shave ice price

[Makapiaschlumpf]

How much are you all charging for shave ice? Do you do multiple sizes?

[capitalist]

I use to charge around $2.00 when I use the 8oz paper cups. However once I converted to using the plastic cups I charge anywhere from $2.00 to $3.50 depending on the event and which size I use. Here is the price I b ase off of:
Small flower cup: $2.00-$2.50
Medium flower cup: $2.50-$3.50

For private fundraisers or smaller events I usually charge less, however for big carnivals or outtings I normally charge more.

[ShaveIce]

Just like capitalist said, it really depends on your event, location, and what you wish to make. Some shave ice stores here in Hawaii sell a small plastic cupped shave ice for $1.50 here but others can sell it upward of over $3.00.

[Makapiaschlumpf]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm selling them for $1.00 for a regular paper cone cup. I live in a low income area and am aiming at refreshing the kids and adults that can't afford much.

[watss]

now that i'm thinking of introducing the flower cups, i might start selling them at $2.50 instead of $1.25. i think it's a reasonable price. the most expensive shave ice i've ever seen was $8 in hawaii. now that's just rip off!

[MPartyThings]

being that we're just slowly starting off we are looking at around $1.75 1st one and each additional is a $1.00 for the same person! But then we will be offering various flavors and styles that will be refreshing with a twist!

[capitalist]

I agree, usually you don't charge as much when you first start up. Got to try provide incentives to draw people to your location. However once business picks up and you have a stead flow, you could slightly increase the price, but make sure you have the quality to back it up!

[HaoleGirl]

Would anyone be willing to share some pricing tips for a mobile shave ice stand? I'm interested in doing corporate events, trade shows, block parties, schools, etc. I would think that at these type events, the sponsor would pay a set amount to have me there, I'm just not sure what a reasonable rate would be. I would guess that doing someone's pool party would be a different price than a corporate gig or school event. Also, would you set a cap on the number of shave ices? For example: 2 hour school carnival for X dollars up to 500 shave ices?

I am also interested in doing fundraisers for youth groups, scouts, etc. Does anyone do any of those where you donate $1 from every sale, or is % of profits better?

Thanks so much in advance for ANY help with this!! I appreciate it!
Barbara

[ShaveIce]

I would normally charge different pricing depending on: event, size, flavors you bring, and time. Alot of people do a preset amount too as well. They will charge a certain rate for a certain amount of cups they are expected to do. For example, for private events that aren't fundraising, you may charge lets say $500 for 500 cups.

For fundraisers, I would say it would be best to charge them a certain rate than to donate a $1.00 or a percentage. Hope this helps!

[Litespeeds]

Do you actually make any money if you sell a shave ice cone for $1? I feel if you are using an ice block shaver, you should not charge anything less than $2.50.

Without factoring in the cost of the ice block shaver, has anyone actually added up all the costs that goes into producing a medium shaved ice cone? Let's say you buy 300 medium flower cups, 1 box of straws, 4oz concentrate syrup which you need to spend time to mix with 5lbs of sugar to make 1 gallon syrup. By the time you add all the costs together and figure out how many shaved ice cones you can make with the 1 gallon of syrup, how much would you have spent into making each shaved ice cone?

Of course the cost could increase if you buy ice blocks vs making your own. But let's just get a general idea.