018 · Lemonade stand

This idea is mostly for children (but maybe not only?). The principle is very simple: They place a table in front of their house and sell fresh lemonade that they have prepared with love. This is probably the simplest and most popular idea used by kids to earn pocket money during the summer, but it still needs to be done properly. Knowing how to go about making this activity a success is precisely the goal of this article. So, let’s get started.

• Here's the program
• Introduction
• A true tradition
• Creative ideas to enhance your offerings
• Choosing the right location
• What to expect in terms of income?
• How to attract more customers
• Some Warnings
• Recipe to Make a Good Lemonade
• Tips and tricks
• Conclusion
• EcoTips
• Pros and Cons
• Information recap

Introduction

If you are a fan of American movies, you probably remember this scene in some of them where kids are sitting in front of their house on a nice summer day with a few plastic glasses and a pitcher full of iced lemon juice placed on a table, and a little sign announcing the price. Don’t ask me what movie because I don’t remember (there must be a bunch of them).

If you really don’t know what I’m talking about, I’ll explain it in detail. And even if you live in the US and are familiar with this idea, I still recommend that you read this post because there are a couple of important things you may not know.

Creative ideas to enhance your offerings

So, a table, a jug of lemonade, and a sunny day. That’s the base. But you could also offer other things, such as different flavors (orange, apple, berry, etc.), iced tea or even snacks (cookies, chocolate, pieces of pie, etc.). In short, anything that is good and can be made at home.

You can also personalize your drinks with original garnishes like fresh fruits, aromatic herbs, or even homemade syrups. Or offer sugar-free options or those with natural sweeteners like stevia or honey, provide a sparkling version using carbonated water, sell accompaniments like fresh fruit skewers, create lemonade + cookie combos, etc. The ideas are endless.

There are many ways to expand your offer. Starting by offering a variety of fruit juices rather than just lemonade is just one example.

Choosing the right location

Of course, this activity is not possible everywhere. If you live on a remote ranch somewhere in the Australian Outback, I warn you right away that the kangaroos are not solvent. On the other hand, cities are not ideal either. This is because of the lack of space, the risk of accidents, the pollution, and other nuisances inherent to densely populated cities. And then there is the climate: It will not work as well if it is -15°C outside all year round.

To maximize your chances of success, take the time to think about the ideal location for setting up your stand. Residential areas are, of course, great spots, and you can sell your lemonade right in front of your house, but if you live at the end of a deserted cul-de-sac, bankruptcy is almost certain. Otherwise, you can consider high-traffic areas like parks, local markets, the beach, or near popular events (with mom or dad if you’re under 15).

What to expect in terms of income?

As for the benefits, don’t expect your children to be able to pay off the loan on your house with this money. They usually do this to earn a few bucks and treat themselves (go to the movies with friends, buy a video game, eat ice cream, etc.). You, the parents, may even lose a little money in the process because you have to buy the basic ingredients, jugs, cups, etc. And then, as I know you, you’ll probably not ask to be reimbursed for the costs you invested.

But in return, you will have helped your children start a micro-business and thus introduce them to the world of self-entrepreneurship. Who knows, maybe this positive experience will inspire them to start their own business later? It will be rewarding for them in any case.

How to attract more customers

The mere fact that it’s children selling lemonade will already attract their young friends from the neighborhood, as well as their parents. But if success isn’t immediate, there are a few practices, and even some tricks, that can help capture the interest of passersby and spark their curiosity. Here are a few suggestions.

The first thing to do is to make your stand highly visible. Use colorful and easy-to-read signs to indicate your presence. A catchy message, like “Fresh Lemonade Here” or “Refresh Yourself with Our Homemade Lemonade,” can grab the attention of passersby. Consider also setting up your stand in a strategic location, where there’s a lot of foot traffic, as I explained above.

To create an ambiance that encourages people to stop by, why not add a personal touch to your stand? Simple decorations like garlands, flowers, or even balloons can catch the eye and create a welcoming atmosphere. If possible, play some light background music to make the environment even more pleasant.

Another great way to draw in more customers is by offering special promotions. For example, you could offer a free drink with the purchase of three or organize a “happy hour” with discounts during a specific time of day. Offering small samples of your lemonade can also entice passersby to stop.

Finally, you can use social media to spread the word about your activity. A simple post on Facebook and Instagram with a photo of your stand and a message inviting friends and neighbors to come support you can boost the number of customers.

Your lemonade stand needs to be highly visible to attract customers.

Some Warnings

There are some important things to keep in mind before you let your kids get into this juicy business. First of all, it is illegal in many places (yes, it is!). In some cases, you will only need to get a simple authorization from the municipality, but in others, it can be considered as a commercial activity requiring all the administrative package that goes with it. The best thing to do is to check with your local administration to find out.

Then, there may be problems with the hygiene standards of your country. In Western Europe, for example, it is often very regulated and therefore difficult to set up without going through a whole administrative process. Remember to take out a good family insurance policy in case, even if the risk is minimal, one of the clients gets poisoned. Here again, I advise you to be well informed before anything else.

Finally, not all places in the world are as idyllic and peaceful as in the American movies I mentioned in the introduction. Leaving your child alone in the street may not be very safe, especially if you live in a city and the risk of accident (or even kidnapping in some countries) is increased. It’s up to you, of course, but you’ve been warned.

Recipe to Make a Good Lemonade

Oh yes, I won’t leave you without giving you the recipe to make a delicious and refreshing lemonade. You will see that it is extremely simple.

So, for 1.25 liter of lemonade, the ingredients required are the following:

• 1 liter of water
• 30 gr of cane sugar (to be measured according to your preferences)
• 250 ml of lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
• 2 lemons + 2 limes (the lime is optional, but it gives an exotic touch). These will be sliced and mixed into the carafe of lemonade.
• A few fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes

Once you’ve gathered all these ingredients, here’s how to proceed:

• 1Squeeze the 3 lemons to extract the juice, and then mix it with the water and add the cane sugar.

• 2Heat the mixture, and let it simmer for 10 minutes (avoid boiling) until the sugar is completely melted and diluted. Then let it infuse for 30 minutes before putting it in the fridge.

• 3Cut your lemons and limes into slices, put them in the carafe and pour the lemonade in. Add some mint leaves and ice cubes.

That’s it for the basic recipe, but you can improve it according to your taste and imagination. All that’s left to do is taste it (but leave some for the others!) .

There are many ways to improve the lemonade recipe. You can, for example, add fresh fruits like strawberries or oranges, infuse aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil, or experiment with different types of sweeteners, such as honey or agave syrup, to bring a unique and lighter touch to your drink.

Tips and tricks

Launching a lemonade stand isn’t particularly difficult, but to truly maximize its potential, a bit of creativity can go a long way. To conclude this article, here are a few practical tips to turn this small venture into a big success.

• Offer a loyalty card: If you plan to sell your lemonade regularly, like every Saturday, create a simple loyalty card where customers get a stamp for each drink they purchase. After five or ten purchases, they get a free drink. This will encourage customers to return regularly.
• Incorporate games or contests: Organize small contests, such as guessing the number of ice cubes in a pitcher, with symbolic prizes for the winners, like a free drink. This will add a fun element to the stand and attract more visitors.
• Offer a referral program: Encourage your customers and friends to bring in other friends. Offer a small gift or discount for each new customer brought in through this referral program.
• Vary the sales formats: In addition to individual cups, offer pitchers or bottles of lemonade to go. This is a great option for customers who want to enjoy it later or share it with their family.
• Personalize the cups: Give customers the option to personalize their cups with stickers or markers. This small detail can make the experience more fun, especially for children.
• Use a suggestion board: Set up a board where you propose upcoming new items (new flavors, products, etc.), and ask customers for their opinions. This shows that you are listening and can give you great ideas for the future.
• Create gift packs: Prepare small baskets containing a bottle of lemonade, some treats, and perhaps a small toy or thank you card. This is an excellent way to boost sales, especially during special events like holidays or birthdays.
• Optimize your opening hours: Observe the times of day when there is the most foot traffic and adjust your opening hours accordingly. There’s no point in staying open when no one is around; it’s better to focus on the peak times.
• Test the drinks with a target audience: Before you start selling, offer some friends or neighbors a taste of your lemonade and ask for their feedback. You can then adjust the recipe to appeal to the maximum number of customers.

Conclusion

Here is a simple idea that will allow your children to earn a little pocket money without too much effort, all while having fun and learning a lot of interesting things. By organizing their own lemonade stand, they will have the opportunity to develop skills such as money management, communication with customers, and even a bit of marketing.

This type of activity is an excellent way to teach them responsibility while giving them the satisfaction of reaping the rewards of their hard work. It can also become a great opportunity for them to connect with neighbors and friends, building stronger relationships.

However, make sure to thoroughly research the administrative and legal requirements mentioned earlier to ensure everything goes smoothly. Also, ensure that safety and hygiene conditions are met to avoid any issues.

And you? What do you think of this idea? Have you ever sold lemonade this way? Let me know in the comments.