My kids have sold a lot of lemonade in the last three summers.
The following advice is based on their experience.
Here are the top 10 keys to a successful lemonade stand: 1.
Good Weather The first prerequisite is a hot, sunny day.
Without it, hardly anyone will stop by your lemonade stand.
There's no point in wasting your time for a few measly sales.
2.
Adult Support First, you probably need an adult to help you get supplies.
Second, an adult can help make more lemonade when the supply gets low.
Third, and most importantly, you may need an adult for safety or protection.
3.
Supplies You need lots of cups, ice, and of course, lemonade.
Have two pitchers.
When one pitcher gets low, get a runner to go inside and make a second pitcher before the first one runs out.
4.
Big, Clear Signs One day our next-door neighbor's little boy had a stand on his front steps.
The problem was that nobody knew it.
His sign was so small that drivers passing by couldn't see it, let alone read it.
My kids use a large 2'x 3' piece of poster board.
They use lots of colors, and outline the letters in black.
Drivers can read it from their cars.
5.
Startup Money You need at least some money before you get started.
You need money to buy your supplies.
Second, you might need to make change for your first few customers.
If one of your first customers has a $5.
00 bill and your lemonade is 50 cents, you can count on one lost sale if you can't give them change.
6.
A Fair Price My kids have learned that they make just as much money if they sell their lemonade at 25 cents per cup as 50 cents per cup.
Why? Because most people hand them a dollar and say "keep the change.
" When people feel like they are getting a good deal, they are more likely to be generous.
On the other hand, I once stopped at a little boy's stand, and he charged $2.
00 for a ½ cup of warm, weak lemonade.
I walked away feeling grumpy and cheated.
7.
Good Manners Being polite is just plain nice.
It doesn't cost you anything, and it encourages repeat sales.
The lady who bought your lemonade last week just might come back this week because you are "such a nice, polite" child.
She might even spread the word to other neighbors.
8.
Enthusiastic Sales Tactics Don't be afraid to smile, wave, jump, and yell "Lemonade!" as loud as you can.
This is more likely to get the attention of a potential customer than sitting quietly on the side of the road.
Once you have someone's attention, the more likely they are to become an actual customer.
I have often watched drivers turn around for the lemonade once my kids got their attention.
9.
Friends Friends can be a huge help.
They also help keep the "slow" times fun (since it's always fun to hang out with your friends).
Warning: discuss money matters up front.
Your friend may think he deserves half the profits since he kept you company all afternoon.
But you might think you deserve all the profits since it was your idea and your house, and you paid for all the supplies.
You could say, "If you keep me company, I'll give you half the profits.
" Or, you could say, "I'll give you free lemonade, but I can't share the profits because I'm saving up for a new game.
" Either way, your friend knows the conditions before she says "yes.
" 10.
Location, Location, Location Hopefully you live on a busy street.
If not, get creative.
Maybe your friend's house gets better traffic: share the profit if you sell there.
Or maybe you could have a stand at a neighbor's yard sale.
Location is important because no traffic means no sales.
Follow these tips, and before you know it you too will have a successful lemonade stand!