Sunday, July 8, 2012

Starting a Smoothie Business

As people become more and more health conscious, the demand for healthy alternatives to traditional fast food will continue to grow. Starting a smoothie shop to meet that demand is a smart idea. With the right location and a solid business plan, you can start your smoothie shop and have it up and running in no time.

A Step-by-Step guide to How to Start a Smoothie Business

1. Create a business plan.
The first step to starting any business is to create a well-researched business plan that gives you smoothie business market data, outlines the goals of your smoothie business, and details how you will reach those goals. Whether you do the research and data collection yourself and write your smoothie business plan, hire a business consultant to do it for you for several thousand dollars, or you use an industry specific smoothie business plan template, make sure that you have your plan in place before investing any time or money in opening your smoothie shop.

2. Secure the perfect location.
The information gathered for your business plan will help you determine where the perfect location for your smoothie business would be. You can then negotiate the lease or purchase of the storefront and fill it with the equipment you need to run your new shop.

3. Get the necessary permits and licenses.
Your local Small Business Association can help you determine which permits and licenses you need to operate your smoothie business. You will also need to get an inspection from the Health Department, so be sure to contact them as well.

4. Begin your marketing campaign.
Your potential customers will need to know where your smoothie business is located and why they should patron it. Your marketing strategy should include ways to entice people to your smoothie shop and also ways to keep them coming back.

5. Create a menu.
If you are opening a smoothie business franchise, they will have a set menu that you will use, otherwise you will need to create an exciting and enticing smoothie menu. With a little research, you should be able to determine which smoothie flavors are most popular and create your menu based on this list.

6. Hire your staff.
A smoothie business can be run with a limited staff. One of the great things about the smoothie business is that you can operate your shop using teenagers and other low-wage employees. Just remember to treat your staff well and they will treat your customers well!

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