7 Survival Tips for the Ice Cream Retailer

Are you an ice cream retailer or thinking about opening an ice cream store? Then these seven survival tips for the ice cream retailer are for you!

DEALING WITH REALITY
Perseverance is what it took to survive this ice cream selling season. How much more heat can we take? But now it’s August, we have survived, and we will be better for it next year. From heat, comes success. I know, you are saying “big deal,” I don’t need advice, I need business and cash. But while this may seem like the heat is too much for the ice cream retail business, a continued heat every day is sometimes the best of times. It’s times like this that makes you more focused. You are conscious about how much money you have on hand, and how you are going to spend it. You’ll be slower to expand, and become more cautious about hiring. Simply put, your expectations will be more reasonable. And here are some tips that will help you get through the winter and be ready for the Spring 2011 season.

EDUCATE YOURSELF
Don’t stop learning. Take a hard look at your competitors and see what they are doing both right and wrong.

DON’T LET YOUR PASSION SLIDE
Don’t start complaining about all those hours you have put into running your business this season and let your passion slide. Now, more than ever you need it. Ice Cream Retailer | Ice Cream Store

DEVELOP A THICK SKIN
Don’t let this bad weather get the best of you. Remember years past when the weather was good and business was great. Good times will come back again.

STAY FOCUSED
More than ever you need to stay focused, and there is no better time than the fall and upcoming winter to stay focused, and plan ahead.

KEEP IT SIMPLE
What is the number one complaint you get from your customers when they purchase a product that they think is “stupid?” Don’t say there isn’t any, because, trust me, there really is, you just are blind to it. Whatever it is, put yourself in the customer’s shoes and fix it. Like not offering a second flavor when a customer asks for when purchasing a single scoop.

PUT YOUR SUCCESSES DOWN ON PAPER
Take some time out, and read some of the positive press reviews you have gotten, and put down on paper some of the positive experiences you have had with your business and your customers.

CASH IS KING
Watch what you spend, especially during the fall and winter months. If you also sell wholesale, watch your receivables very closely. Hope these help! -Malcolm Interested in making ice cream like the professionals? Download a free selection from my latest book, Incredible Ice Cream, here: http://bit.ly/b50Vv9