- Home
- Issue
- Solution
- Market validation
- business model
- Competition
- Founding team
- Traction
- Fundraising
Issue
Despite the popularity of shaved ice, there is a distinct lack of convenient and accessible options for customers to enjoy this frozen treat . Many people are forced to rely on seasonal vendors or travel long distances to find their favorite flavors, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
For example, I recently moved to a neighborhood without a nearby shaved ice vendor, and struggled to find a convenient place to enjoy my favorite dessert. I have to drive 30 minutes to the nearest stand, which is not always possible when I have a busy schedule.
Relevance of the issue
This issue is highly relevant as the demand for frozen treats, especially shaved ice, is increasing year by year . Many customers are looking for ways to cool off in the hot summer months or simply indulge in a sweet treat. The current market is not meeting customer needs, resulting in lost sales and missed opportunities.
Current Solutions
Currently, customers looking for shaved ice have limited options. They can:
- Visit seasonal shaved ice trucks that only operate in certain areas at certain times
- Travel to specialty shaved ice restaurants, which are usually located far from their homes
- Buy prepackaged shaved ice from their local grocery store, which isn’t as fresh and doesn’t provide the same experience
These options result in inconvenience, travel time, or lower quality of the frozen treat.
Why does the problem exist?
The problem exists due to the limited availability of shaved ice companies in most areas . Many entrepreneurs don’t see the potential of opening a shaved ice stand or store because of the perceived low profitability. Additionally, zoning and permit regulations can be difficult to navigate, making it difficult for entrepreneurs to start new businesses. As a result, shaved ice vendors are rare in most communities.
Solution / value proposition
Our solution is to establish a chain of Kona ice cream franchises specializing in providing delicious, high quality snow cones that can be customized to individual tastes and preferences. We recognize that there is a demand for affordable and refreshing treats, especially in hot and humid climates, but there is a lack of variety and personalization in the market.
Our solution to this problem is to offer customers the ability to mix and match flavors and toppings to create their perfect snow cone. We offer a wide range of flavors, from fruity to creamy and unique fillings such as gummy bears and chocolate chips. Our value proposition is to provide a unique and refreshing treat that can be tailored to individual tastes.
Our product is not only satisfying but also visually appealing, and customers will be eager to share photos of their personalized snow cones on social media. We believe that by allowing customers to have a unique experience and product, they will return to our franchises again and again.
Our solution is amazing because it gives customers a refreshing, customizable treat they’ll crave on hot days. By offering a wide range of flavors and toppings, we guarantee that our customers will never tire of our product. Our snow cones are loved by customers of all ages, making our franchise a good choice for families and individuals.
To demonstrate how we found the solution, we surveyed customers to determine their preferences and pain points when it comes to frozen treats. We also researched the market to see what types of products were already available and where we could innovate. Our team members have experience in hospitality and customer service, so we have a great understanding of what customers want and how to deliver it.
Our solution is not only unique but also effective in solving the problem of a lack of customization and variety in the frozen treats market. Customers will feel satisfied and refreshed after consuming our product, and they will have a sense of accomplishment in creating their perfect snow cone. Overall, our solution is amazing because of its ability to deliver a unique and customizable experience that customers will love and come back for.
Market validation
Market validation of our Kona ice franchise solution shows strong demand for shaved ice products in the United States. According to Ibisworld, the shaved ice industry is worth 0 million, and it is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.1% through 2021. This indicates a significant TAM of over billion in total market size , including untapped markets such as schools, parks and event centers.
A specific market we are targeting is the events industry, where we can supply our Kona Ice franchisees to a wide range of individuals and organizations, such as weddings, corporate events and festivals. According to the Event Industry Council, the size of the US event market is estimated at 5 billion, with an average spend of 8 per person attending an event. This shows that we have a profitable market and a chance to capture a significant portion of it with our unique Kona Ice offerings.
Starting a Kona ice cream franchise is a good idea as we have a low cost, margin for profit business model compared to our competitors. Our business model is based on operations from mobile units that can be placed in different locations, events and fairs, reducing operational and capital expenditures associated with traditional in-store businesses. Therefore, we can offer our products at lower prices, making our Kona Ice franchisee a more attractive option for customers.
Additionally, our market is growing as people seek refreshing and convenient solutions to quench their thirst in hot weather. Our business model aligns perfectly with this demand as we offer quality, shaved ice products that are both delicious and convenient. Additionally, events like sports games, regularly held community events, and national holidays provide a great opportunity for Kona ice cream franchise owners to generate significant revenue and capture market share.
On average, our customers are willing to pay for a Kona Ice Shave Ice product, which falls within the reasonable price range that customers are willing to pay for quality, refreshing beverages. Additionally, since our mobile units are operated from designated events and locations, it is convenient for customers to purchase from us, increasing our sales potential.
- What is the size of the TAM = Total Addressable market? How big is this?
MPRs for the shaved ice industry in the United States exceed billion. With our low-cost business model, we can capture a large portion of this market.
- What are the details of your addressed market (e.g. revenue per customer or sales cycles)?
On average, our customers are willing to pay for a Kona Ice Shave product. We are targeting the event industry, where an average spend of 8 per person attending an event is expected.
- Why is it a good idea to start a business in the market?
The shaved ice market is a growing industry with a TAM of over billion. Our low cost business model, combined with the demand for refreshing and convenient beverages, makes it a great idea to start a Kona ice cream franchise.
- Is the market growing?
Yes, the shaved ice industry is growing at an annual rate of 3.1% to 2021 due to the growing demand for refreshing and convenient beverages in hot climates.
- How much are customers willing to pay?
On average, customers are willing to pay for a Kona Ice Shave ice product, which falls within the reasonable range of prices that customers are willing to pay for quality, refreshing beverages.
business model
Our business model is centered on providing a unique and refreshing experience to our customers. We plan to use affordable franchise opportunities to expand our reach and attract more customers to our Kona ice cream locations. We will prioritize customer service, a wide range of menu options, and events and partnerships with local organizations to create a memorable experience.
Revenue Generation: Kona Ice generates revenue through the sale of shaved ice treats at events, schools, and other outreach programs. Our main revenue generator is our Kona Signature Shaved Ice. Additionally, we offer Kona Mini and Kona Krafted flavors that meet the varying preferences of our customers. We also offer special catering services and fundraising programs, where schools and organizations can have us cater to their events and earn a percentage of the profits. All of these revenue streams contribute to our overall revenue.
Total revenue: Our total revenue will depend on the locations we establish and the frequency of events and programs where we attend. In the first three years, where we plan to establish ten locations, we aim to generate total revenue of million. With the goal of expanding to 50 locations over the next decade, we hope to achieve total revenue of million.
Revenue Generating Products: Our main revenue generating product is our Kona Signature Shaved Ice. Additionally, Kona Mini and Kona Krafted flavors also generate revenue. Finally, our catering and fundraising programs contribute significantly to our revenue generation.
- Signature Kona Shaved Ice: Our signature shaved ice is the primary revenue generating product for our franchisees. Our shaved ice is made from fresh fruit juices and syrups, and comes in various flavors such as blue raspberry, watermelon, and cherry. The product is sold in different sizes, and each size comes with unlimited flavors.
- Kona Mini’s: Our Kona Mini’s are smaller versions of our signature shaved ice, perfect for kids or customers who want to try several flavors in smaller sizes. The product is a popular choice for school events and birthday parties.
- Kona Krafted Flavors: Our Kona Krafted flavors are a line of premium flavors that enhance the taste of our signature shaved ice. Flavors are handcrafted and made with real fruit juice, premium ingredients and no artificial colors or preservatives.
- Catering and Fundraising Programs: Our Catering and Fundraising Programs generate revenue for our franchisees by hosting events such as sports teams, birthday parties or corporate events. We also offer a fundraising option for schools and other organizations that want to fundraise in a fun and unique way.
Overall, our business model and revenue generation strategy is centered around providing a unique and refreshing experience to our customers while generating revenue through diverse revenue streams. Our goal is to expand our reach by establishing more locations, reaching out to more events, and partnering with more organizations to spread the Kona Ice spirit across the country.
Competition
Our market analysis has identified a number of competitors in the market. They understand:
- Ben & Jerry’s: Specializes in ice cream and frozen desserts.
- Smoothie King: Provides smoothies, nutritional supplements and healthy snacks.
- Dairy Queen: Offers ice cream, hamburgers and other fast food restaurants.
- Baskin Robbins: Famous for its wide selection of ice cream flavors and toppings.
- Cold Stone Cramery: Known for his “Smash and Mix” technique which combines ice cream and various toppings.
Although our competitors offer quality products, they have also experienced weaknesses.
- Ben & Jerry’s: Limited range of flavors and no mobile offers.
- Smoothie King: Limited offers of ice cream or frozen dessert.
- Dairy Queen: limited range of flavors and mixes for their ice cream products.
- Baskin Robbins: Limited mobile supply and no food options for customers who don’t want ice cream.
- Cold Stone Cramery: premium price and poor nutritional value in their products.
What makes us better?
Our business model uses a mobile unit that can go anywhere to serve our products. We offer shaved ice, frozen desserts and a wide range of flavors and mixes. We make our products healthier by using all-natural ingredients and adjusting the sugar content. Additionally, our mobile unit allows us to serve customers anywhere, making it easier for us to generate sales and add new locations.
What are our unique selling points (USP)?
- Unparalleled competition and mobility through our Kona ice cream truck.
- Weight and health conscious products with all-natural ingredients, reduced sugar content and gluten-free options.
- A wide range of flavors that can be customized to the customer’s taste.
- A unique wave wave dispenser that allows customers to mix and match flavors and add additional flavors to their desserts.
- A variety of Kona Kowabunga cards to attract repeat customers and build loyalty.
Who is stealing from our customers and how?
Our biggest competitors are those who have established themselves in the market and offer similar products. They could drive customers away by offering discounts or promotions, having more variety, or simply being more accessible. Our competitors might also have better brand recognition and more extensive marketing strategies than us.
Founding team
Our founding team is made up of experienced people who are passionate about the Kona Ice franchise and a proven track record in business management, marketing and customer service. We firmly believe that we are the right team to make this adventure a huge success.
John Smith (CEO)
- Master in Business Administration
- More than 10 years of experience in business management
- Proven corkage of successfully launching new businesses
- Passionate about providing excellent customer service and building strong client relationships
Jane Doe (COO)
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Over 7 years of experience in operations management in the food industry
- Expertise in optimizing operational efficiency and reducing costs while maintaining quality standards
- Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
Mark Johnson (CMO)
- Master in Marketing
- 5+ years of marketing and brand management experience
- Experience in managing successful marketing campaigns for national and international brands
- Knowledge of digital marketing strategies and social media platforms
Together, our team aims to provide delicious and refreshing shaved ice treats across the Kona Ice Cream Franchise while prioritizing customer satisfaction. We are confident in our abilities to execute the business plan and make the Ice Kona franchise a household name.
While there may be skills gaps in our team, we understand the importance of seeking expert advice where needed and are open to collaborating with professionals to fill knowledge gaps.
Traction
Our Kona Ice franchisee has shown promising traction and is on track to grow rapidly in the years to come. We’ve seen a steady increase in sales and user acquisition since our launch, with revenue increasing an average of 20% month-over-month . This growth is supported by additional metrics, such as a customer acquisition cost per customer , indicating that we are effectively reaching our target market.
Our team measured and tracked key performance indicators (KPIs) that are critical drivers for growth, including customer churn and lifetime value. Our churn rate is low, with only 10% of customers leaving each month , indicating that our product resonates with our target audience. Additionally, our customer lifetime value is high, with an average customer spend of per visit . As a result, we were able to maximize revenue while reducing expenses, allowing us to reinvest funds back into the business to drive growth.
In addition to our strong financials, we have also consistently received positive feedback from customers. Our Net Promoter Score (NPS) is 85+ , indicating that the majority of our customers are very satisfied with our product and are likely to recommend us to their friends and family.
We are confident that we have found a strong product market fit as demand for our product continues to grow. We’ve expanded to 10 locations in the last year alone , and we plan to open 20 more locations over the next year . Our long-term goal is to expand to 100 locations within the next five years , taking advantage of the massive growth potential in the mobile food truck industry.
Overall, we believe our strong traction and growing customer base demonstrates that we have a winning business model. Our KPIs show that we are making progress and our customers love our product. With massive growth potential in the market, we are confident that we are well positioned to continue to grow in the future.
Fund raising
Our Kona Ice franchisee is seeking 0,000 in funding to scale our business and take it to the next level. We are confident that with this investment we can expand our reach and attract even more customers to our unique brand.
The funds will be spent on several key areas that will accelerate the growth of our business. We plan to allocate:
- 30% to marketing: With this funding, we will increase our marketing efforts to attract more customers to our franchise. We plan to use social media advertising, email marketing and search engine optimization to effectively reach our target audience.
- 40% to new hires: We believe that our team is our greatest asset. With this funding, we plan to hire additional staff members to help manage our day-to-day operations, improve our customer service and scale our business operations.
- 30% to product development: We always aim to improve our products and services. With this funding, we plan to produce and test new flavors and innovative product lines that will appeal to our customers and keep them coming back for more.
With the investment of 0,000, we will be able to achieve the following milestones:
- Launch new flavors and innovative product lines that appeal to a wider range of customers.
- Increase our market reach and brand visibility through targeted advertising and social media engagement.
- Hire additional staff members to help us effectively manage the day-to-day operations of the business.
- Expand our business operations and open new franchisee locations in different regions and states.
- Increase our profitability and return on investment for our investors.
We are confident that with this investment, we can take our Kona Ice franchise to the next level and continue to differentiate ourselves in a highly competitive market.