How to Open a Lemonade Stand

There will be nothing better than a cool glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. A lot of kids made money selling lemonade in the summer. Choosing the right location and advertising your lemonade stand are two of the most effective ways to get more sales. Most importantly, however, you have to serve fresh drinks, like lemonade, to keep customers coming back for more. You should also sell a few more items to please your customers and convince them to recommend them to their friends.

Table of Contents

Plan

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/b8/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a- Lemonade-Stand-Step-1-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/b8/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-1- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-1-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Search for counter locations. Do you know the regulations on places where counters are allowed? Before doing so, you need to make sure that your counter does not violate the regulations/laws. To see if you can set up a counter, you need to check if you need a permit or follow a regulation. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Ask your parents’ permission before setting up the counter. Tell your parents that, as a rule in many places, you need their permission before opening a counter.
Or find out for yourself by contacting your local Business Support Office for more information. ^{[2] X Trusted Source Better Business Bureau Go to Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/43/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-2-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a- Lemonade-Stand-Step-2-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/43/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-2- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-2-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Choose a crowded place. If you live in a dead end, you should choose another location with more traffic. Interchanges may be more ideal locations than one-way streets. Make sure you choose a safe location. Do not set up stalls too close to the road.

You can also set up a counter in your front yard. This would be a good location if you live on a busy street.
Use caution when setting up stalls in parks or at outdoor sporting events. Some places have regulations that don’t allow people to set up stalls in such areas. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/67/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-3-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a- Lemonade-Stand-Step-3-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/67/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-3- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-3-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Get other kids to join in. You can invite a friend to work together to share the work. Moreover, having someone to work with is more fun.

If you’re going to be selling all day, you need to make sure you can trust your co-workers not to steal money when you change shifts. A dishonest business partner can ruin your business.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/49/Find-Cheap-Disney-World-Packages-Step-17-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Find- Cheap-Disney-World-Packages-Step-17-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/49/Find-Cheap-Disney-World- Packages-Step-17-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Find-Cheap-Disney-World-Packages-Step-17-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Prepare water and snacks for the bartender (you and possibly others). If you’re selling all day, you’ll be thirsty and may end up drinking all your lemonade and business snacks (if you’re not prepared).

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/ab/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-4-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a- Lemonade-Stand-Step-4-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/ab/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-4- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-4-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Consider price. If using fresh lemon, clean ice and big cup, you can sell it for 20,000 VND/cup. If using a mixture of powder and small cups, people will not pay you more than 5,000 VND to 10,000 VND. Usually, no matter how expensive or cheap it is, you won’t make too much money from the lemonade stand. Remember to prepare some change to return.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/af/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-5-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a- Lemonade-Stand-Step-5-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/af/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-5- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-5-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Make signboards. Use a poster board and markers to make a large and colorful sign to hang on the counter. The sign should show what you’re selling and how much it costs. Use careful handwriting with playful handwriting. You can also draw lemons or a glass of lemonade to make the sign more attractive.

You can also make some flyers to post in your neighborhood and tell people where they can buy lemonade.
If you decide to do so, be sure to remove the taped flyers when you unload the counter.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/3c/Open-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-11.jpg/v4-728px-Open-a-Lemonade-Stand- Step-11.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/3c/Open-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-11.jpg/v4-728px-Open- a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-11.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Plan exactly what to sell. You can sell the following:

Lemonade with different flavors
Other beverages (such as soda)
Snacks (whether homemade or purchased) like cookies

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/db/Play-Teacher-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Play-Teacher-Step-1- Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/db/Play-Teacher-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Play- Teacher-Step-1-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Equipping facilities for stalls. If it is sunny, you should stretch the canvas, arrange chairs and tables for customers. Your stall will have a lot more traction. If possible, install a large TV or tablet so customers can watch programs such as sports or news. Use your creativity to attract more customers!

Building Counters

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/2a/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-6-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a- Lemonade-Stand-Step-6-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/2a/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-6- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-6-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Set up folding tables and chairs. The table should be large enough to hold a pitcher of lemonade, cups, towels, and other items if any. Prepare a chair for the person standing at the counter with you. To attract more customers, you should use a nice (but not too prominent) tablecloth and put a sign on the front. Light colors will make people notice your counter and think about whether or not they want to buy a little something.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d8/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-7-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a- Lemonade-Stand-Step-7-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d8/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-7- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-7-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Make lemon juice. There are many different ways to make lemonade. It’s well worth it for you to experiment to find a delicious lemonade recipe so your customers won’t be disappointed. You should try each brew to make sure your lemonade is sweet enough and sour enough before selling. And always add ice for cool lemonades. Here are 3 ways to make lemonade: ^{[4] X Research Source}

Mix with fresh lemon. To make 4 quarts of lemonade, you need 2 cups of fresh lemon juice and 2 cups of white sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Mix with concentrated lemon juice. You can buy frozen lemonade concentrate in the frozen goods section of the grocery store. Mix lemon juice with water according to the instructions on the package.
Mix with lemon powder. Buy powdered lemonade. Follow the instructions to dissolve the powder in cold water.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0d/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-8-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a- Lemonade-Stand-Step-8-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0d/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-8- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-8-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Do not use disposable cups or tissues. The most common option is to use small paper cups, but they are harmful to the environment, as they pollute the air when burned at a waste treatment plant. Ask your parents if there are old cups in the house, bring water and dish towels to the stall, and find a nearby public faucet to wash the cups when they run out. Don’t give customers tissues, but direct them to a public faucet or restroom. Remember to wash the used cup, or the customer will not return.

Sell Lemonade

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8d/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a- Lemonade-Stand-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8d/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-10- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Talk to people passing by. If you just sit there and be quiet, people will probably feel unwelcome and not want to come and buy lemonade. So smile and say “would you like a lemonade?” That way, you’ll get people’s attention and want to buy your lemonade more. You should also prepare a few answers to your customer’s questions, if any. You should speak loudly enough. Even if they don’t want to buy, you should still say “have a nice day”.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/03/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a- Lemonade-Stand-Step-11-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/03/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-11- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-11-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Polite. People won’t want to buy anything if you’re angry or upset with them. If they’re with young children, you can talk to them or give them a compliment. If it’s an adult, behave cheerfully, politely, and be yourself. If they decide not to buy, just smile and say, “Have a nice day” politely.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/48/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a- Lemonade-Stand-Step-12-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/48/Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-12- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Run-a-Lemonade-Stand-Step-12-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Behave professionally and properly. When a guest wants to buy lemonade, carefully pour the lemonade into a cup and give it to the guest along with a tissue. Once the customer has taken the lemonade, your job is to receive the money and put it in the box, and don’t forget to say “Thank you”. If they’re lucky, they’ll tell their friends about your counter. Remember to always behave politely with customers, there is a popular saying that is “customer is king”. While there are exceptions to this rule (like when a customer demands to fire a good employee), this statement is generally true in other cases.

Advice

Choose a clean, beautiful table with decorative details, bright colors to attract customers. You can try using paint to decorate tablecloths or buy products specifically for the lemonade stand.
Ask your friends for help! However, if you ask someone for help, remember to divide the profits fairly. Good luck.
Helpful advice – you will usually have more customers around 5pm. This is a very hot time and everyone is going home or preparing to finish work for the day.
If you put up a sign on the curb, you should write it out loud enough for people on the roadway to see it.
Promotion. You can sell 1 cup of lemonade for 5,000 VND and 5 cups for 20,000 VND. You can make less money, but only a little. This can help you attract more visitors and have something really catchy to write on your sign.
If you want to sell more lemonade, make your own lemonade at home. You should also add ice to keep the lemonade cool, save the excess lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish.
If you sell more than a day, count the number of customers each day to see if your business is improving or not. You may need a small notebook to record each count.
You can make an icon for your counter, for example a lemon with eyes, hands and a smile. If working with others, you should discuss with everyone to choose a good icon. Besides, people shouldn’t be forced to wear uniforms if they don’t want to. You just need to draw the symbol on the paper, as long as it is clear enough that everyone can see it from the other side of the street.
Advertisement. Make a flyer with a few pictures and information about your lemonade stand. You can print a lot and stick it on mailboxes, street lights in the surrounding areas. Remember: you should ask your neighbor’s permission before posting it on their mailbox.
Don’t leave the lemon juice out for too long for the ice to melt. You can ask your parents to make a few more lemonades. And don’t forget to taste before selling.
The more work you put in, the more special your stand, the more you will sell. You can add accents to your tablecloth, paper cups, tissues, donation jars, money boxes or anything on the counter to make them stand out.
Always smile and say “have a nice day”.
If you’re young, remember to ask your parents or guardians for permission before doing so.

Warning

Make sure you don’t sell too expensive or too cheap. You want a profit, right? Please sell for 5,000 VND – 15,000 VND / cup and 20,000 VND – 50,000 VND / cake (if any).
If making cupcakes, make sure you follow the recipe correctly. Remember to try the cake before selling.
Keep your money in a safe place. It is recommended to use a lockable cash box and always appoint 2 people to stand at the counter at a time.
Try lemon juice. The lemons that you use to make water may be past their expiration date without you knowing it. Therefore, you should taste the lemonade after making it to make sure you have a delicious lemonade.

Things you need

A sturdy table (metal if possible)
Tablecloths
Chair
Poster board
Marker pen
Tape
Water container
Lemon
Road
Water
Stone
Other items (optional)
Glass
Tissue
Money box
Change to return
Tipping or donation jars
Disc, if needed

Steps