How much start-up capital is needed to open an ice cream parlor?

The dream of opening your own ice cream parlor ice cream parlorThe dream of opening your own ice cream parlor only has to remain a dream until you make it happen. Sure, it probably won't be easy and it will probably cost you a lot of sweat and tears, but if it were easy, then everyone would do it, right?

So how much start-up capital should be required to open an ice cream parlor? The start-up capital required to open an ice cream parlor ranges from 50,000 to 250,000 euros, depending on the equipment, size and type of ice cream parlor. A small kiosk with pure to-go sales or a classic ice cream parlor with indoor and outdoor seating? Do you want to produce your own ice cream, or do you buy in first? New or used machines? All this has an influence on the necessary start-up capital.

Remember, you don't just need the technical equipment - you need to start by buy goods, you may need one or the other craftsmen (electrician, painter, tiler, sanitary) for smaller works, under circumstances foundation costs result, and should in any case an capital reserve if it rains permanently in the opening month and you can not immediately make the planned turnover.

But attention: Starting capital is not equal to equity capital! Of course, you can get part of the capital from external investors - banks, development loans, partners, investors. That's what most people do. But you need a good business plan to convince the investors.

As you can see, correctly calculating the necessary start-up capital is an extremely important prerequisite. Sufficient and correctly estimated start-up capital is essential for the successful opening of a ice cream parlor indispensable.

Current costs

Of course, professional ice machines need regular maintenance. Especially if they are in operation day after day, because they are the heart of your ice cream production.

Nevertheless, this point can quickly be forgotten or underestimated. The ongoing maintenance costs should definitely be included in the planning.

Another big cost is, of course, the rent including utilities such as electricity, water and internet connection.

If you want to hire staff from the beginning, the personnel costs should also be included. In addition, ancillary wage costs will also be incurred, which are also part of the regular fixed costs.

The ongoing purchase of materials must necessarily be calculated as well. Depending on whether you make the ice cream yourself and also want to offer other tasty desserts, smoothies or coffee, you should write a detailed list of ingredients in advance and not forget any details.

How to calculate the start-up capital for an ice cream parlor?

When calculating the starting capital for your own ice cream parlor you should try to really list all costs incurred as thoroughly and clearly as possible.

Both startup and ongoing operations will have costs that you need to include to ensure you have your required start-up capital as realistically as possible.

The amount of start-up capital must always be calculated individually, but you can roughly expect an amount between 50,000 and 250,000 euros. Since the total costs vary greatly depending on the initial situation, the range of required start-up capital is wide.

If you want to sell ice cream but not produce it yourself, you will need significantly less start-up capital than if you take on full production yourself.

Costs at the foundation

Many one-time costs will be incurred during the start-up. If premises are rented or leased, among other things, the deposit should not be forgotten.

The entire setup must also be planned and the costs must be thoroughly calculated, because the purchase of the required technology also costs money, which in turn affects the required start-up capital for your ice cream parlor.

Especially if you want to make the ice cream yourself and not buy it, you are looking at a high investment here.

Used machines or demonstration units can help to lower your start-up capital. You can buy them completely factory reconditioned and in a very good condition at Krä Eistechnik acquire.

Here you will find an overview of various used machines, including Carpigiani products, which is the current market leader in the field of ice technology.

The factory refurbished machines have a one year warranty and you can even get personal and detailed advice from an experienced expert before you buy.

New equipment has a higher cost, but you can be sure that it will serve you faithfully for a long time and is state of the art: They are fast and efficient, consume little electricity and water.

To help you find the right ice machines, you can schedule a phone consultation or video call with Krä Eistechnik to find out which machines you need for your opening your ice cream parlor for the opening of your ice cream parlor.

Krä Eistechnik also offers high-quality and stylish portafilter espresso machines, multi-purpose machines and much more, if you want to offer aromatic coffee, espresso, cappuccino or pastries in addition to ice cream.

What's the best way to get started?

Especially at the beginning it is sometimes not so easy to get an overview in order to take the first step towards the opening your own ice cream parlor to be able to make.

First of all, it is important that you take action at all. The fact that you are reading this article already shows that you are aware that in order to start an ice cream parlor than simply making delicious ice cream.

The preparations you have to make before the opening your ice cream parlor often do not include the most interesting topics and can sometimes seem tedious or complicated.

At first, they also have little to do with ice cream itself. However, it's worth persevering and, above all, always keeping your sights firmly set on your goal!

Seek support!

The nice thing about it is that you are by no means alone on the path of brainstorming, planning and implementing your ice cream parlor your ice cream parlor.

Because there are companies, such as Krä Eistechnikwho offer you their extensive support from the planning to the maintenance of your Carpigiani ice cream machine.

Krä Eistechnik can help you with any questions you may have thanks to their many years of experience. Even after the opening, the experts from Krä Eistechnik will continue to advise you.

Even for maintenance, servicing or if a spare part is needed, Krä remains your number one contact.

Our tip: Talk to your contact person right from the start about how much budget you have available. Only then can he help you to use your budget optimally and to realize your dream in the best possible way. The professional knows where you should not save on any account and where you can easily fall back on cheaper alternatives - used equipment, cheaper alternatives, etc. - or what you should buy at the beginning. - or what you can even do without at the beginning. This way you can make the best use of your budget.

The first step on the way to your own ice cream parlor

As we all know, the first step is usually the most difficult. However, this does not necessarily apply to the founding of an ice cream parlor.

Here, the first step is simply to consider what form you want your ice cream parlor to take.

• Should it be a mobile ice cream truck that canvasses various locations? Or should it be a traditional ice cream parlor with a fixed location?
• Do you want to create unusual ice cream flavors and should there be other specialties to buy besides ice cream?
• Do you want your ice cream parlor only open seasonally or do you want to offer your treats all year round?

You should ask yourself these many questions at the beginning and answer them as thoroughly as possible.

If you already have a clear idea of your concept, then you can start directly by creating a business plan. A business plan is so important because you will later try to convince investors or lenders to invest in your business idea.

This way you can also finance your project if you do not have enough of your own start-up capital of your own.

Here you will find an overview of what your professional business plan should contain:

Your business plan

To make it easier to get started writing your business plan, you can start by creating a mind map and brainstorming.

Just write down on a white sheet of paper what comes to mind when you think of your dream of opening your own ice cream parlor. First of all, no idea is too wild or too unrealistic.

1. summary

Although the executive summary is placed before your business plan as an introduction, you write it at the very end because it is intended to provide a brief overview of the business plan that follows.

A summary overview at the beginning is particularly important, as a business plan is often not read all the way through to the end. For this reason, all basic facts should be mentioned here and your idea reduced to the essentials.

2. description of your company

Here, similar to the executive summary, you can describe your planned business, going into detail about strategies and projections.

3. your concept with the planned menu

With the concept of ice cream parlor you give your trademark. How should your ice cream parlor be designed? What style do you want to pursue? What does your offer and therefore your menu look like? Are there any weekly specials or similar?

4. management and ownership

An important point is, of course, how you imagine the premises of your ice cream parlor envision. Do you want to rent or buy a property? What are the advantages of doing so?

Of course, this point should also be included in the financing later on. How you envision the management team should also be explained here.

5. employees and personnel requirements

In this section, you should elaborate on how many employees you will need to run your own ice cream shop and what positions should be filled in order for you to get started.

6. marketing and competitor analysis

Here you answer questions like: What does the competition look like? Are there already similar concepts that you would like to implement? How far away is the nearest ice cream parlor? Analyze the nearby competition and determine potential competitive advantages.

7. advertising and marketing strategies

Explain possible advertising and marketing methods to attract new customers and retain existing ones. Feel free to get creative.

8. financial overview

This section is one of the most important when it comes to getting the necessary start-up capital for the opening your ice cream parlor find out.

Here you can discuss your sales projections, list all your anticipated expenses, and calculate your projected increase in sales and profits for the coming years.

You put the cost of your ice cream parlor against the selling price per unit and thus determine the point at which the break-even point is reached. Simply put, it determines the approximate point in time when you have sold enough ice cream to cover all your costs.

Don't worry, your business plan is not something that is set in stone. However, the assessment should be as realistic as possible. So that all your investors, who may have start-up capital who will possibly finance the start-up capital, will be convinced.

9. the layout of your business plan

Write your business plan in a professional tone and be as clear and understandable as possible. Feel free to express your enthusiasm for your idea, but remember that it's the hard facts that matter most.

The layout of your business plan should be professional and clearly structured. A cover page and font as well as a suitable format and layout are essential. Graphics can be included, as they contribute to the illustration and look directly professional.

The best advertising for your ice cream parlor

Now that you've got the ball rolling, successfully created a business plan, and perhaps even have the start-up capital, you should think hard about your marketing strategy before you open your ice cream shop.

Own website

Nowadays, a company's own website is indispensable. Here you should showcase your ice cream parlor with the help of appealing images and a personal introduction of yourself.

A website allows customers to get an idea of the ice cream parlor in advance and know what to expect when they visit.

In addition, the opening hours and contact details can be stored so that customers can call if there are any questions.

Social media and influencer marketing

Social media is one of the most important advertising platforms today. Instagram and the like can even be used free of charge.

It's not hard to create your own page on Instagram and you can feed it with current pictures on a daily basis. Here, customers can get in touch with you, link your ice cream parlor and recommend it to others.

You can also consider inviting an influencer or two to your ice cream shop to help spread the word about your ice cream shop.

Before you open your ice cream parlorBefore you open your ice cream parlor, you should advertise it on your social media channels and ask all your relatives and acquaintances to inform their friends about the opening day.

Be present on important online platforms such as TripAdvisor or Google

Other important channels include TripAdvisor and the Google Company Profile. On these platforms, you can create a company profile free of charge, on which your customers can leave reviews.

If you google for an ice cream parlor in the area and your ice cream parlor is among the hits, your potential customer will be shown information and pictures about your ice cream parlor directly, without him or her having to click on it first.

Opening hours and phone number are immediately visible and your customers can easily find their way to your ice cream parlor with Google Maps. ice cream parlor with Google Maps.

Offers and sales

An effective method to attract customers magnetically are special offers or promotions. These should be geared as much as possible to your target group.

For example, if you want to attract kids and families, promotions with colorful decorations, balloons, and kid-friendly events are a great way to draw attention to your ice cream shop.  

Regular customer offers

For regular customer retention, rewarding loyal customers who regularly visit your ice cream shop ice cream or drink their daily coffee is a great way to build brand loyalty and retain customers.

For example, you can put out stamp cards where every tenth ice cream is free.