make your syrups using flavor concentrates. Imagine the joy when the little kid can enjoy his or her shave ice just like everyone else because your menu offers that sugar free option.
5. Experiment and Adapt to Customer Preferences
As your build your business, and get to know your customers' preferences, you'll be able to have a great line up of flavors that work for you. So, try out flavors, and experiment. Good flavors travel fast, and customer will love what you offer.
6. Explore a Variety of Flavor Concentrates
We offer many flavor concentrates (both natural and standard) for you to choose from. Request free samples to try out if you are interested in any of them. https://www.icy-sky.com/collections/shave-ice-flavor-concentrate As always, free feel to reach out to us if you have any questions, we'd be happy to explore the flavor options with you.
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1. Durable Cups for Frosty Shave Ice
Shave ice is unique, and its delightful texture and flavors demand cups that can handle the experience. Unlike other beverages, shave ice cups need to withstand the icy texture without becoming flimsy or soggy. Icy-Sky.com's Biodegradable Pedal Cups are specially designed to meet this challenge. They maintain their form and durability even when faced with the frostiest shave ice.
2. Fast Biodegradability for Eco-Friendly Disposal:
While all biodegradable products break down eventually, the rate at which they decompose can vary. Icy-Sky.com's Biodegradable Pedal Cups are engineered for a rapid biodegradation process. This means that after serving a refreshing shave ice treat, you can trust that these cups will swiftly return to the earth, leaving no lasting impact on the environment.
3. Sourced Responsibly for Sustainable Practices:
Icy-Sky.com's commitment to sustainability goes beyond the product itself. These cups are made from materials sourced with environmental responsibility in mind. By choosing them, you're supporting a supply chain that values eco-conscious practices from start to finish.
4. Quality Assurance Without Compromising Sustainability:
While prioritizing sustainability, Icy-Sky.com refuses to compromise on quality. Their Biodegradable Pedal Cups are designed to offer the same level of sturdiness and reliability you'd expect from traditional cups. Say goodbye to worries about leaks or spills, as these cups are engineered for performance.
5. Versatile Cups for Any Shave Ice Creation:
Whether you're serving classic shave ice flavors or innovative, multi-layered creations, Icy-Sky.com's Biodegradable Pedal Cups are the perfect vessel. Their adaptability and durability make them suitable for any shave ice presentation, from the simplest to the most elaborate.
6. Setting an Eco-Friendly Example:
By choosing Icy-Sky.com's Biodegradable Pedal Cups, you set an example for your customers and competitors. You showcase your commitment to sustainability and inspire others to make environmentally responsible choices in their businesses.
7. Contributing to a Greener Future:
The decision to go with these cups goes beyond the immediate benefits. It contributes to a sustainable future where shave ice lovers can enjoy their treats guilt-free, knowing that their choice of cup aligns with responsible environmental practices.
In conclusion, when it comes to serving shave ice, Icy-Sky.com's Biodegradable Pedal Cups rise above other biodegradable options. Their unique combination of durability, rapid biodegradability, sustainability, and quality makes them the ultimate choice for shave ice businesses that want to deliver a memorable experience while caring for the environment. It's more than a cup; it's a commitment to sustainability and a better future for all. Choose Icy-Sky.com for the perfect shave ice, the responsible way.
]]>As the holidays are just around the corner, lots of parties are in the works. Catering shave ice and desserts are great opportunities to continue the business in the colder months. Think holiday parties, weddings, birthdays.
How does a Pina Colada shave ice sound after a night of dancing? You don't have to ask me twice. During the winter months, we have to be creative. As the temperatures dip, customers don't necessarily look for cold desserts. However, they can still be a hit at the right places. Things can do the tricks are winter or party appropriate flavors, winter decorations, holiday themed garnish. The options are limitless. If anything, I think enjoying a cold dessert in the winter time is happiness that you can taste. It almost instantly transports you to a tropical island, "a Pina Colada" please.
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Having a wedding this summer? How about a themed wedding? Imagine a beach soiree on a white sanded beach with tiki torches, and drinks with mini umbrellas in them. Even better, how about Shave Ice catered for your guests and loved ones?
Weddings can be stressful to plan, but they are also be so much fun when you allow yourself to have fun with it. Having Shave ice at a wedding sounds like the perfect addition to any summer wedding. The guests will gush about it for days! you can even get creative with the shave ice flavors and add adult beverages in them. The choices are limitless. It will transport your guests to an paradise island, and instantly adds that cool vibe to your party.
Are you planning a wedding, or helping a friend or client plan a wedding? read the article above to get more ideas. I might be biased, but ummmm Shave ice...Yum!
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1. It is a seasonal business - this can be varied by locations. If your business is on the east coast such as New York, eating a shave ice while it's snowing out isn't probably on the top of your potential customer's list. So typically, your shave ice business will probably do well for the summer months, but will probably slow down dramatically in the winter times. However, if you are in Hawaii, Florida, or California, your shave ice business may be year around, or at least last longer given that the weather is pretty consistent throughout the year.
If your shave ice business is in a mobile trailer, then you can decide to just close it for the winter months. If your shave ice business is bricks-and-mortar, then a lot of businesses add more varieties to their menu, so they can offer customers options in the winter as well. Things to consider can be hot drinks, other fall and winter dessert items. I know a lot of businesses also offer private catering for weddings, parties. So that can also be a great revenue stream to help you survive the winter months.
Just because the business is seasonal, it doesn't mean it's not profitable. Some do so well that they choose to only work half of the year!
2. Shave ice has many other competitions
in the simple days, business seemed simpler to do when the consumers had less choices. I don't mean that as a bad thing. But nowadays where there are slew of dessert shops and choices, it's harder to keep up with the consumers' desires. It feels like every other day, there's another pop up shop of charcoal ice cream, organic artisan desserts, fresh hand-made boba, dragon breath balls... The choices are endless! The desserts are getting so fancy and elaborate. Have you seen the unicorn drink with a bear donut hanging off of it?
I don't see shave ice going away any time soon though. People tend to enjoy the simple pleasures. However, businesses do have to stay creative (like new flavors, ambiance of your setup) and ensure their shave ice or their products are always genuine and delicious of course!
3. It's hard work in the summer - let's get real, shave ice is hard work! When your kids are on summer vacation, you have to work because summer months are your best time to make money. Making your syrup, making your ice, and serving them to your customers isn't easy. It's hard physical work. Even if you hire help, you definitely need to tend to it and pay attention to all the details especially when you are first starting out.
But with all businesses, you have to put your own tears and sweat into it. It's only after you worked hard, when you succeed, the victory tastes that much sweeter.
Please read the blog post on profitability of the a shave ice business if you haven't already. Thanks so much for reading!
]]>We offer a wide range of shave ice flavors, accessories and supplies. All of our flavors are FDA registered, and they are locally made with the highest care.
Our machine repair services have been very well received by our customers. We always try to get the ice shavers back in business as soon as possible because we know customers are counting on their ice shavers for their businesses, and for their next catering event.
We are also trying to develop and introduce new products. This year, we have introduced cherry blossom bowls, and biodegradable plant fiber bowls. We have many more exciting projects, and we can't wait to share them with you! Please check back with us and see what we have to offer! Thank you so much for your support!
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photos credit, https://www.pinterest.com/katiefara/
]]>I took some charts from the article that have very nice breakdowns of the expenses and expectant revenues.
Shaved Ice Business Monthly Costs – Ballpark Costs
Expense Type | Estimated Cost | Notes |
Monthly Rent | $500 – $3000 | Variable cost depending on location. |
Shaved Ice Machine | $1,000 – $2,000 | One Time Expense. |
Permits and Licenses | $100 – $500 | Varies a lot depending on where you operate. |
Phone / Internet | $100 – $200 | |
Register / POS | $50 – $1,000 | Can also use an iPad and an app for credit transactions. |
Insurance | $100 – $500 | |
Cups | $80.00 | Approx. 2,000 per Month at $0.04 per cup. |
Spoon Straw | $40.00 | Approx. 2,000 per Month at $0.02 per spoon straw |
Ice | $260 | Approx. 2,000 per Month at $0.13 per sale. |
Napkins | $20 | Approx. 2,000 per Month at $0.01 per sale. |
Labor | $3,600 | Assumes $10 per hour for one employee. 12 Hours per day for 30 days per month. |
Electricity | $100 – $300 | |
Total Low End Monthly Costs | $6,450 | |
Total High End Monthly Costs | $13,500 | |
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Shaved Ice One Time Expenses / Startup Costs | ||
Item | Monthly Est Cost | Notes |
Shaved Ice Machine | $1,000 – $6,000 | This will vary greatly depending on the quality of shaver you purchase. New or used. |
Signage | $2,000 – $25,000 | Variable expense. |
Employee Uniforms | $500 – $1000 | This will vary a lot. |
Freezers for Ice | $2,000 – $10,000 | Variable expense. |
Syrup Display Setup | $5,000 – $25,000 | Variable expense. |
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Total: | ??? | |
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Revenue Estimates | ||
Sales | Daily Revenue | Monthly Revenue |
67 sales per day at an average of $3.00 per sale | $201.00 | $6,030 |
100 sales per day at an average of $3.00 per sale | $300.00 | $9,000 |
150 sales per day at an average of $3.00 per sale | $450.00 | $13,500 |
200 sales per day at an average of $3.00 per sale | $600.00 | $18,000 |
Annual Revenue Expectations:
Annual Revenue @ 67 sales per day: $72,360
Annual Revenue @ 100 sales per day: $108,000
Annual Revenue @ 150 sales per day: $162,000
Annual Revenue @ 200 sales per day: $216,000
*All revenue numbers assume $3.00 average per sale.
Hope this is helpful for anyone who's interested in starting a business, or for existing business owners to read for pleasure. Please comment below if you have any interesting things to add! Thank you so much for reading. Until next time, stay cool and eat a shave ice.
]]>Welcome back to my journey of shave ice tasting - today, we eat Taiwanese Shave ice with Taro balls. This is a Taiwanese dessert shop called "meet fresh". It features handmade taro balls made from fresh ingredients. Rumor has it that the taro balls are directly shipped from Taiwan! I ordered the almond shave ice. But they ran out of the almond jelly, so I was given mango jelly pudding instead. In addition to the taro balls (they are the light purples balls in my picture), I have sweet potato balls, mochi (rice cake) sticks, vanilla ice cream, and of course shave ice with drizzled condensed milk. It is my personal belief that condensed milk makes everything it touches better!
The ice texture is consistent with traditional Taiwanese shave ice. It is somewhere in between fine snow like ice and crushed ice. So the ice is somewhat crunchy. Because of that, the flavor of the condensed milk and the toppings stay more on top of the shave ice, unless you stir it up yourself. My only complaint is that you'll get some part of the ice that's not flavored at all, so it's rather plain and really cold! However, other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed my shave ice. The portion is pretty big, it feeds two adults no problem. The aesthetics are adequate. I feel like it's not as photogenic as the rainbow colored Hawaiian shave ice, but it has its own beauties.
You can take the shave ice to go in a paper cup. I've done it before, but I prefer to eat in at the store because the mixture tends to get all muddled up when it's in a to-go container.
Inspired by this shave ice, I love the idea of putting taro toppings on the shave ice. It serves as a very good balance between the ice and the light flavors of the taro that's very grounded, and natural. For your shave ice, try the Taro toppings here, and also red beans toppings are equally delicious! If you are feeling adventurous, try Li Hing Mui (salted plum), and coconut flakes here. Hope you guys enjoyed, and until next time, stay cool and eat a shave ice.
]]>Today, we eat Hawaiian Shave Ice. The rainbow colored syrup permeates through the fine snow-like ice. I love drizzled snow cap (condensed milk). I have strawberry, banana and blue Hawaii flavors on my ice (try these awesome flavors!), and of course, not to forget the vanilla ice cream! What can be better than this on a hot summer day? Until next time...keep cool and eat a shave ice.
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Ready-to-Use simple Syrups:
Advantages are it's already made, so it's convenient! All you need to do is to put it in a pour bottle and add a pouring spout, and you are ready to go!
Disadvantages are you don't have control over its sweetener. Most syrups on the markets use high fructose syrup. Secondly, syrups are heavy, so when you purchase them, you are paying for some "water" weight. Lastly, it's much more expensive (about 40-60% more) to buy syrups than if you were to make your own from concentrates. You are paying for someone else's labor after all.
Flavor Concentrates
Advantages are you can add your own sugar to your concentrates, so you can choose the healthier cane sugar, and trust me, it tastes better too! You can also make your own sugar-free simple syrups by using substitute sugar like Splenda, agave nectar, or any other type of sugar substitutes. You'll have higher profit margin! You can make a whole gallon of simple syrup with only 4 oz. of concentrates! Lastly, concentrates have longer shelf life, preventing spoilage and waste of syrups.
Disadvantages are it's more time consuming to make your syrups.
In the end, running a business is tough work. So you will have to decide what works best for you! Until next time, stay cool and eat a shave ice.
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