The Pandemic An Opportunity to Start Your Ice Cream Business

COVID-19 has created a unique opportunity to start an ice cream or plant based business. Surprising to hear a positive message during a challenging period in our life with something so devastating, but as there are unfortunate consequences, also comes opportunity.

Why is this a good time to start a business and why ice cream?

The Coronavirus has forced the speed of business to slow and bringing a realization that the old way of conducting business is not sustainable nor the only option.

Most people are expecting that purchases be made in a safe manner and to be convenient. Models like Baskin & Robbins requires patrons to walk inside a building and up to a counter, where soft serve stands and many Dairy Queen locations offer service from an outside counter.

Ice cream is the go to product for celebration, reflection and happy place.

With today’s new normal what is a good business model?

This is a question I receive a lot and have to say a welcome one. On-line has been up and coming and now more than ever, is at the forefront of sustainable business models.

e-Commerce creates a great opportunity to conduct business outside of your local area with fan base support from social media forums, such as submitting menu and flavor suggestions. 

What about local business?

Ordering on-line for curbside pickup is now popular, is very convenient and works in all types of weather conditions. Take-out windows are now a must and can be drive-through or walk up to the counter.

The new wave of local shops will have less inside sf and more opportunity for alternative sales. Home delivery is another must have to serve local customers and since COVID-19 more popular than every before.

Trailers are also becoming more and more popular and perfect for selling products in parks and outside venues while serving at a safe 6 ft distance. 

Tell me more about e-Commerce and how it works?

Basically, the business offers a website marketplace with a menu selection a description of an item and sometimes ingredients and nutrition information. The customer can place their order and make a payment on-line using a credit card and products are mailed directly to the customers door.

For ice cream a popular serving size is 8 oz cups and 16 oz pint. The ice cream is packed in a very specific way, keeping frozen with dry ice and usually received by the customer in one to two days via UPS or Fedex.

What are some popular platforms used for e-Commerce websites?

• Woo Commerce
• Squarespace
• Shopify 
• Wix
• Big Commerce

What is an estimated cost to start-up a small business?

Depending on the size and type $5,000 – $25,000 

What’s required to start my business?

• Secure and register a business name and website url 
• Decide if this is a full or part time business, seasonal or year round   
• Determine the type and number of products to start with
• Will there be a business partner or going solo  
• Decide on the preferred selling method for your products   
• Investigate the necessary licenses to make and sell products

How do I get the process started?

The easiest and most economical way is by contacting Darryl’s Ice Cream Solutions, LLC who has been helping start-up’s for over 20 years.

Darryl can assist the entrepreneur in everything from how to make a dairy and plant based frozen product, to what is required to operate a business, locally and nationally.