Looking for advice in selling at schools

[TWH]

In 1947, my grandfather was one of the pioneers that brought authentic Hawaiian Shave(d) Ice to the mainland. Our family has been selling this treat for over 70 years as it passed from generation to generation. My wife has now taken the business to the next step as we attempt to break into the Central Florida market with a newly designed vehicle and updated graphics. We have our inspection scheduled on Tuesday morning and if everything goes well, we be unveiling our new website and social media accounts (including a 48 page shaved ice magazine) shortly after. To the best of my knowledge, we will be the only State of Florida Certified Minority and Woman Owned Shaved Ice Business. We have spent a lot of money on marketing materials and in making sure that our flavors are Smart Snack in School compliant. With over 50 schools in a short driving radius, hopefully this will be a successful venture. If anyone has any advice on securing sales opportunities at schools, I would welcome the advice. And as always, if I can help anyone else, please do not hesitate to ask.

[BruceSannino]

GOOD JOB TWH!
I'm building out a shaved ice truck even as we speak. There will be more details posted on this site as we proceed. We know nothing about social media or internet marketing. We have a meeting this week with a marketing guy. This guy seems excited about working with us ON SHAVED ICE! I'll keep the site up to date.
My impression is that Kona has (or at least many people seem to think Kona has), a lock on marketing to schools, YMCAs, and Little League ball clubs. I don't understand that and would welcome any comments on a marketing strategy to these venues.
I just had Sunday morning breakfast at the diner with my girlfriend. A once in a while treat for us. Life is good.

[TWH]

Bruce, I am just learning how to market on social media myself. I am FAR from an expert (although I do have a marketing background - pre social media). One thing I have found is that there are many companies and other individuals who are willing to take lots of your money to do things that you can easily do yourself if someone shows you how. As I said, I am still learning but feel free to use me for free advice and watch some of the many videos on you tube. The one big thing I would recommend prior to the social media is for you to brand yourself. One of the things I did was develop a 48 page on line magazine that will go on my website soon showing why we are (in our opinion) the best choice for shaved ice in Central Florida. We developed advertisements, promotional items, and a whole bunch more. We even included an excerpt from a book written about my wife talking about how she started a shaved business when she was a small child and how it changed the life of her and her family. In addition we have a feature length dramatization radio program where we are the featured guest of surfing legend Mike Kilaua on the sands of Waikiki Beach. Anyway, my point is...before you pay some one lots of money, maybe I can help.

[Loopdan]

I don't think you need to go overboard with marketing in order to sell in schools. All you need is a nice looking truck, a decent website, and a well-crafted email to send to the principal of the school. Keep the email short. They are getting hit up for fundraising opportunities all the time.

If you are trying to beat out an existing truck you'll need to find out how much they "donate" back to the school and offer more. I think Kona is typically 20%-25%.

[Betablues2]

We do events for Local schools all the time. We started with one school club after school fundraiser. Their participation was just making a couple of hand made signs. They receive 20% of sales. Now other clubs have noticed and word of mouth and we are doings several clubs during the year. One of my customers was a club booster. Always remember to like their facebook page.

[TWH]

Thanks to all. I have been in this business for more years than some of you have been alive but I always recognize that other people often times have the answers I need to succeed. I appreciate more help on this matter and as always am willing to offer whatever bit of wisdom God has granted to me.