Frozen Dessert Success

Shakes and smoothies are a delicious addition to any menu. Colorful. Profitable. Marketable. Decadent. Healthy. I mean how many more adjectives do you need?

Ask yourself this question….are you selling enough shakes and smoothies in your business? If the answer is no this blog is for you. By the way, that answer should have definitely been “no.” You can and should always want more sales of these delicious items. Boosting sales of milkshakes and smoothies in your business requires a strategic approach. But let your heart not be troubled as here are some tips to help you sell more:

Customer Engagement: Interact with your customers to understand their preferences. Consider creating a suggestion board or asking for feedback to tailor your offerings to their tastes. The best way to find out what your customers want is to ask your customers. They want to tell you. And there’s no better way to connect with a customer base than to include them in your store’s offerings.

• Seasonal Specials: Drinks are a HUGE category and offer a great creative marketing and creation opportunities. Introduce seasonal flavors or limited-time specials to generate excitement and attract customers looking for something new. Capitalize on holidays or local events to create themed shakes or smoothies.
  
  
• Visual Appeal: Invest in visually appealing presentations. Aesthetic, Instagram-worthy drinks can attract attention and encourage customers to share their experiences on social media, providing free advertising for your business. Provide POP materials in your store that attract through the visual appeal of these items.
  
  
• Tasting Events: Host tasting events where customers can sample different flavors before making a purchase. This hands-on experience can convert hesitant customers and encourage them to try new varieties. A 20 ounce smoothie or shake may cost you roughly $2.00. You can offer 10 – 2 ounce samples to create interest, buzz, and future sales. That’s the cost of $0.20 per customer. Not too shabby.
  
  
• Combo Deals: Create combo deals that pair shakes or smoothies with other items on your menu. This can encourage customers to try different products and increase the overall value of their purchase. This strategy works even better if you have food options in your operation.
  
  
• Health-Conscious Options: Appeal to health-conscious customers by offering low-sugar, dairy-free, or protein-enriched options. Clearly label these choices on your menu to make it easy for health-focused consumers to find what they’re looking for.
  
  
• Educate Your Staff: Ensure your staff is knowledgeable about the ingredients, nutritional value, and flavor profiles of your shakes and smoothies. A well-informed staff can confidently make recommendations and answer customer queries, enhancing the overall experience. Get them involved in the creation and marketing of these items as they are integral in building the sales!
  
  
• Marketing Campaigns: Run targeted marketing campaigns on social media and local advertising channels. Highlight the unique aspects of your shakes and smoothies, such as fresh ingredients, health benefits, or special preparation methods. Use the visual appeal and the aforementioned strategies in your marketing.
  
  
• Community Partnerships: Partner with local businesses or events to cross-promote your products. Collaborate with nearby gyms, yoga studios, or health food stores to expand your reach within the health and wellness community. Shakes partner so well with food. Look for opportunities to mix with food options in your nearby area. Connect with these businesses in store and also via third party delivery.
  
  
• Convenience: Ensure that your ordering and pickup process is convenient. Consider offering online ordering or delivery services to cater to customers who prefer enjoying their shakes and smoothies at home. These are HIGHLY DELIVERABLE OPTIONS. I put that in caps because I’m screaming it from the rooftops!! This gives you a whole new world of potential buyers.
  
  
• Pricing: Determining the pricing for your milkshakes and smoothies involves considering various factors such as ingredient costs, operational expenses, and your target market. This one gets a whole additional breakdown. Plus I need to hit a minimum word count sooooooooo…..here’s a general guide to help you establish competitive and profitable prices:

Strategic Pricing:

• • Price your shakes and smoothies competitively. Consider offering smaller sizes for a lower price point, making it accessible for a wider range of customers. Bundle deals or happy hour discounts can also attract budget-conscious consumers.
    
    
  • Calculate Costs: Determine the cost of ingredients, including fruits, dairy, supplements, and any other items used in your shakes and smoothies. Don’t forget to account for packaging costs.
    
    
  • Check Competitor Prices: Research what other businesses in your area are charging for similar products. Consider positioning your prices competitively, taking into account the quality and uniqueness of your offerings. Do not be the low cost leader but don’t price yourself out of the market either.
    
    
  • Set Profit Margins: Decide on a reasonable profit margin that allows you to reinvest in your business and ensures sustainability. A common approach is to aim for a food cost of 20-35%, but this can vary based on your business model and goals.
    
    
  • Offer Size Options: Provide a range of sizes to cater to different customer preferences and budgets. Kids, regular, and large options give customers flexibility and can influence their purchasing decisions.
    
  • Bundle Deals: Create bundled offerings or combo deals to encourage customers to try more items from your menu. This can increase the overall transaction value and create a perceived value for the customer. Shakes and smoothies are a nice pairing so take advantage.
    
    
  • Happy Hour or Special Discounts: Consider implementing special pricing during specific hours of the day or days of the week to attract more customers during off-peak times. This can also help differentiate your business and create a sense of urgency.
    
    
  • Account for Trends and Seasonality: Adjust your pricing strategy based on seasonal ingredients or trending flavors. Offering limited-time promotions or seasonal discounts can drive sales during specific periods.
    
    
  • Value-Added Options: Introduce premium or specialty shakes and smoothies at a higher price point. These could include superfood additions, unique flavor combinations, or exclusive ingredients, targeting customers willing to pay more for a premium experience.
    
    
  • Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review your pricing strategy and monitor sales trends. If necessary, be open to adjusting your prices based on market demand, customer feedback, or changes in your cost structure.

Remember, finding the right balance between competitive pricing and profitability is essential. Regularly reassess your pricing strategy to ensure that it aligns with your business goals and market dynamics.

So there you have it. The key guide to making shakes and smoothies the profit center it should be….it could be….it WILL BE!!! There I go screaming again.