Keeping Up Momentum During Winter Months

October 23, 2018

Some people love winter -- they love nights spent by a cozy fire, playing in the snow with their kids, skiing, sledding, and building snowmen. Yes, a break from the warmth of summer is definitely nice, but if you’re in the business of selling frozen treats like shaved ice and snow cones, winter can also mean that your sales are cooling off as well.

However, your winter sales don’t have to be bleak. With a little preparation for the winter months, you can keep your summer momentum going. Here are some ideas for generating winter business:

Visit local businesses, convention centers, and other organizations to offer them a unique treat to serve at their holiday parties, office celebrations, conferences, meetings, etc. You can use the employees you have already hired to deliver as well as serve snow cones for these occasions.
Sell and promote festive fall and winter shaved ice flavors. Flavors such as pumpkin pie, toasted marshmallow, s'mores, and coffee are popular during this time of year.
Offer a warm option for customers like freshly brewed coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and slices of pie.
Network and partner with other local businesses. For example, reach out to a local bar and offer to serve shaved ice there one night per week. Then, work with the bartender to develop adult beverage concoctions.
Serve at private holiday parties. Advertise on social media, your website, and/or around town that you offer shaved ice catering that is perfect for events like birthday parties and holiday get-togethers. You can make money serving while supplying shaved ice, cups, spoon straws, syrups, and napkins.